Communications, the Media and Information Technology | 355
To plan ahead on the development of mobile multimedia services, the next wave of advancement in broadcasting technologies, the Government conducted a public consultation exercise on mobile TV and related digital broadcasting services in January to May 2007. The public's and the industry's views were sought on spectrum availability, allocation, assignment as well as licensing arrangement. The Government plans to formulate a policy framework on the implementation for mobile TV services for a second consultation in early 2008.
In the light of media and technological convergence, the Government also sees the need to review the future policy and arrangements for public service broadcasting in Hong Kong. Appointed by the Chief Executive in early 2006 and comprising professionals, academics and media practitioners, an independent committee completed its review on public service broadcasting in Hong Kong and submitted the report to the Government in March 2007. The Government will consult the public extensively on the subject.
Film Industry
Hong Kong is one of the world's major film production centres. Sixty films were produced and released locally in 2007. Their combined box-office receipts amounted to $282.5 million. By the end of 2007, Hong Kong had 49 cinemas, with 192 screens, compared with 48 cinemas, with 177 screens, in 2006. Hong Kong's film industry has been well recognised regionally and internationally over the years. In 2007, Hong Kong films (including Hong Kong-Mainland co-productions) and Hong Kong film talents won a total of 50 awards at 22 international film festivals and competitions.
Government Support
The Government is committed to providing a favourable environment for the healthy long-term development of the film industry in Hong Kong. In order to provide better support to the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (re-titled as the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) after July 1) for the sustainable development of the film industry, the Film Development Committee was expanded to form the high-level Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC) on April 15, 2007.
The HKFDC, chaired by a non-official and comprises mainly members from the film industry, is entrusted with broader and more onerous film-related responsibilities to advise SCED on the policy, strategy and institutional arrangement for the promotion and development of the film industry; the use of public funds to support the film industry; the planning, coordination and implementation of film-related activities; the manpower and training needs of the industry; and the promotion of film literacy in the community.
Film Services Office
The Government set up a Film Services Office under the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority in April 1998 to provide support for the film. industry by facilitating film production in Hong Kong and promoting Hong Kong films locally and abroad.