“1st Animation Start-ups Support Program” Works Premiere Parade of Local Creativity and Aspiring Animators

(Hong Kong．5 March 2013) The creative works of 20 local animation start-ups were shown in a special premiere at agnès b. Cinema of the Hong Kong Arts Centre today as part of the “1st Animation Start-ups Support Program”, organized by the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA), co-organized by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC). The project is funded by the “CreateSmart Initiative” of Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Officiating guests of the premiere included Mr Wellington Fung, Assistant Head of CreateHK and Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Film Development Council; Mr Gabriel Pang, Chairman of HKDEA; and Mr Leo Lam, Director (Business Innovation) of HKPC. The Support Program aims to strengthen the technical skills of animation start-ups through provision of resources and professional mentorship support, and help the participating animation start-ups find new business opportunities through promotion on various channels.

Mr Pang said: “The program was well received by both new animation start-ups and veteran industry practitioners. These local new companies are always strong in creativity and technically competent. This program can support them in producing their original animations and their future development. We will nominate their works to international contests and promote them through various channels, in order to reach out for new opportunities.”

Mr Lam said: “HKPC is committed to supporting local SME and promoting the development of the creative industries. This Program provides an excellent platform to nurture and promote aspiring start-ups, supporting their business development. Earlier, we have also set up a one-stop support centre, SME One, to offer information of support schemes of the Hong Kong and Mainland governments, and consultation services for SMEs.”

Designed for animation companies set up for not more than four years and with no more than eight full-time staff, the Support Program received more than 60 applications. Out of which, 20 were selected after thorough deliberation by a vetting committee comprising industry professionals. The Support Program provided each selected company a subsidy of up to HK$80,000 for the production of a three-minute animation with storyline. The companies also benefited from a mentorship program with animation heavyweights offering technical training and guidance on business development.

The final productions of these animation companies under the Support Program will be shown on local TV, the Internet and major events such as the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) in 2013. In addition, they will be nominated to participate in international digital entertainment contests, such as the “DigiCon6 Awards” organized by Japanese broadcaster Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) Television and China International (KingBonn) New Media Shorts Awards during the China International Cultural & Creative Industry Expo held in May each year, with an aim to creating more exposure for the selected animation companies to help them find potential clients and explore new business opportunities.

To view the works of the selected animation companies and to learn more about the Program, please visit the website: www.animation-ssp.com.

Mr. Gabriel Pang, chairman of HKDEA, delivered speech at the premiere, and expressed thanks to all the supporting organizations of the event.

Mr. Leo Lam, Director (Business Innovation) spoke at the premiere and encouraged all start-ups to trace after their goal, driving the development of local cultural industry ahead.

Organizer and guests unveiled the 1st Animation Start-ups Support Program which stand as a milestone in the local original animation industry.

All volunteer members of the judging panel took a group photo with organizer and co-organizers.

The media came with enthusiastic support to the 1st Animation Start-ups Support Program. Representative from each media took photo with the organizer and co-organizers.

Representatives from the 20 selected animation companies joined the organizer and co-organizers to reveal the new edge of local creative culture and share the joy of achievement.