FILM companies around the world seeking a bigger slice of the burgeoning Asian market will soon be able to leverage a world-class cinema event in Singapore.
ScreenSingapore, an annual international cinema event that the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) will roll out in June next year, will serve both as a springboard for Western companies venturing into the region and as a platform for Asian content to be marketed to the world.
The event is scheduled for June after the Cannes Film Market and Festival and before the Northern Hemisphere summer, which is when Hollywood blockbusters are traditionally released in theatres.
Hollywood film studios will be able to promote their upcoming summer releases through glitterati-filled red-carpet premieres at ScreenSingapore.
In the Heart of Asia
ScreenSingapore will draw strength from Singapore’s strategic location in rising Asia.
Mr Greg Coote, Chairman and CEO of Dune Entertainment and Chairman of the ScreenSingapore Board, noted: "Asia is going to be the primary source of growth in the film and entertainment business in the years to come as the focus of the industry shifts from the mature American market to areas outside of the US."
According to the Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2009–2013 report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the global filmed entertainment market will grow by an overall compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4 percent globally by 2013. The Asia Pacific region will lead the growth with a 5.7 percent CAGR.
Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer, MDA, added that Singapore’s excellent business infrastructure is going to be one of ScreenSingapore’s success factors.
He said: “Throughout the years, Singapore, with its conducive business environment, strategic location in the heart of Asia and strong intellectual property regime, has gained recognition as an ideal location to do business. ScreenSingapore builds on these strengths and provides a greater impetus for the financing, making and distributing of media content, ideas and expertise for the world’s audience.”
Board Insights
MDA is tapping the expertise and insights of the distinguished members of the Board of ScreenSingapore. In addition to Mr Coote, the Board also comprises industry luminaries who are much attuned to the pulse of the international film industry.
Other Board members include: Mr Ashok Amritraj, Chairman and CEO, Hyde Park Entertainment; Dr Christopher Chia, CEO, MDA; Mr Dennis Davidson, Chairman, DDA Group and DDA Consulting; Mr Wayne Duband, former President, Warner Bros. International Theatrical Distribution Division, who now runs his own consultancy; Mr Paul Henneman, Co-President, International Theatrical Distribution, 20th Century Fox; Mr Shekhar Kapur, acclaimed film director; and Mr Michael Werner, Chairman, Fortissimo Film Sales.
Film Technology Focus
In addition to premieres of upcoming Hollywood releases, ScreenSingapore will feature a film and entertainment technology market, film business summits, and master classes. All these will offer film buyers, sellers, producers and creative talent vast opportunities to exchange ideas and content as well as to showcase their products.
For film technology companies, the market component offers enormous potential. Mr Jimmy Lau, Managing Director, Singapore Airshow & Events (SAe), which has been appointed as the official organiser, noted that many theatres in the region will be looking to upgrade their presentation facilities as film technology advances.
SAe specialises in organising conferences and trade events. It boasts a strong portfolio in aerospace and defence with the Singapore Airshow being its signature event.
Mr Lau revealed that strategic partners are already on board. They include Golden Village, the official cinema operator; MediaCorp and Pico Art International.
Backing MDA in the establishment of ScreenSingapore are the Singapore Tourism Board and the Economic Development Board.
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