Creative Pairings Get the Push at AMF Country Showcase

The opportunities and incentives that exist in international co-productions were topmost on the minds of participants who attended this year’s AMF 2009 Country Showcase, which returned for the third year at the Asia Media Festival.

Organised by the Media Development Authority, the half-day seminar gathered together several of Singapore’s key partner countries in media collaborations. The afternoon’s programme kicked off with an introduction by Mr Ignacio de Castro, Deputy Director of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Centre, who explained how his organisation mediates and arbitrates in film and media disputes – just in case creative pairings get soured by misunderstandings.

Mr Mark Leaver, Director of Development, South West Screen, steered the event back on an optimistic note, explaining the advantages the United Kingdom offers as a co-producing prospect.

The upbeat mood continued with Mr Ian Booth, CEO of ScreenWest Australia, extolling the qualities of partnerships with Australian companies. Also introduced was the match between Scrawl Studios of Singapore and Australia’s Zac Toons – two companies which hit it off and are now happily working on a fast-paced animated series about graffiti characters coming to life interacting with ordinary kids.

Not to be outdone was Ms Charlotte Appelgren of Cine Regio, who spoke on behalf of the European network of 32 regional film funds. Collaboration with Europe was further refined when film funds from the Nordic region acquainted participants with what they had to offer.

Rounding off the showcase, Mr Ian Wee, Director of Singapore’s Widescreen Media, shared how his company brought stereoscopic 3D technology into a feature film from Southeast Asia.

The disparate collection of suitors must have appeal – the audience eagerly asked questions and dug for more information. The beginning of some beautiful friendships, perhaps?

For more information, go to www.asiamediafestival.com

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