Dated: 15 February 2011
Filmmakers in Singapore and around the world take note. Here is an opportunity to take your story idea to the big screen. Singapore’s Media Development Authority (MDA) has opened its third call-for-proposals under its International Film Fund (IFF) and is looking to co-invest in globally marketable films involving at least one Singapore partner. What’s more, completed films could premiere globally at ScreenSingapore, the week-long international cinema event comprising a trade show, conferences, master classes, a film awards section as well as red carpet gala premieres. ScreenSingapore, hosted by MDA and organised by Singapore Airshow &Events Pte Ltd (SAe), is a platform for Asian content to be marketed to the world and for international films to be released in Asia.
Mr Kenneth Tan, Director of Film, Animation and Publishing, MDA, said: “The IFF complements our co-production strategy aimed at growing Singapore-made content targeting global audiences. It facilitates collaboration among international creative talents, and the participation of Singapore’s production and post-production facilities in international film productions.
“Singapore currently has four official film co-production partner countries –namely Australia, Canada, China and New Zealand. We welcome filmmakers to work with us and our network of official co-production partnering countries through the IFF to realise their aspirations, and tell their stories to movie-goers around the world.”
Projects selected under the current round of IFF will be announced at the inaugural edition of ScreenSingapore from 5 to 12 June 2011. They stand a chance to premiere at the event’s future editions, following the lead of BAIT, an IFF-supported project premiering at ScreenSingapore 2012. Another MDA-supported project, Yong Mun Chee’s directorial debut Where the Road Meets the Sun, a recipient of MDA’s New Feature Film Fund1 in 2008, will see its Asian premiere at this year’s ScreenSingapore.
About the International Film Fund (IFF)
The IFF was launched in 2009 to encourage Singapore production and post-production companies to take on executive producer and/or co-producer roles in international film productions, ranging from animation, live-action features and stereoscopic 3D content. The IFF will see MDA co-invest up to S$5 million for each selected project, together with investments from the participating Singapore companies and their international partners.
To date, BAIT, The Harvest and Cooktales have been supported under the IFF.
BAIT, a stereoscopic 3D thriller about a pack of hungry tiger sharks, has been pre-sold to 24 territories. The Singaporeans among its international cast include Asia Television Award Best Actor Adrian Pang and MediaCorp’s leading man Qi Yuwu. The film is targeted for release in 2012.
The Harvest (working title), a stereoscopic 3D thriller-horror about the misadventures of a group of backpackers, will be produced by Singapore’s Blackmagic Design Films with Australia's Goalpost Pictures.
Cooktales (working title), an epicurean drama set in Singapore, is a coming-of-age tale of an amateur cook who has to deal with the twisted fate of his family. To be directed by Gina Kim (Never Forever), Cooktales is the second collaboration between Bang Singapore and Korea’s CJ Entertainment following Neon Sign.
The deadline for submissions for the current IFF call is 4 April 2011. For details please visit, http://www.smf.sg/BusinessCentre/Pages/IFF.aspx
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1Started in 2008, MDA New Feature Film Fund is aimed at nurturing aspiring film talent looking for their first big break in feature film directing. Awardees can receive up to 50% of their production budgets capped at a maximum of S$500,000. They can tap on an additional S$30,000 for advertising and promoting their films in Singapore.
About Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (www.mda.gov.sg) promotes the development of vibrant and competitive film, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation and interactive digital media industries in Singapore. It has developed an industry masterplan, Singapore Media Fusion 2015 (www.smf.sg) to advance this goal. MDA also promotes a connected society, consumer choice and a pro-business environment.
About ScreenSingapore
ScreenSingapore, an international cinema event from 5-12 June 2011, will see Hollywood premieres in Asia and showcase Asian content to the world. In addition, the weeklong event will be lined with the Expo@ScreenSingapore trade show, conferences and master classes. ScreenSingapore is a key marketing platform for the global film and entertainment communities to tap the vast potential in the fast-growing markets of Asia. ScreenSingapore is hosted by the Media Development Authority of Singapore, with support from the Singapore Tourism Board and the Economic Development Board. It is organised by Singapore Airshow &Events Pte Ltd (SAe). For more information, visit
www.screensingapore.com.sg.
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