The award-winning HBO Asia original series Halfworlds is returning for a second season – and at the end of 2016 too! Halfworlds is the first returning HBO Asia series, and they’re also filming in a brand new location.
The first season of the dark action fantasy series took place in Jakarta (and was filmed in Batam), and took home Apollo Awards for Best Cinematography, Best Colour Grading – Long Form and Best Motion Graphics – Short Form. Now, the series is set to expand its mythology to with an eight-episode second season set in Bangkok.
While season one was helmed by Indonesia’s Joko Anwar, Thai filmmaker Ekachai Uekrongtham (Beautiful Boxer, Skin Trade) will now help to widen the Halfworlds universe, which will focus on Juliet, a researcher who is trying to uncover the world of demons, while looking for an ancient artefact of great power.
The new season will also feature an ensemble cast of actors, with Reza Rahadian and Arifin Putra returning as Tony and Barata respectively. Actors from Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippines and Taiwan will join the regional cast, which will now include Peem Jaiyen (Hormones 3), Tia Tavee (Asia’s Next Top Model 2), Emma Grant (The Idol Game), Myra Molloy (Thailand’s Got Talent), Nicole Theriault (Phobia 2), Jeeja Yanin (Chocolate), David Asavanond (The Last Executioner), Charlie Ruedpokanon (Only God Forgives), Jake Macapagal (Metro Manila), and Teresa Daley (Transformers: Age of Extinction).
“Halfworlds was created to transcend geographical boundaries, so HBO Asia is of course, delighted by the impact it’s made on audiences across the region and thrilled to be bringing it back,” said Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia. “We’re looking forward to drawing more audiences into our fictional world of Halfworlds.”
While the first season of Halfworlds was a little uneven, we’re still pretty excited for a second season, especially since as it expands to other countries in Southeast Asia while involving strong Singaporean support behind the scenes.
Season 2 of Halfworlds will be produced by HBO Asia together with Singapore-based Infinite Studios, with Thailand-based Halo Productions providing services in Bangkok. Singapore-based Yellow Box Studios will provide audio post-production, while colour grading will be done by Singapore’s Gravitate. The series is produced in partnership with the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA).
“MDA is delighted to partner HBO Asia on the next season of HALFWORLDS, creating the opportunity for Singapore media professionals and companies to participate in this exciting project and hone their craft in producing compelling drama,” said Ms Angeline Poh, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Industry Group), MDA. “This is the first in a pipeline of projects as part of the MDA-HBO Asia partnership aimed at raising the bar on quality original dramas produced by Singapore talent.”
