The Film Development Fund (FDF) which provided financial support for small-to-medium budget film productions was now inviting applications, the Hong Kong Film Development Council announced today (October 2).
Speaking at a press briefing to explain the details, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, Mr Jack So, said that in past years, the local film industry had been suffering from low output of film productions, particularly in small-to-medium budget films. This, he said, had seriously depleted talent in various aspects of the industry.
"We hope the FDF will help encourage more commercial investment in film production, especially those of small and medium scale, and create a larger mass of film activity and employment opportunities," he said.
Mr So said the FDF aimed to finance film productions with a budget not exceeding $12 million and employing a certain number of Hong Kong talents. The funding support would be capped at 30% of the production budget, that is, a maximum of $3.6 million per film.
Criteria for the funding of film productions include assessment of whether the proposed film production would be up to a standard for commercial theatrical release, whether the film was for mass appeal rather than only a niche market and the reasonableness and feasibility of the proposed budget and marketing strategy. The Film Development Council would not vet the content of scripts of the film productions.
"The council's Fund Vetting Committee comprises veteran industry practitioners with Mr Wong Ying-wai serving as the convenor. In considering the funding applications, the committee will invite experienced industry practitioners in film production, distribution and marketing to provide professional advice and assist in the evaluation work," Mr So said.
"We are now inviting relevant individuals to join the Panel of Examiners for a two-year tenure. We will also arrange briefing sessions for the industry to explain the application details of the FDF and related arrangements," he said.
In July this year, the Legislative Council's Finance Committee approved the Government's proposal to inject $300 million into the FDF to expand its scope to finance the provision of limited funding support for small-to-medium budget film productions. The FDF will also finance projects and activities which contribute to the development of the Hong Kong film industry, including enhanced efforts to promote Hong Kong films on the Mainland and overseas; initiatives to train talent in the various aspects of the film production and distribution; and measures to enhance the interest and appreciation of Hong Kong films by the local audience.
Film companies and individuals who are interested in applying for the FDF can obtain the application form at the Secretariat of the Hong Kong Film Development Council on 40/F Revenue Tower, Wan Chai. The information can also be downloaded on the website of Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority's Film Services Office: www.fso-tela.gov.hk/index.cfm.
Ends/Tuesday, October 2, 2007
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