International Opportunity in High-Definition Documentary Production For Singapore Filmmakers

National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and the Media Development Authority (MDA) of Singapore announced today a first-ever partnership to further foster the development of high-definition (HD) documentary production in Singapore. Under this collaboration, Singapore filmmakers will have the opportunity to produce up to three hours of programmes for the international market through the National Geographic Channels International global network in the first year.

"NGCI has grown a strong presence in Singapore through our work with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) over the last three years. We continue to see high quality, award-winning documentaries emerge from that collaboration and now it is time to take the next step to HD,” says Bryan Smith, Executive Vice-President of Production, NGCI, who heads the initiative from his office in Singapore. Smith continues, "We are thrilled to collaborate with MDA, an organization that is both serious and passionate about the development of media and talented filmmakers in Singapore."

Mr Seto Lok Yin, Director, Industry Development at the Media Development Authority comments, “The MDA seeks to develop the Singapore media industry by opening doors to growth opportunities and building new capabilities. Our partnership with NGCI is an example of that. There is growing worldwide demand for high-definition TV content of high production value. Hence this initiative is very timely, enabling our Singapore filmmakers to work with international filmmakers and thereby gaining valuable experience in HD documentary productions. The MDA is very pleased to partner with NCGI in this exciting initiative."

The jointly led HD documentary initiative will seek high-quality HD documentary proposals from Singapore-based production and/or post production facilities. A call for these proposals will be made to qualified production companies. The proposals received will be evaluated by an NGCI and MDA supervisory board created for the initiative, and selected producers will enter into a production contract with NGCI. When completed in 2005/ 2006, all programmes will air on National Geographic Channel around the world, with a potential to reach as many as 230 million homes in 151 countries. All programmes under this fund will meet the high programming standards of National Geographic Channels International: inviting viewers to re-think the way they see the world through great storytelling, breathtaking and engaging visuals, and smart, innovative and cutting-edge topics.

For more information, please contact:

Angie Tan
Marketing Executive
Email : angiet@ngcasia.com

Media Development Authority Singapore
Tan Poh Cheng
Assistant Director
Corporate &Marketing Communications
Email : tan_poh_cheng@imda.gov.sg

Yvonne Poh
Assistant Manager
Corporate &Marketing Communications
Email : yvonne_poh@imda.gov.sg

National Geographic Channels International
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) invites viewers to re-think the way they see television - and the world - with smart, innovative programming. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television &Film (NGT&F), FOX Entertainment Group and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education. Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S. which is a joint venture of NGT&F and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in over 230 million homes (including day-part households) in 151 countries and 27 languages.

Media Development Authority Singapore
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) aims to develop Singapore into a global media city. Its Media 21 strategy seeks to create a vibrant environment for the industry and public via five key thrusts: establish Singapore as a media exchange;export 'Made-by-Singapore' content;internationalise local media companies;nurture local media talents and develop digital media.