Scaling Up and Going Worldwide

The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) on Thursday unveiled fresh strategies to help Singapore companies undertake large-scale media projects and break quickly into new and untapped markets, as well as promote made-by-Singapore content to international audiences.

Addressing more than 300 media professionals at its annual Media Business Forum, MDA announced nine calls for proposals across television, film, animation, games, interactive media, publishing and music. The emphasis is on projects that are internationally marketable and can be scaled across media platforms.

"The focus now is to spur Singapore media companies to the next level by supporting larger-scale projects that will bring about a catalytic effect in scaling their capabilities and facilitate the creation of Singapore-made intellectual properties that are recognisable globally,” he added.

During the forum held at the Genexis theatre at Fusionopolis, other senior MDA officials also gave an update on policies and strategies for the year ahead.

Speaking about regulatory challenges and changes ahead, Mr Michael Yap, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, MDA, said that there would be “tectonic changes in Singapore’s media landscape” brought on by media convergence.

Steps to enable and facilitate businesses in a convergent environment are being taken. These include a study on media convergence, aligning legislation, streamlining licensing and harmonising ratings across different media platforms.

Mr Yap also announced that MDA will be opening up the airways for a new FM radio station. MDA will consider launching a formal tender following assessment of the level of interest.

Also making reference to “tectonic changes” was Mr Kenneth Tan, Chief Operating Officer, MDA. In his presentation on turbo-charging Singapore’s media ecosystem, he shared on Singapore’s first-ever 3D feature film co-production entitled Bait. This movie is set in a seaside town hit by a tsunami and deluged by killer sharks following tectonic plate shifts.

The co-production with Australia was made possible after Singapore put in place a complete ecosystem for the production of stereoscopic 3D productions. Mr Tan also revealed that the movie has already been pre-sold to 24 territories and is expected to reap US$300 million in revenue worldwide.

Ms Cassandra Tay, Director, Communications and Community & International Relations, gave insights into MDA’s successful strategy of internationalisation and international marketing efforts, which have helped boost the presence of Singapore firms in the international arena.

Over the past few years, for example, Singapore has signed co-production agreements with several countries, including Korea, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. These agreements have opened up access to funds and incentive programmes for Singapore media companies. In addition, Singapore has also forged successful government-to-government initiatives, such as the recent South West Screen-MDA Multi-Platform Content Across Continents call for proposals.

Moving forward, MDA intends to focus on helping Singapore companies penetrate the China market via networking and business missions, as well as increase their visibility through international trade markets such as MIPTV and Cannes Film Market.

To read the full press release and details on the calls for proposals, please click here.

To read the full press release on the new FM radio station, please click here.

To view presentations made during the Media Business Forum, please click here.

To read archives, please click here.