Dated: 2 December 2009
The unique joint venture marks the first between Media Development Authority of Singapore and South West Screen of the UK
For the first time, South West Screen (SWS), the development agency for the film, TV and digital media industries in the South West of England, has joined forces with Singapore’s Media Development Authority (MDA) to launch a new funding initiative, ‘Multi-Platform Content Across Continents’, today at Asia Television Forum (ATF) 2009. The initiative is the first in a series of planned partnership projects between Singapore and the South West of England, building on the idea of “digital twinning” between Bristol and Singapore.
This co-development initiative, with the support of the United Kingdom Trade and Investment, calls upon Singapore and British production and digital media companies to come together to co-develop concepts with multi-platform potential and cross-media elements. The Initiative is open to proposals across genres, with specific interest in the following: Children’s (including Animation), Drama, Documentary, Factual Entertainment - where programming demonstrates significant multi-platform potential.
MDA and South West Screen will jointly provide development funding of up to £50,000 for up to two selected projects. The £25,000 for each selected project will be shared equally between the Singaporean and British co-production partner.
‘Multi-Platform Content Across Continents’ will be open to all digital media or production companies in Singapore and the UK. Companies from both ends will be encouraged to form co-production partnerships and the selected teams will use the full breadth of their international talent and experience to develop innovative multi-platform content ideas for broadcast.
The concept is to promote partnerships and collaborations between Singapore and South West businesses in multi-platform content development, creating a global opportunity and generating new revenues across both Europe and Asia.
It follows an exploratory trade mission by South West Screen to Singapore in December 2008, during which the agency investigated the possibility of forging closer links between digital media companies in both countries.
“The collaboration with South West Screen builds upon the positive relationship that Singapore has with the UK. It is also a reflection of the growing synergies between the two countries to develop compelling multiplatform content with commercial potential that will be enjoyed globally. Leveraging on complementary skill sets, we also look forward to some experimentation and innovative ideas that will come out of this initiative,” says Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer of MDA.
Sir Andrew Cahn, Chief Executive of UK Trade &Investment, said, “Thinking internationally is crucial in a still challenging economic environment. The UK is a hub for creative excellence and UK Trade &Investment is delighted to support companies in the South West who want to grow globally through this innovative international joint venture.’
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South West Screen
Formed in 2001, South West Screen (SWS) is the organisation that supports and develops creative media industries in the South West of England. We offer funding and assistance to encourage innovation, grow creative businesses, develop talent, reach new audiences and develop the skills necessary to move forward. For more information, visit www.swscreen.co.uk.
Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
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.
UK Trade &Investment (UKTI) is the government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK's economy - acknowledged as Europe's best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage.
Singapore Media Fusion (SMF)
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) has developed the “Singapore Media Fusion” (SMF) strategic positioning which encapsulates the attributes of the media industry in showcasing Singapore as a global media city. SMF is a mark of the quality of our products and services and the collective richness and diversity of the media industry. The positioning not only lends consistency in the manner to which the Singapore media industry is represented and promoted, it is also intended to enhance the image of Singapore media at an international level, in a compelling and coherent manner. For more information, visit www.smf.sg.
Notes for editors:
The judging criteria will include but will not be limited to:
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General appeal and uniqueness of content
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Ability to demonstrate the effective and viable use of multi-platform exploitation
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Relevance to audiences in Asia, Europe and rest of the world.
The scheme is a unique opportunity for production and digital media SMEs to build international collaborations, share skills and expertise, and be part of a wider international innovation network.
The closing date for submissions is 5pm on 5 February 2010. The winning entries will be announced in April 2010 at MIPTV in Cannes, the world’s leading audio visual and digital content market.
For further details on the scheme and for the full terms and conditions, visit http://www.smf.sg/Schemes and www.swscreen.co.uk
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