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 12th time, the last edition was held from 17 to 20 March 2008 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Today, FILMART is regarded as a significant cross-media, cross-industry entertainment trade platform in Asia 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 2008:

1. Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers
2. Film Services Office, Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA), HKSAR Government
3. Hong Kong Chamber of Films
4. Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association
5. Hong Kong, Kowloon & New Territories Motion Picture Industry Association (MPIA)
6. Hong Kong Televisioners Association (HKTVA)
7. Movie Producers and Distributors Association of Hong Kong Ltd (MPDA)

Bigger Growth and Higher Internationality

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

1. 483 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions (soared by 6.6% compared with the previous year)
2. First time exhibitors from Czech Republic and Sweden
3. Stronger presence from Chinese Mainland, France, Taiwan, Spain, Canada and other long-time supporters such as UK, USA, Korea, Japan and SE Asia countries
4. New national pavilion: Israel and Indonesia
5. Around 4,200 visitors from 50 countries/regions attended the market, increased by 2.5% compared with 2007

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 80 Chinese exhibitors like 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 - Asia

Organised with the Hong Kong Film Services Office, Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, Locations World - Asia backs to the ground at FILMART this year with special focus on Asia, especially Chinese Mainland. The pavilion welcomed 18 exhibitors on outdoor shooting locations and movie studios, taking participants to a wealth of information on shooting locations and filming incentives.

- TV World

TV World is jointly organised by Hong Kong Televisioners Association and the HKTDC to bring forth a trading platform for the TV industry. With its success in last year debut, TV World took in 132 exhibiting companies with TV-related businesses this year, 43 slots of “TV World Screening” and “TV World Opening Forum” were organised to enhance business opportunities. Such activities were participated by more than 600 visitors and 130 TV industry players respectively. TV stations including leading Asian players such as TVBI (Hong Kong), KBS (Korea), CCTV (Chinese mainland), SETTV (Taiwan), NTV & TBS (Japan), to as far as Ceska Televize Czech TV (Czech Republic), Telewizja Polska S.A. (Poland) etc. participated at the fair.

- Animation and Digital Entertainment WorldWorld

The highly acclaimed Animation and Digital Entertainment World returned for the fourth running. There were a total of 75 exhibitors who came from Hong Kong, Chinese mainland, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand specializing in animation, digital post-production, online games and edutainment software. Numerous of activities regarding the DE industry have been organised to facilitate the industry’s development, such as, Digital Entertainment and Advertising Industry Roundtable Meeting, The 1st Hong Kong Mobile Film Festival – Awards Presentation Ceremony for Mobile Film Production Contests in mobile phone handset, etc.

- 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, Germany, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Countless Special Events

During the exhibition, numerous premieres/screening (e.g. the French Premiere “Shall we kiss?”), networking events (e.g. Canada Pavilion Breakfast Briefing, TV World Networking Luncheon), conferences (e.g. International Conference on Collaboration Between Japan & Hong Kong, Rights Management in the New World Order), Awards Presentation (e.g. Asian Film Awards, HAF Awards) and Exhibitor Forum & Roundtable Meetings (e.g. J-Pitch Presentation, Telefilm Exhibitor Forum) 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 200 market screenings at FILMART, the HKTDC collaborated with the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) to launch the HAS. Built upon last four years’ success, HAS returned and offered again the best opportunity for industry players to update themselves with the latest productions from Asia. This year, 28 films were screened, inspiring attendees with an appetite of Asian movies. Some of the outstanding productions include “The Way We Are” by Ann HUI and “In Love We Trust” by WANG Xiaoshui.

- Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum

Held concurrently with FILMART for the third time, HAF was co-organised by the HKTDC and Hong Kong & New Territories Motion Picture Industry Association Ltd (MPIA) from 17 to 19 March 2008. 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 500 private meetings were arranged during the three-day forum and the number of guests hit 944, a sharp increase by 10% 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 338 international exhibitors and trade visitors at FILMART and HAF.

Over its twelfth-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 edition of FILMART will be held from 23 - 26 March 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.