29/08/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Written and directed by Yen Yi-wen (The Making of an Ordinary Woman) and produced by Olive Ting (Oh No! Here Comes Trouble), the highly-anticipated 12-episode series Born for the Spotlightis set to take center stage on November 7.
Featuring a star-studded ensemble cast including Hsieh Ying-xuan (Wave Makers), Cheryl Yang (Light the Night), Hsueh Shih-ling (Eye of the Storm), Annie Chen (No Regrets in Life), Hsieh Chiung-hsuan (Light the Night), Yang Kuei-mei, Chung Hsin-ling (GG Precinct), Tseng Wan-ting, Chloe Lin, Rd Huang, and Zhan Huai-yun (Wave Makers), Born for the Spotlightis a refreshing drama series that peels back the curtain on the cutthroat world of showbiz, offering a glimpse into the inner worlds of actresses across three generations.
In the teaser trailerrevealed today, Hsieh humorously reveals the duality of actresses and their daily struggles. "She can't become fat, ugly or old. She can't get plastic surgery, can't speak the truth… The cruelest thing is that even if you fall, you can't cry out in pain, and you have to fall beautifully," Hsieh recites, illustrating the hardship faced by female actresses underneath the glitz and glamor.
Director and screenwriter Yen describes the series as a realistic depiction of actresses navigating the oftentimes cruel entertainment industry. "Marilyn Monroe once said, 'Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world'. I think this quote encapsulates Born for the Spotlight perfectly.An actress embodies a duality - they can be proud yet fragile, confident yet insecure. Through this series, I hope to show the audience the duality of actresses, both on and off the screen," she shares. The characters in the series are not only actresses but also women who face various real-life challenges beyond the spotlight.
Hsieh, who plays a high-powered talent agent and film producer, reflects on her experience working with Yen: "Having started her career as an actress, director Yen insists that every character in her work must have their own moment to shine. Whether in the scriptwriting process or on set, she often provides unexpected guidance - sometimes quirky, sometimes heartwarming." Hsieh shared that there were moments when simply watching Yen and the other actresses on set moved her to tears.
Born for the Spotlightwill also be the first time two powerhouse actresses, Hsieh and Yang, star alongside each other. They portray Hsueh Ya-chi and Chou Fan respectively, once inseparable best friends but have since become estranged and bitter rivals. Chou Fan is a free spirit and naturally gifted leading actress, while Hsueh transitioned from being an actress to working behind the scenes as a top producer and manager.
Yang reminisces about the first time she saw Hsieh perform in the theater, amazed by her immense stage presence: "Hsieh and I had already known each other for some time before filming began. This collaboration is our first time working together after many years of friendship. Each time we shared a scene, Hsieh brought such genuine and powerful energy. There were moments when we embraced each other in our character, and even after the director called 'cut', Hsieh wouldn't let go immediately but gently pat my back - this is such a warm gesture. She is an exceptionally kind and inspiring partner."
Born for the Spotlight is a refreshing drama series that peels back the curtain on the cutthroat world of showbiz, where ambition, desires, friendship and love collide. It is also the only Chinese-language series selected for the On Screen section of the 29th Busan International Film Festival, where it will host its world premiere. Born for the Spotlightis streaming on November 7, only on Netflix.
Download the latest unit stills of Born for the Spotlight HERE.
AboutBorn for the Spotlight:
Director & Screenwriter:Yen Yi-wen
Producer:Olive Ting
Cast:Hsieh Ying-xuan, Cheryl Yang, Hsueh Shih-ling, Annie Chen, Hsieh Chiung-hsuan, Yang Kuei-mei, Chung Hsin-ling, Tseng Wan-ting, Chloe Lin, Rd Huang, Zhan Huai-yun and more
Title Page: www.netflix.com/BornfortheSpotlight
Release Date: November 7, 2024
Episodes: 12