Hong Kong FILMART – Asia’s World Entertainment Market

The Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) is an annual film market organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Running annually for the 11th time, the last edition was held from 20 to 23 March 2007 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Today, FILMART is regarded as a significant cross-media, cross-industry entertainment trade platform which excels in promoting co-operation in areas of film financing, distribution, production, post-production, TV, digital entertainment, film & broadcasting equipment and shooting locations.

Supporting Organisations for FILMART 2007:

1. Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers
2. Hong Kong Chamber of Films
3. Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association
4. Hong Kong, Kowloon & New Territorries Motion Picture Industry Association Limited (MPIA)
5. Hong Kong Televisioners Association
6. Movie Producers and Distributors Association (MPDA)
7. Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA)

Bigger Growth and Higher Internationality

FILMART’s international flavour was reflected in the fair figures:

1. 453 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions (soared by 11.3% compared with the previous year)
2. First time exhibitors from Ireland, Israel, Jordan and Poland
3. Stronger presence from France, UK, USA and other long-time supporters such as Korea, Japan and SE Asia countries
4. New national pavilion: Spain
5. More than 4,000 visitors from 45 countries/regions attended the market, rocketed by 10.47% compared with 2006

Springboard to the Huge China Market

FILMART has a unique advantage as it serves as a bridge between the West and the East. It provides an excellent chance for industry players to sell their products and services to the huge Chinese mainland market. On the other hand, it also allows Chinese filmmakers to promote their products to overseas buyers. This year, there were more than 40 Chinese exhibitors like China Film Group, China Film Promotion International, China International TV Corporation and more.

Thematic Zones to Create Synergy Across the Industry

It was difficult to take a break at FILMART as there was so much to see, to experience and to discuss. Apart from film production and distribution, highlights of the exhibition included:

- Locations World

Co-organised with the Hong Kong Film Services Office, Locations World breaks the ground at FILMART this year. The pavilion welcomed 38 film commissions and 2 production services companies from 18 countries and regions, taking participants to a wealth of information on shooting locations and filming incentives.

- TV World

TV World is a new initiative jointly organised by Hong Kong Televisioners Association and the HKTDC to bring forth a trading platform for the TV industry. As an inaugural edition, TV World took in 88 exhibiting companies with TV-related businesses and convened a TV Forum as well as various other activities. TV stations including leading Asian players such as TVBI (Hong Kong), MBC (Korea), CCTV (Chinese mainland), SETTV (Taiwan) etc. participated at the fair.

- Animation and Digital Entertainment World

The highly acclaimed Animation and Digital Entertainment World returned for the fourth running. There were a total of 73 exhibitors who came from Hong Kong, Chinese mainland, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand specializing in animation, digital post-production, online games and edutainment software.

- Equipment and Post-Production Services Pavilion

To facilitate filmmakers in sourcing post-production services, the Equipment and Post-Production Services Pavilion was again brought back to the fairground. A total of 15 companies showcased their state-of-the-art products and services. These exhibitors came from Australia, Belgium, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand.

Countless Special Events

During the exhibition, numerous premieres, exhibitor forums, press conferences, luncheons and receptions were held to give participants extra networking opportunities. These events allowed both exhibitors and visitors to mingle after a busy day.

- Hong Kong-Asian Screenings (HAS)

Apart from the market screenings at FILMART, the HKTDC collaborated with the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) to lanch the HAS. Built upon last three years’ success, HAS returned and offered again the best opportunity for industry players to update themselves with the latest productions from Asia. This year, more than 20 films were screened, inspiring attendees with an appetite of Asian movies. Some of the outstanding productions include “Getting Home” by ZHANG Yang and “Tuya’s Marriage” by WANG Quanan.

- Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum

Held concurrently with FILMART for the second time, HAF was co-organised by the HKTDC and Hong Kong & New Territories Motion Picture Industry Association Ltd (MPIA) from 20 to 22 March 2007. HAF serves as a match-making platform for the film industry, helping commercially viable and promising film projects in Hong Kong and Asia locate financial and business support through co-productions or joint ventures. Its significance for film financing and co-production ventures in Asia is certainly growing. Over 650 private meetings were arranged during the three-day forum and the number of attendees hit 616, a sharp increase by 36% compared with the previous year.

Statistically Proven Popularity

A survey has revealed that Hong Kong's FILMART and HAF provide the best platform in Asia to market the latest products and to get financing for film productions. An overwhelming majority described the twin events as the most significant events in Asia. The study was carried out by an independent survey consultant, Oracle Added Value, based on interviews with 340 international exhibitors and trade visitors at FILMART and HAF.

Over its eleven-year history, FILMART has grown from strength to strength, which is well reflected in its exhibitor and visitor numbers. Together with other concurrent events, FILMART continues to serve as the industry’s premier trading platform and Asia’s world entertainment market.

The next FILMART will be held from 17 - 20 March 2008 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.