Dated: 18 May 2009
Following the launch of its new International Film Fund (IFF) at the start of the Cannes Film Market, Singapore's Media Development Authority (MDA) today announced the appointment of Hong Kong's Distribution Workshop as the worldwide sales agent for the first batch of films produced under the IFF.
"Since the announcement of our International Film Fund a few days ago, we have received a number of queries from potential partners around the world. We are delighted to partner Distribution Workshop, which brings on board the international sales expertise and network to introduce our upcoming IFF projects to audiences worldwide,“ said Dr Christopher Chia, MDA's Chief Executive Officer.
“Distribution Workshop is extremely pleased to be working with MDA on their initiative in stepping up production in the international arena," said Nansun Shi, Chairman of Distribution Workshop. "We welcome this move which would incentivise more international involvement in making quality Asian films with mass appeal."
Application for IFF is now open. The deadline of the first call of proposals is July 31, 2009. Applicants already associated with sales representation are welcome to apply, but must be open to negotiating territories with Distribution Workshop. Selected applicants will be required to pitch their projects to a committee comprising representatives from MDA and Distribution Workshop. Upon selection, the winning projects will have their own dedicated distribution executives involved from the onset of pre-production. After completion, the films will be distributed to the worldwide marketplace by Distribution Workshop.
Last year, MDA introduced its local Feature Film Fund aimed at nurturing aspiring filmmakers looking for their first break in directing. Its recently launched IFF facilitates collaborations between international creative talents, and the participation of local above-the-line talents and Singapore’s production and post-production facilities in international film productions. MDA’s co-investment amount in the IFF projects will be tiered depending on the extent of above-the-line involvement from Singapore companies.
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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 Trusted Global Capital for New Asia Media. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote industry growth in film, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation, 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 and www.smf.sg.
About Distribution Workshop
Distribution Workshop aims to be the premier international sales agent and producer of the best quality Asian films for distributors worldwide. It is a joint venture between Bona International Film Group Company Limited, the holding company of Beijing Polybona Film Distribution Co. Ltd. which is China’s largest independent distributor, as well as N &J Consultants Ltd.
Beijing Polybona Film Distribution Co. Ltd. was founded in 2000 by Yu Dong who is the CEO of the company. To date, Polybona has distributed over 120 films in China with a total box office of RMB1.2b (US$171m). Last year alone, Polybona distributed 22 films with a total box office of RMB473m (US$67m).
N & J Consultants Ltd is a newly formed company founded by Nansun Shi and Jeffrey Chan, both veterans in the Chinese-language distribution business with over 30 years of experience. Through her Film Workshop vehicle, Nansun Shi has worked on “Once Upon A time in China” series, “A Chinese Ghost Story” series, “The Legend of Zu”, and most recently, “Seven Swords”. Jeffrey Chan is known for concluding the most number of remake rights sales of Chinese-language films in recent years, including the most successful sale ever of an Asian film remake rights, that is, the remake of “Infernal Affairs” into “The Departed” directed by Martin Scorsese.
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