Presentation Schedule
Creative Strategies for Developing a Romantic–Comedy Television Series Centered on the Girls Love Genre (109181)
Session Chair: Pattaranun Waitayasin
Thursday, 18 June 2026 09:30
Session: Session 1
Room: Room 116 (1F)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
The Girls' Love (GL) genre has experienced significant growth in the Thai television industry, becoming a prominent cultural export and rapidly expanding market segment. However, limited academic research has examined the storytelling and creative strategies that distinguish successful GL productions, particularly within the romantic comedy subgenre. This study aimed to identify the key storytelling elements and analyze the creative strategies for developing romantic comedy GL television series in Thailand. A qualitative approach was employed through focus group interviews with seven Thai film and television professionals, including screenplay writers, directors, and producers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, involving systematic coding and identification of recurring patterns. The findings revealed four core storytelling elements: (1) "spatial escapism" in world-building to create emotionally safe environments; (2) character dynamics rooted in emotional safety, mutual respect, and care; (3) visual storytelling through the "sapphic gaze"; and (4) redefined narrative resolutions through "queered anti-betrothals." Five creative strategies were identified: (1) "queering" classic tropes such as fake dating and enemies-to-lovers to explore queer identity; (2) integrating in-group LGBTQ+ humor to foster audience complicity and community intimacy; (3) manipulating narrative pacing by contrasting "slow burn" tension with "hyper-domesticity" comedic dissonance; (4) decentering the male gaze in favor of internal obstacles and the "female gaze"; and (5) deploying stylized visual and auditory mechanisms. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of GL content development and offer practical guidelines for creating culturally resonant romantic comedy television series.
Authors:
Athip Techapongsatorn, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
Fahsai Sriket, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
Kanyarath Larpto, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
Chawannuch Tanutong, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
Patcharamai Saichaemjan, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
Proudpatcha Santikanavin, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
About the Presenter(s)
Mr Athip Techapongsatorn is a University Postdoctoral Fellow or Instructor at Srinakharinwirot University in Thailand
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