MDA Launches International Animation Fund

If you have an idea for an animated programme, and would like to work with a Singapore company to co-produce it, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) wants to hear from you.

MDA on Monday launched a new financing initiative called the International Animation Fund at MIPTV in Cannes. Aimed at boosting co-production possibilities for Singapore animation companies, the fund will see MDA co-investing up to S$5 million (US$3.5 million) for each qualifying project.

The fund is open to applicants from all over the world for new animation content in any format – including television series, telemovies and theatrical features. FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) is MDA’s partner for this new initiative, and will represent the chosen projects as worldwide distributor.

Said Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer, MDA: "We have enjoyed a longstanding strategic relationship with Fremantle, who shares our vision for new catalytic initiatives in global animation and family entertainment. We look forward very much to co-creating new intellectual property in and by Singapore’s animation community in partnership with like-minded members of the animation cluster from around the world.”

Mr David Ellender, Global CEO, FremantleMedia Enterprises, added that animation had become an important component to FME’s future growth. “By partnering with MDA in this fund, we are confirming both the strength of our relationship with MDA and our belief in the animation resources Singapore has to deploy to the world market," he said.

Applications for the International Animation Fund are now open. All applications must be received by the close of business, Singapore time, on 30 June 2010, and proposed projects must have a Singapore partner. Shortlisted applicants will be required to pitch face-to-face, in Singapore, to an evaluation panel comprising senior executives from MDA and FremantleMedia.

The IAF comes on the back of MDA’s International Film Fund, launched last year at the Cannes Film Market, to stimulate international live-action feature film co-productions in and with Singapore. It is part of MDA’s Singapore Media Fusion Plan, details of which can be found at www.smf.sg.

Application forms for the International Animation Fund can be downloaded from here.

Please click here to read the full press release.

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