4 May 2012 - The New Talent Feature Grant (NTFG) is an initiative by the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) to help up-and-coming film directors start their careers in feature film-making... Read more
New Talent Feature Grant
The New Talent Feature Grant (NTFG) is an initiative by the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) to help up-and-coming film directors start their careers in feature film-making. Launched today, the NTFG supports film directors to produce their first feature films in a variety of genres, including those of artistic and cultural value, such as documentaries, festival-oriented works, and films in non-English languages (i.e. Malay and Tamil). The NTFG also supports films meant for theatrical release, festivals and broadcast (i.e. feature-length telemovies).
The NTFG is administered by the SFC, with funding of up to S$250,000 or 100% of the production budget (whichever is lower) for each feature film. NTFG requires recipients to use at least 40% of the grant on Singapore spend1.
The NTFG is a grant, which means directors own the intellectual property of their films. As the NTFG is not based on co-investment, film directors need not raise their own funds and can concentrate their energies on producing good content.
To help them further, NTFG does not require film directors to partner a production company experienced in making feature films. This means that they can form teams with other individuals including freelancers, who have had some experience in media production. Again, this will open up more opportunities for directors to produce their first feature films.
For 2012, call-for-proposals under the NTFG will open from 7 May 2012 to 31 August 2012. More details of the New Talent Feature Grant can be found at: www.mda.gov.sg/IndustryDevelopment/GrantAndSchemes/Pages/overview.aspx.
The NTFG is in line with MDA’s efforts to streamline its schemes. It will thus replace the New Feature Film Fund, which was based on co-investment. The NTFG complements the MDA Grant Schemes such as Development Assistance, which helps filmmakers write/improve their feature film scripts; and Production Assistance which provides a grant of up to 40% of a project’s Singapore spend, plus an additional 10% based on the current project, if a subsequent film from the same applicant is approved within 12 months. These schemes were launched in September 2011.
About the SFC
The SFC was formed in 1998 and is part of the Media Development Authority (MDA) since 2003. It is spearheaded by a panel of members from the film, arts and cultural community, and is supported by a Secretariat within the MDA. The SFC has, over the years, supported more than 500 short films, scripts, feature films, as well as film-related events in Singapore that showcase homegrown talent and works. Some notable films by first time feature filmmakers include 4:30 (Royston Tan), Sandcastle (Boo Junfeng), and Where the Road Meets the Sun (Yong Mun Chee).
About the local Film Industry
Singapore has one of the world’s highest per capita cinema attendance rates at 4.5 visits per person per year. Cinema attendance has experienced a steady increase over the last 4 years from 19.1 mil in 2008 to 22.1 mil in 2011.
2011 was a watershed year for the local box office. The top five films in 2011 grossed approximately S$7.6 mil at the box office. The top five grossing films of 2011 were It’s a Great Great World directed by Kelvin Tong (S$2.3 mil), 23:59 directed by Gilbert Chan (S$1.5 mil), The Ghost Must Be Crazy directed by Mark Lee and Boris Boo (S$1.4 mil), Homecoming directed by Lee Thean-Jeen (S$1.4 mil), and Already Famous directed by Michelle Chong (S$1.3 mil). In 2010, the top five films grossed approximately S$2.7 mil. On the whole, as compared to 2010, the top five grossing local films of 2011 have done better by 64% at the box office.
The Film and Video sector contributed S$211 million in value-added and employed over 4,455 workers in 20102. The growth rate of employment in the sector has increased from 10.5% in 2009 to 19.5% in 2010.
1Singapore Spend refers to a project's expenditure on the cost items incurred in Singapore or on Singaporeans (regardless of residence/location) or Permanent Residents (based in Singapore). This includes third-party costs incurred and paid directly to a Singapore business entity or Singaporeans overseas. Any goods and/or services supplied by a Singapore business entity must be substantially supplied, performed or value-added in Singapore.
2Source: Study commissioned by the Media Development Authority and conducted by the Asia Competitiveness Institute LKYSPP-NUS (2010)
About Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (www.mda.gov.sg) promotes the growth of globally competitive film, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation and interactive digital media industries. It also regulates the media sector to safeguard the interests of consumers, and promotes a connected society.
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