Hong Kong to Host Asia's Largest Film, TV MarketHong Kong's film production is expected to rise by 30 to 50 percent over last year as local producers have more money to increase their output, according to Raymond Wong, chairman of the Movie Producers and Distributors Association of Hong Kong.Addressing a press conference on the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (Filmart 2000) Tuesday, Wong attributed the resurgence of Hong Kong's film industry to the efforts of the Hong Kong SAR government on curbing piracy and the promotion of local films on websites. Crucindo Hung, chairman of the Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories Motion Picture Industry Association, said new investment from U.S. companies will also help to improve local films. "Their cooperation with Hong Kong film directors and famous movie stars is a growing trend, creating more job opportunities for local film companies," he added. Regarding Hong Kong's film exports, Hung said the markets in southeast Asia are recovering while audience in the United States and Europe are becoming more interested in Hong Kong's big-budget movies, which will be very popular in international markets. Also speaking at the press conference, William Chui, deputy senior manager of services promotion of the Trade Development Council of Hong Kong, said the revival of Hong Kong's film industry has been fueled by the gradual economic recovery in major Hong Kong markets in southeast Asia and the injection of investments from Internet companies in film promotion. "The strong participation of Hong Kong companies in the upcoming Filmart 2000 is a clear indication of such a revival. The number of Hong Kong exhibitors joining the event increases by 62 percent to 39 over last year," he said, announcing that Filmart 2000 will be held from June 28 to 30 in Hong Kong. Launched in 1997, Filmart has developed into Asia's premier film and TV market. It aims at promoting exports of films and TV programs, which in turn strengthens Hong Kong's lead as an international film and TV distribution hub. |
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