Dated: 25 November 2009
Singapore filmmakers will soon have an opportunity to acquire advanced filmmaking skills at the world’s largest television and film studios located in Zhejiang, China. This follows a partnership between the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) and Salon Films to launch an attachment programme under MDA’s Media Training and Attachment (META) Programme.
‘The Reel Experience’, to be launched in February next year, will cover all related costs including flights, accommodation, visa, insurance, food and local transport for the first batch of 20 successful applicants. They will be attached to work on fully or partially funded film scripts with production budget of up to S$1 million.
During the attachment, filmmakers will be trained on advanced motion picture filming, equipment handling, as well as pre-production and principal photography for a period of 12 weeks in China, Hong Kong or Macau. One of the locations for film training and production is at Hengdian World Studios - the world’s largest locations and facilities for notable films such as “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor”, “The Forbidden Kingdom”, MediaCorp Raintree’s “Painted Skin” and “Hero” by Zhang Yimou.
The film scripts, which will be selected by Salon Films, will come from applicants’ submitted scripts or Salon Film’s portfolio. Upon completion, Salon Films will assist selected projects to secure sales and distribution channels.
Mr Tham Wai Kin, Director of Talent Development, MDA said: ”The primary objective of the programme is to help Singapore filmmakers improve the quality of their production and develop more commercially viable films, while enhancing their filmmaking and production skills at the same time. Ultimately, we hope to produce more compelling Made-by-Singapore content to captivate world audiences.”
This collaboration sets a firm foundation for further cooperation between the parties, and enhances the good relations between Singapore and China. Last year, Salon announced the setting up of a S$100m Integrated Media Fund to produce a slate of feature films, TV series, animation and related interactive game development content over the next five years.
“Salon Films is thrilled at the prospect of becoming a part of MDA’s META Programme”, said Mr. Fred Wang, Chairman of Salon Films Group, “We wish to make the programme one of the best options for Singapore’s students and working professionals who want to have hands-on experience while learning a whole new skill set.”
The attachment programme is open to all Singaporean Citizens or Permanent Residents. Interested applicants may submit scripts or apply to be part of this professional filmmaking programme atwww.salonfilmssg.com. Qualified applicants will be shortlisted via an interview selection process. The closing date for applications is 13 December 2009.
- End -
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.
Salon Films Group
With over 50 years experience, the Salon Films Group provides production, rental, service and sales of the largest advanced high definition motion picture equipment stock in the region. Since Salon Films worked on the classic movie 'The World of Suzie Wong' in 1959, it has produced everything from TV commercials, corporate videos to internationally acclaimed feature films, including providing technical support for the Oscar-winning movie 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', regional and international box-office draws 'Painted Skin' and ‘The Forbidden Kingdom’ both filmed on location in China, ’Deer Hunter’, filmed in Thailand and ‘Shogun’, which was filmed in Japan. Operated by professionals and highly trained specialists, Salon Films is well known as the pre-eminent choice for international filmmakers looking to schedule productions in Asia. In addition, the Salon Multimedia Centre in Hong Kong brings together the latest in digital film and post-production technology to form a cohesive one-stop solution for any film, commercial or television programme. For more information, please visit www.salonfilmssg.com.
Hengdian World Studios
Hengdian World Studios Limited, a member of Hengdian Group in China, is the world largest locations and facilities for foreign and local feature films and TV productions with more than 20 productions going on at any one time of the year. It is specially set up to run the Groups’ film and tourism arms, with the total asset of 30 billion RMB. Hengdian World Studios has 21 sub-companies such as shooting bases, scenery areas, hotels, marketing companies, auto service companies, scene shifting and fitment companies with more than 2,000 staff. Hengdian World Studios is one of the first AAAA traveling areas approved by National Tourism Bureau, and awarded as the “Chinese Hollywood” by the American magazine Hollywood Report. For more information, please visit www.hengdianworld.com/english.
Media Training and Attachment (META) Programme
The MDA’s Media Training and Attachment (META) Programme aims to develop, provide global exposure and work opportunities to local talents through attachments with media experts working on significant projects or in established media organisations. The attachments, which may be local or overseas, would provide opportunities for local talents to have practical hands-on experience on projects undertaken by various media companies/institutions. This is also a quick approach for talents and media professionals to upskill themselves. Attachment opportunities may range from three months and up to one year.
.webp)