THE MEDIA
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by assessing public opinion as reflected by the mass media and by advising govern- ment departments on matters which are of particular concern or interest to the public. Publication of the Hong Kong News Digest has been continued for Hong Kong people overseas, though postage costs in other countries have made it necessary for the paper to be distributed fortnightly instead of weekly.
The information section of the Hong Kong Government Office in London works in collaboration with the Government Information Services. The section keeps the British media informed of all newsworthy developments in Hong Kong which come within the sphere of the government. It does this through a private national tele- printer network direct to newspapers, magazines and radio editors; through in-depth news releases sent by mail; and through personal contact with journalists. The London Office depends heavily on news and other information supplied by GIS- which sends a daily news round-up by telex and fuller details by airmail. Enquiries from the media are usually answered by the London Office reference library, but if necessary queries are referred to Hong Kong by the direct telex link with GIS.
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In 1975 the information section was closely concerned with the design and con- struction of a new and larger Hong Kong Exhibition at the Commonwealth Institute in London. The exhibition was opened in September by Dame Margot Fonteyn, with entertainment provided by the Luk Chi Fu lion dancers and the Tung Wah College dance team who travelled from Hong Kong specially for the occasion.
Film Industry
Film making is a large industry in Hong Kong, which ranks among the world's main film producing countries in terms of the number of major productions filmed each year. In recent years, local film makers have established significant overseas markets for the distribution of Hong Kong films.
While the studios of the major producers-Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest- continued to turn out a considerable number of films in 1975, productions by in- dependent companies showed a marked decrease. This situation is said to result from tighter finance, reduced support at local box offices, and a need for the local film industry to find a new line to follow the phenomenal success of the kung-fu and other martial art films--which are no longer in such demand. Some film makers, however, have been quick to make the most of Hong Kong's scenic attractions and lower film production costs by engaging in joint venture agreements with major Western film makers. A number of such joint productions made in local studios have already enjoyed good business internationally.
The people of Hong Kong are among the world's keenest cinemagoers, but attendances in 1975 were generally lower. The economic situation and television have been blamed. The re-imposition of entertainment tax on cinema tickets during the year is not considered to be a significant factor. The year's most popular films were 'The Towering Inferno', 'The Last Message', and 'Earthquake', which grossed $5.7 million, $4.6 million, and $2.7 million respectively. At the end of the year there were 87 cinemas with a total seating capacity of 105,689.