The Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC) welcomed the five relaxation measures agreed by the relevant Central authorities, to further facilitate Hong Kong films and film practitioners entering the Mainland market.
The Chairman of the FDC, Dr Wilfred Wong, said, "Removing the restriction on the number of Hong Kong practitioners participating in a Mainland film production would encourage the Hong Kong film industry to more actively participate in Mainland film productions, thereby contributing more to the Mainland’s film industry; removing the restriction on the percentage of Hong Kong artistes, the requirement for Mainland-related plots in Hong Kong-Mainland co-productions (co-productions) and the fees for establishing co-productions with the Mainland authority, would provide further facilitation for making of co-productions.
In addition, allowing Hong Kong films to participate in Mainland's film awards would raise the reputation and recognition of Hong Kong films in the Mainland market, while the incentive scheme for distribution and promotion would encourage Hong Kong film companies to promote outstanding Mainland films and co-productions, thereby helping expand markets for film industries of the two places."
Dr Wong said that the FDC is grateful for the support to the Hong Kong film industry by the relevant Central authorities and the HKSAR Government. The FDC will follow up with the HKSAR Government and the industry on implementation details.
Over the years, the FDC has funded about 60 film productions and identified 40 new directors through various film production subsidy schemes (e.g. "Film Production Financing Scheme" and "First Feature Film Initiative") under the Film Development Fund (FDF). The "Sponsorship for the Sale and Distribution of Hong Kong Films (Cantonese Version) in the Mainland” scheme and the "Sponsorship for Local Films Nominated to Participate in Film Festival Overseas" scheme under the FDF have also funded about 100 Hong Kong films to expand into the Mainland and overseas markets. The FDC will continue to support the further development of Hong Kong film industry through the FDF.
Ends/Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Issued at HKT 10:30
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