When TV veteran Mal Young took the stage at the 2nd Golden Panda Awards as chairman of the TV Drama Category, he explored a question at the heart of every great show: how to tell a story that transcends borders.
With credits that include BAFTA's Best Drama Series and Emmy wins for Outstanding Drama Series and Writing Team, Young has built a career on mixing creativity with cultural insight. He shared four pillars for crafting universally resonant dramas.
- Universal Themes: Young notes that love, justice and resilience resonate across cultures, creating emotional bridges that invite viewers to connect with characters from any background.
- Complex Characters: He emphasizes the importance of flawed, multidimensional heroes whose journeys spark curiosity and conversation, encouraging audiences to see parts of themselves in the story.
- Cultural Authenticity: By grounding narratives in real settings, local customs and clear context, creators can respect diverse cultures while offering stories that feel both fresh and relatable.
- Emotional Core: Young argues that authentic human moments—whether a gesture, a pause or a reveal—can leave a lasting impact that transcends language and regional differences.
As streaming platforms continue to break down geographic barriers, Young believes that storytellers who blend heartfelt themes with genuine cultural voices are poised to lead the next wave of global hits. For emerging writers and producers, his advice is to start with authenticity and let shared human truths guide the rest.
Reference(s):
Golden Panda Awards juror on what makes a good story for everyone
cgtn.com
