SCED promotes HK film industry in the US (with photos)

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, met the media in New York today (June 11, New York time) as he expounded on the opportunities of collaboration between Hong Kong and the United States (US) film industries.

Speaking at a press conference co-hosted with Hong Kong international movie icon Jackie Chan, Mr So said, "Over the years, Hong Kong films have gained considerable worldwide acclaim, with over 300 international awards in the past decade. Our kung fu legends have become household names in the US and around the world, and Hong Kong's exciting style of action cinema has inspired a number of Hollywood productions."

Mr So told the US media that in recent years, Hong Kong's film industry had broadened its horizons through closer collaboration with its counterparts in the Mainland of China.

"The Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) has vastly expanded access to the Mainland’s movie market. Since the signing of CEPA in 2003, the number of Hong Kong-Mainland co-productions has grown rapidly to an average of 30 titles a year, with big success at the box office," he said.

Mr So encouraged US film companies to leverage on the wealth of creative talents in Hong Kong, its experience, technical expertise, contacts and know-how, and capitalise on the preferential treatment offered by CEPA to make the most of the new opportunities in the Mainland.

"In addition to first-rate artistes, Hong Kong provides state-of-the-art facilities and high quality services for film production, including professionals in creating digital visual effects and computer animated films. From shooting to post-production, Hong Kong offers everything needed to make a full-length feature film," he said.

Mr So also recommended Hong Kong as a great location for filming.

"Our unique cityscape, rich cultural traditions and diverse lifestyle provide stunning settings. In 2011 and 2012, more than 10 films from Hollywood to Bollywood and beyond chose Hong Kong as their filming location," he added.

On June 10 (New York time), Mr So joined the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, in attending a reception for the opening of the Hong Kong Movie Week of the New York Asian Film Festival, when he took opportunities to promote Hong Kong's film industry to local business leaders who joined the reception.

Mr So accompanied the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung on his US visit beginning June 9, and will depart for San Francisco tomorrow (June 12, New York time) to start a three-day visit to the West Coast of the US.

In San Francisco, Mr So will meet the City Mayor, local businessmen and entrepreneurs. He will visit a biotechnology start-up and an information technology company. He will also speak at a business luncheon in Silicon Valley on Hong Kong's future as an intellectual property trading and management centre before departing for Los Angeles for the last leg of his US tour.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013