Story Development Manager [CCP]
Job Title: Story Development Manager
Location: Singapore
Employment Type: Full-time
About the Role
We are looking for a creative and strategic Story Development Manager to spearhead our Chinese-language content slate. In this role, you will act as the bridge between raw creative ideas and fully packaged greenlit projects. You will work with writers, directors, and producers to refine scripts, assess market viability, and prepare comprehensive production packages that meet our internal quality and commercial standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Script & IP Development
- Source, evaluate, and acquire original scripts, novels, and IP (Intellectual Property) suitable for the Chinese-speaking market across Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.
- Provide detailed creative feedback (script notes) to writers and directors, focusing on structure, character arcs, dialogue, and cultural nuances.
- Shepherd projects through multiple drafts, ensuring the creative vision aligns with the company’s brand and budgetary constraints.
2. Project Packaging & Greenlight Preparation
- Lead the development process from "Option" to"Greenlight," ensuring all materials are ready for executive approval.
- Collaborate with the finance and production teams to draft preliminary production budgets and shooting schedules.
3. Market & Cultural Strategy
- Act as the in-house expert on Chinese audience trends, censorship guidelines (where applicable), and regional storytelling preferences.
- Translate and adapt international concepts for local consumption while maintaining creative integrity.
- Ensure all content resonates culturally with Gen Z and millennial Chinese audiences across Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and SEA diaspora.
4. Creative Collaboration
- Build and maintain a network of writers, showrunners, and independent producers in the Chinese-language film industry.
- Coordinate with the Post-Production team to ensure the final cut matches the approved development vision.
Qualifications & Requirements
Language Skills (Essential):
- Fluency in English and Chinese (Mandarin) – both written and spoken. Must be able to give feedback in Mandarin and write executive summaries in English.
- Ability to read and analyse scripts in Chinese and translate treatment notes into English for internal stakeholders.
Skills & Knowledge:
- An understanding of script structure and visual storytelling.
- Knowledge of the current Chinese media landscape, including popular genres and
Soft Skills:
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects at different stages of development simultaneously.
- A creative problem solver who can say "no" creatively and "yes" productively.