Mediapolis Launched at Asia Television Forum

Imagine an area filled with the following: soundstages equipped with the latest technological capabilities – including green screens, 3D and High-Definition functions, digital production and post-production facilities, work lofts and retail and leisure facilities.

This media space, designed with media industries and firms in mind, is called Mediapolis.

Officially launched by Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, during the opening of the Asia Television Forum on 10 December, Mediapolis represents the Singapore Government’s commitment to developing the media industry in Singapore.

A 19-hectare plot of land in the one-north innovation and R&D hub has been earmarked for Mediapolis. To kick-start developments, award-winning local media production company Infinite Frameworks will invest in a soundstage complex in the first quarter of 2009.

In addition, to further encourage the production of content by Singapore producers, especially content that can be viewed on different platforms, Dr Lee announced that the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) would extend its PILOT grant scheme. Called PILOT Scheme (TV Content 360), successful projects will be awarded a grant that covers up to 50 per cent of the total qualifying expenses of the project.

Said Dr Lee: “Notwithstanding the economic gloom, the next few years will be an exciting time as we capitalise on emerging trends made possible with technology, and invest in world-class facilities for the benefit of media players in Singapore and around the world.”

Hosted by MDA, Asia Media Festival 2008 continues this week in Singapore with events such as the China Film Festival and Asian Television Awards. For more information, go to www.asiamediafestival.com

For latest updates on the media industry, log on to www.smf.sg

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