The Government would continue to provide financial support through the Film Development Fund (FDF) to projects and activities conducive to the development of the local film industry, and assist in the continued growth of the industry, the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Mr Duncan Pescod, said today (August 8).
Mr Pescod attended the Gala Premiere of the film "McDull Kungfu Ding Ding Dong" today. The film, produced by the Bliss Concepts Limited, is the first film project approved by the Government for financing under the FDF of the Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC). The production budget of the film is about $12 million, with about $3.6 million of approved government financing.
Mr Pescod said that since its inception in 1990, Bliss Concepts Limited had successfully created the popular local cartoon characters "McMug" and "McDull" which had become two of the most symbolic animated characters worldwide. The financing of this film production by the FDF showed that the film production financing scheme under the HKFDC played a positive role in the continued development of the local film industry.
Mr Pescod said that since its release on the Mainland on July 24, "McDull Kungfu Ding Ding Dong" had gained wide acclaim and had so far recorded a total sales income of more than RMB63 million from box office receipts. He hoped the film could also achieve a good box office result in Hong Kong.
Since the launch of the film production financing scheme in October 2007, 13 film production financing applications have been approved, with total funding of $35.89 million.
The Chairman of the HKFDC, Mr Jack So, acting Head of Create Hong Kong, Mr Alan Siu, and members of the Legislative Council and the HKFDC, also attended the Gala Premiere to show support and encouragement to the local film industry.
Ends/Saturday, August 8, 2009 Issued at HKT 16:01