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IP Companies Spin Books Into Sold-Out Plays, Series and Signature Scents at Taiwan Creative Content Fest
Taiwanese companies are turning books and other creative works into plays, screen projects, fragrances, events and travel experiences, aiming to earn revenue across several industries. At a Taiwan Creative Content Fest session, speakers said this “one source, multiple uses” approach could help cultural businesses grow while bringing stories to wider audiences.
IPis Innovation starts with books because they already have readers and can be a lower-cost way to assess a story; ticket sales from stage productions can then gauge demand. Its play “Marital Lost Love” sold out across three runs and led to a podcast and two fragrances, while plans for other projects include brand partnerships, a feature film, a honeymoon itinerary and events inspired by Taiwanese food and history. Speakers also highlighted the need to secure clear adaptation rights and weigh audience recognition, cost and timing when choosing how to extend a work.
In short
- Taiwan firms are extending stories across entertainment and consumer products.
- “Marital Lost Love” sold out across three stage runs.
- Speakers stressed clear rights and commercial viability.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Adapting books and other creative works across theatre, screen, fragrance and tourism can give cultural businesses more ways to earn income and make risky projects easier to develop. Starting with a work that already has readers, then using audience response to guide further investment, may help stories reach new audiences while supporting creators and related industries.
The case against
Expanding a story into many products and experiences can divert money and attention from developing strong original work, and commercial extensions may dilute what made the story meaningful to its audience. Each adaptation also brings costs and rights questions, while success in one format may not translate to another, so the strategy can expose businesses to fresh risks rather than reliably broaden their reach.
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