Dated: 29 November 2007
Reinforcing the strong relations and slew of media collaborations between Asia and Europe, the Media Development Authority (MDA) of Singapore and Canal France International (CFI), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will pave the way for new exchanges between France and Singapore.
The MDA-CFI MOU serves to facilitate bilateral digital broadcasting training collaborations and co-production projects. Two proposed events to launch the MOU next year include a digital broadcasting workshop and a co-production networking session. The former aims to provide technical and policy training to support the collective effort of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries to adopt a common digital TV broadcasting standard, while the latter aims to bring together TV, film and animation producers from Singapore and France to discuss potential collaborations.
MDA is Singapore’s key government agency charting the development of the country’s media industry, and CFI is the exclusive operator of French state audiovisual cooperation initiatives abroad.
Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer, MDA, said: “In the last couple of years, Singapore’s media industry has made inroads into the global market, with a slate of co-productions with notable partners. The MOU will spur greater industry collaborations between Singapore and France, which will help both countries to develop their international networks, and create more growth opportunities for Singapore media enterprises. In addition, CFI has immense expertise in digital broadcasting, which is an area that Singapore is championing. It will be exciting to see how we can partner CFI to advance developments in digital broadcasting.”
Mr Jean Mino, Managing Director, CFI, added: “I’m certain this agreement will bring more understanding between Europe and Asia. This MOU will help the development of both Asian and European television industries that are facing the same kind of challenges in this new digital world.”
The MOU signing was held as part of AMF Country Showcase programme at the sixth annual Asia Media Festival (AMF) at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.
Earlier this year, the two countries embarked on the first-ever France-Singapore television co-production, Déjà Vu, between France’s Project Images Films and Singapore’s Mega Media and Six-Six-Eight (6-6-8). Creative and technical exchanges between the two countries are expected to step up following the MOU.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Chia Pei Siang (Ms)
Manager, Communications
Media Development Authority
Tel. : +65 6837 9010
Email :
chia_pei_siang@imda.gov.sg
About Media Development Authority of Singapore
Formed in 2003, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) plays a vital role in transforming Singapore into a Global Media City and positioning it at the forefront of the digital media age. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote developments in film, video, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation, media services and Interactive Digital Media. At the same time, in ensuring clear and consistent regulatory policies and guidelines, MDA helps to foster a pro-business environment for industry players and increase media choices for consumers. For more information, visit
www.mda.gov.sg
Canal France International
Canal France International, a subsidiary of France Televisions and Arte France, is the lead organization in France for international cooperation in the field of television. In close cooperation with the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs, CFI contributes to fostering professionalism and to the development of television programmes in over 90 emerging countries by supplying television programmes and films, carrying out consulting and training missions and nurturing production and co-production projects. Over the last 15 years, CFI has developed a unique expertise in the fields of production and broadcasting. Led by world-class professionals, this expertise has been placed at the service of all local partners, both in France and abroad.
About Asia Media Festival 2007
The Asia Media Festival (AMF) 2007 is a media fiesta, held from 14 November to 4 December 2007, comprising events for both trade professionals and consumers. Hosted by the Media Development Authority (MDA), the Festival offers opportunities for the media industry to share best practices, forge strong business networks and foster international collaborations under its line-up of premier trade events, namely: Promax BDA Asia, Asia Factual Forum, Media Financing Forum, Asia Television Forum, Asia Film Market &Conference, Asia Animation Conference, Asian Festival of 1st Films, Apollo Awards and Asian Television Awards. Running parallel to the trade events is MediAction!, an outreach initiative organised by MDA to inspire the general public to discover the benefits and possibilities that media can offer for work, learning and play. More information on AMF 2007 can be found at
www.asiamediafestival.com.
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