The Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC) launched today (December 3) a large-scale project “Hong Kong Film: New Action” to promote the long-term development of Hong Kong film industry. The project aims to help local films develop the Mainland and Southeast Asian markets; and introduce the new generation of Hong Kong directors to these markets.
To mark the commencement of the project, the FDC held today a kick-off ceremony cum Christmas reception. It was officiated by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau; the Chairman of FDC, Mr Jack So; members of the film industry; and film directors participating in the project.
Addressing the ceremony, Mr So said, “The project will be implemented in phases. From this month to February next year, a delegation comprising members of the FDC and the film industry, and the participating film directors, will pay visits to the Mainland, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan. The delegation will introduce Hong Kong films and the new generation of directors to the buyers, distributors and producers of the four places.”
“We hope that through direct exchange of ideas between Hong Kong film practitioners and investors and distributors outside Hong Kong, we can help foster mutual understanding and establish solid market networks, thereby boosting the demand for local film productions and attracting foreign investments,” Mr So added.
Mr So said he was glad to note that the project was well-received with 33 directors joining it so far. The FDC has compiled a brochure showcasing the participating directors for promotion outside Hong Kong.
“Our film industry has an abundance of talents. The participating directors either have been nominees for film awards, or have won prizes in various film festivals. We hope the project will help them open up more opportunities and new markets, thus enabling the industry to nurture successors and enhance both the quality and quantity of local film productions,” he said.
The FDC will also organise exchange forums and seminars under the banner of “Hong Kong Film: New Action” during the “Hong Kong International Film & TV Market” to be held in March next year. Luncheon gatherings and individual promotional booths will be set up for the 33 directors to meet with buyers, distributors and producers from the Mainland and Southeast Asia, and to foster mutual understanding and pave way for future co-operations (including investments, sales and distribution).
As regards the latest position of the Film Development Fund (FDF), Mr So said that since the launch of the Film Production Financing Scheme in October last year, eight applications have been approved and another two are being processed, involving a total approved funding of $21.84 million. The eight approved film projects are of different genres, including animation, kung-fu, romance, ethical, suspense films. These films engage six new directors for commercial films and will be released starting from early 2009.
In addition to financing film productions, the FDF approved 20 film-related projects at a total amount of $37.85 million. The approved items included financing large-scale film events like the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum, the Hong Kong Film Awards Presentation Ceremony and the Asian Film Awards; film promotional seminars; participation of local films in overseas film festivals or film financing forums; production of the Safety Manual for Film Workers; introduction of film education in the senior secondary school visual arts curriculum; and production of a short film for promotion of Hong Kong films.
End/Wednesday, December 3, 2008