CJ ENM Launches First Light StoryHouse for Asian Storytelling
In a significant move for Asian storytelling, South Korean entertainment giant CJ ENM has partnered with Janet Yang, the outgoing president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, along with Miky Lee, chairwoman of CJ Group, and Dominic Ng, CEO of East West Bank, to establish a new content development label named First Light StoryHouse. This initiative, announced on October 10, 2023, aims to elevate authentic Asian and Asian American narratives and introduce them to global audiences.
The venture will be funded by CJ ENM, which has a history of supporting diverse storytelling. According to the partners, First Light StoryHouse will focus on developing scripted television and film projects led by Asian creators, encompassing various genres and cultural perspectives. The label plans to invest early in projects and collaborate with other studios and streaming platforms for production and distribution.
Yang expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “In Miky Lee and Dominic Ng, I’ve found kindred spirits — true champions for cross-cultural storytelling.” She emphasized the importance of their shared vision in creating a platform for underrepresented voices. The trio’s experience and commitment to cultural representation positions First Light StoryHouse as a significant player in the entertainment landscape.
Mission and Objectives of First Light StoryHouse
The mission of First Light StoryHouse is to elevate narratives that have historically been overlooked in Hollywood and beyond. The partners aim to showcase the rich diversity of the Asian diaspora through high-quality film and scripted television content. They believe that storytelling has the power to bridge cultural divides and foster understanding among different communities.
Recent successes from Asian filmmakers serve as a guiding model for this new initiative. CJ ENM’s co-distribution and co-financing of Past Lives, a poignant love drama directed by Celine Song, has garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for best picture and best original screenplay at the 2024 Academy Awards. This underscores the potential for Asian stories to resonate with global audiences.
Lee remarked on the importance of this venture, stating, “Recent successes from Asian storytellers have shown the potential and authenticity of their stories. Through this effort, we aim to spotlight these voices, believing in the power of storytelling to bridge cultures.”
Leadership and Strategic Direction
The leadership team of First Light StoryHouse combines formidable experience and expertise in the entertainment industry. Yang, a trailblazing producer known for her work on landmark films like The Joy Luck Club and Over the Moon, has long advocated for greater Asian representation in Hollywood. Lee, as vice chairwoman of Korea’s largest entertainment conglomerate, has played a pivotal role in globalizing Korean content. Ng, leading East West Bank, has transformed the institution into a significant financial supporter of cross-border entertainment initiatives.
Together, they will provide strategic direction to First Light StoryHouse, with Jerry Kyoungboum Ko, head of global film business at CJ ENM, managing day-to-day operations. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the prominence of Asian storytelling on the world stage.
Ng highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, stating, “This joint effort behind First Light StoryHouse will serve as a powerful connector between the East and West, fostering deeper understanding and expanding opportunities for creative voices.”
The establishment of First Light StoryHouse marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of global storytelling, promising to bring fresh perspectives and authentic narratives to audiences worldwide.
