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 13th time, the last edition was held from 23 to 26 March 2009 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 2009:

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 (HKDEA)
5. Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC)
6. Hong Kong, Kowloon & New Territories Motion Picture Industry Association (MPIA)
7. Hong Kong Televisioners Association (HKTVA)
8. 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. 505 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions (increased by 4.6% compared with the previous edition)
2. First time exhibitor from Ukraine
3. New national pavilion from Poland
4. Other pavilions from Canada, Chinese mainland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, UK and long-time supporters from Australia, Czech Republic, India, Iran, New Zealand, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, USA, Vietnam
5. 4,503 visitors from 50 countries and regions attended the market, increased by 7.3% compared with 2008

Springboard to the Lucrative Chinese Mainland Market

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:

- TV World

TV World is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Televisioners Association and the HKTDC to bring forth a trading platform for the TV industry. With its success in its debut in 2007, TV World took in 147 exhibiting companies with TV-related businesses this year. “TV World Screening” and “TV World Opening Forum” were also organised to enhance business opportunities for TV industry players. TV stations including leading Asian players such as CCTV (Chinese mainland), Hunan TV Station (Chinese mainland), TVBI (Hong Kong), NTV (Japan), TBS (Japan), KBS (Korea), Sanlih E-TV (Taiwan), to as far as Telewizja Polska S.A. (Poland) etc. participated at the fair.

- Animation and Digital Entertainment World

The highly acclaimed Animation and Digital Entertainment World returned with remarkable results. There were a total of 84 exhibitors mainly from Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand specializing in animation, digital post-production, video games and edutainment software. Various activities regarding the digital entertainment industry have been organized on the ‘DE Day’ to facilitate industry’s development and foster business opportunities such as Digital Entertainment Forum, Digital Entertainment cross-industry roundtable meeting, Digital Entertainment Industry Networking Reception, Asia Visual Effects Summit 2009, The 2nd Hong Kong Mobile Film Festival Mobile Film Production Contest Award Presentation Ceremony, etc.

- Equipment and Post-Production Services Pavilion

To facilitate filmmakers in sourcing post-production services and broadcasting equipment, the Equipment and Post-Production Services Pavilion was again brought back to the fairground. A total of 29 companies showcased their state-of-the-art products and services. In particular, the Association of Motion Picture Post Production Professionals (AMP4) joined FILMART for the first time with 11 member companies and formed the inaugural Hong Kong Motion Picture Post Production Pavilion which featured the latest service and technology of post production provided by Hong Kong companies.

Countless Special Events

During the exhibition, numerous premieres/screening (e.g. the French Premiere “I’ve Loved You So Long” and the China Night Premiere “Super Typhoon”), networking events (e.g. Taiwan Cinema Party, Philippines Pavilion Cocktail Reception), conferences (e.g. “What a Difference a Decade Makes! The Changing Face of Hollywood in Asia” and “Distribution of Asian Product in the US and International Markets”, etc.), awards presentation (e.g. Asian Film Awards, HAF Awards) and various exhibitors’ press conferences were held to give participants extra networking opportunities. These events allowed both exhibitors and visitors to mingle after a busy day.

- HKIFF Industry Screening@FILMART (HIS)

Amongst more than 240 market screenings at FILMART, HKTDC collaborated with the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) to launch the HIS.  Built upon last five years’ success of the Hong Kong-Asian Screenings, HIS brought new energy as a special screening feature in FILMART and the best platform for industry players to update themselves with the latest productions from Asia. This year, 30 films were screened, inspiring attendees with an appetite of Asian movies. Some of the outstanding productions include “Night & Fog” by Ann HUI and “Permanent Residence” by Scud.

- Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF)

Held concurrently with FILMART for the forth time, HAF was co-organised by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS) HKTDC, and Hong Kong & New Territories Motion Picture Industry Association (MPIA) from 23 to 25 March 2009. 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. Throughout the years, HAF has become one of the leading film-financing hubs in Asia. This year, approximately 1,000 participants from 35 countries and regions attended the three-day event. Close to 500 private meetings were organized between financiers and filmmakers of the 27 selected film projects.

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 330 international exhibitors and trade visitors at FILMART and HAF.

Over its thirteen-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 22 - 25 March 2010 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Download: FILMART 2009 Fair Report