Committing to a dream isn’t an easy task; especially when you are a filmmaker. It means copious amounts of planning, understanding the script better than anyone else and prudently working with the actors to recognize their own vision. A “Make or Break” scenario that tests the director’s caliber; more so when you are working on reality television that is devoid of a readable script. Focusing your energy on different contestants to draw the best out of them requires certain amount of detailing which Director Huang Ting Chun excels at. We had a thoughtful reminiscence about his varied works and it was compelling!

1) You have worked as a producer, director and screenwriter. Did you always aspire to become a filmmaker?

I hold an MFA in Film Studies from Taiwan, and my original aspiration has always been to produce narrative films and television content. By a twist of fate, I initially took on a role as a director for commercials and online videos at HahaTai (Taiwan’s #1 street interview-style YouTube channel). However, throughout my tenure, I have continuously used my free time to write scripts and apply for grants, successfully producing two narrative short films. I am committed to pursuing my passion for filmmaking in the future.

2) Your first work “That Room” was a psychological romance about a young man wanting to be close to his dead lover’s spirit? Where did you draw inspiration for this show?

“That Room” was a project from my graduate studies, not my debut. The screenplay is adapted from a story about my college roommate. During a particularly challenging time in his life, he chose to end it by carbon monoxide poisoning in his room, and I was the first to discover the scene. His departure had a profound impact on me and was the reason I made this film—to honor his memory and to convey to others that it’s more important to support those left behind than to dwell on the departure of the deceased. This was also my first attempt to focus on “emotion” as a theme, which markedly differs from my subsequent works.

3) Your next work “5 Lessons in Happiness: Little Man” was based on the concept of body shaming. How did you come up with this unusual yet daring concept?

This was a collaborative short film project with director Zero Chou and GagaOOLala, exploring various facets of LGBTQ+ life through a collection of short stories. “Little Man” addresses the ‘size issue’ among gay men. Having previously directed “Sodom’s Cat,” a film discussing gay sexual intimacy and body memory, there was a thematic link to the short’s subject. Coupled with my experience creating lighthearted comedies at HahaTai, I combined these skills to use humor to show everyone that they are unique and should not judge or punish themselves by societal standards. This way, everyone can recognize their own uniqueness and strengths.

4) Even though Taiwan has legalized same sex relationships, the society is still closeted about the same. That seems to be the premise for “Komorebi”. What kind of message did you want to convey?

Although “Komorebi” takes place in a Taiwan where same-sex marriage is legal, it only outlines the broader progress of an era, without necessarily touching on the personal life experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals who still can’t come out to their families. “Komorebi,” a Japanese term depicting sunlight filtering through trees, symbolizes the slow coming together and understanding between parents and children, becoming accustomed to the warmth of the sun. It portrays the idea that someday, we can fully accept each other.

5) Your most ambitious project yet “Boys Like Boys” has been making waves across the globe. Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP) have acquired the rights for this show. How excited are you about this recent development?

I have mixed feelings of excitement and concern about “Boys Like Boys” being licensed abroad. It’s a real-life dating show without scripts, where much depends on the participants’ chemistry and luck. However, with so many interesting queer individuals worldwide, I anticipate producing engaging interactions and content. I look forward to seeing how versions in other countries will differ from Taiwan’s.

6) Have you watched Korean reality shows like “His Man” and “Queer Merry”? Were you inspired by them?

Before producing, I researched existing dating shows from Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong (not limited to LGBTQ+), to study their mechanisms and tones, making adjustments to avoid redundancy. However, the essence of dating—eating, walking, talking, and interacting—is universal. The key lies in sparking interaction and ambiguity among participants.

7) How did you develop the base concept for “Boys Like Boys”. Were Portico Media/GagaOOLala involved in the casting & development process?

“Boys Like Boys” originated from HahaTai’s online dating show “HahaDating,” which featured various themes and orientations and successfully formed real couples. “Boys Like Boys” continues this tradition of authenticity, with no scripts or interference, allowing participants to feel safe and free to express their true emotions. This core principle guides our production. As “Boys Like Boys” is a joint project between HahaTai and GagaOOLala, personnel from both Portico Media and GagaOOLala were naturally involved in planning and discussions.

8) How did you choose the contestants for Season One? What kind of criteria was it based on?

Together with the team, we aimed to showcase the diversity of Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ community, not just mainstream beauty standards, but to let viewers know that “everyone is unique and has the courage to pursue love.” This season featured a range of appearances and professions, from mainstream masculine LGBTQ+ influencers to boy-next-door types, closeted bisexuals, adult content creators, independent singers, and actors. Among them, Eri, with his androgynous look, was a unique choice not typically seen in Asian LGBTQ+ reality shows, and indeed, we succeeded in breaking stereotypes about androgynous appearances.

9) Are you planning to shoot Season 2 in Taiwan, with aspirations to expand the format to Japan, Thailand, and beyond? Please tell us more about it in detail?

The second season of “Boys Like Boys” is still in the planning stages, so all possibilities are open. We hope to maintain the original intent of the first season and bring even more engaging and romantically charged content.

10) Talk to us about your upcoming future projects related to BL culture?

Certainly, the overall planning and details are still up for discussion with the team, but my personal vision is to adapt the behind-the-scenes content and the emotional growth of the participants of “Boys Like Boys” into a drama series. This would provide a deeper insight for the audience into the participants’ experiences before joining the show, during the filming, and their emotional journeys after the show airs. Everything is still in the planning stages, and we will share more concrete information as it becomes available.

11) We have a lot of BL fans and members of the LGBTQ+ community as our avid readers. Do you have any advice or message to share with them?

Many viewers have shared that watching “Boys Like Boys” has been healing for their inner wounds. I hope that everyone can find the courage to love again through “Boys Like Boys”, reconcile with themselves, and recognize that they are unique and worthy of love.

The BL Xpress would like to express their gratitude to Mr.Huang Ting Chun for this exclusive. We are also grateful to Ms. Sherry Liu from Gagaoolala for arranging this interview and graciously working on the translation as well!