 |
 | |||||||||
| |||||||||
|
| |||||||||
| |||||||||
| "Cannes of Asia" to expand new frontiers ( 01/09/2003 ) | |||||||||
FILMART, Asia's premier film and television market, has a seven-year track record of success. This year, the glamour-packed event - which is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) - is attracting 240 companies from 25 countries and regions. "There is a huge global interest in Asian, particularly Chinese film markets, which is displayed in the increasing international attendance at FILMART," said TDC's Director of Services Promotion, Rachel Chan. "Not only have Asian films gained significant acceptance in the west over the past few years, but Asian production capabilities are now among the highest of anywhere in the world. As a result, one of the main focuses for this year's FILMART is the cross-market co-operation in production, distribution and financing." New participants at this year's FILMART include companies and industry representatives from Indonesia, The Netherlands, The Philippines, South Africa, Spain and Uzbekistan. International celebrities and high-profile representatives from companies such as Miramax, Universal Studios, Warner Bros., and New Line will be attending. "This year, under the theme of 'New Frontiers, Infinite Opportunities' FILMART is expanding into new horizons, and will become a one-stop platform for the film and TV industry," said Ms Chan. At the event, TDC will launch a first-ever online Hong Kong Film Centre, which will provide an informative business platform on the Hong Kong film industry. For full details click http://film.tdctrade.com/ Visitors to FILMART 2003 will also learn about the new cooperation and co-investment opportunities opening up for the Hong Kong film industry due to the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (Cepa), recently signed between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. "Under Cepa, Hong Kong will be granted access to the mainland entertainment market above and beyond China's WTO commitments," said Raymond Chow, chairman of TDC's Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee. International events add to Hong Kong's appeal Asia's entertainment industry is not the only winner at FILMART. A recent study by the Business Strategies Group showed that in 2002, Hong Kong's exhibition industry added HK$7.3 billion (US$936 million) to the economy. The figure also takes into account related sectors that benefit from the influx of visitors, including hotels, restaurants and retail. Conventions, taken separately, contributed a further HK$675 million (US$87 million) to the economy - again, mostly in the form of tourism income from overseas visitors. FILMART is just one exciting event in a packed trade fair schedule organised by TDC over the coming months. Also happening in September, October and November are: The Hong Kong Watch & Clocks Fair | |||||||||
| |||||||||
|
|
