HK to help first time features

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Policy/Legal News

The Hong Kong government today revealed plans for a new support initiative to help first time film-makers.

The measure was announced as part of the first policy address by recently appointed Chief Executive CY Leung.

"To nurture a new generation of film production talents, Create Hong Kong will launch a First Feature Film Initiative to identify new talents through a competition on screenplay and production proposals. The winning film directors and their teams will receive full funding from the Film Development Fund to take forward their proposals," Leung said.

It will enable the FDF to provide 100% of the budget for films costing less than US$520,000 (HK$4 million). The existing fund co-invests alongside other investors and is allowed to provide up to 40% of the budget for films costing less than US$1.94 million (HK$15 million).

"Talented film and television professionals from Hong Kong are not only making their way to Hollywood, but are also engaged extensively in film and television production in both the Mainland and Taiwan," Leung said by way of background.

Leung said that "Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries have run into an array of difficulties in recent years," but that "...given suitable support, Hong Kong can scale new heights in cultural and arts development."

In late 2012 the territory's government auditor had critically examined the workings of the CreateHK's Film Development Council, but Leung offered it support. "We will continue to work with the Hong Kong Film Development Council and support the film industry through the Film Development Fund," he said.

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