ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a background to a creative talent flow to show the wider economic-political-cultural complexity that Taiwanese talents need to absorb when they make the crossing. Taiwan is an island state, with a multicultural society influenced by both Western and Asian cultures and civilizations. The intricate political-economic-cultural interrelationship serves as a backdrop to the increasing cross-strait talent network. On the subject of talent exchange, there are strict limitations in terms of quotas for personnel exchange in film industry policies and laws in Taiwan. With respect to foreign talent exchange and personnel hiring, the Film Law Enforcement Bylaws state that the hiring of foreign personnel requires equal entry conditions as for Taiwanese personnel. The concept of ‘talent’ started to be acknowledged and broadened when Taiwan joined the global cultural and creative industries trend from the late 1990s. From personnel, talent to service provider, and talent development, the cross-strait context remains the subject of on-going change.
