ENG-2020 — Page 135

Commerce and Industry

Enhancing Local Production

In 2020, four films were approved under the Film Production Financing Scheme, and two films funded by that scheme and the Film Production Grant Scheme were released commercially.

Expanding Markets and Building Audiences

Due to COVID-19, the annual Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, whose promotion is funded by CreateHK, was held online, drawing an audience of more than 320,000.

CreateHK subsidises distribution and publicity for Hong Kong-produced Cantonese films in the Mainland. It also subsidises participation by Hong Kong films at film festivals outside Hong Kong. In 2020, CreateHK supported the screening of over 30 Hong Kong films at six international film festivals by direct subsidy or in collaboration with overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices. CreateHK funds screenings, seminars and film appreciation courses by trade organisations for the local community, especially young people.

Support for Non-film Creative Sectors

CreateSmart Initiative

The CreateSmart Initiative (CSI) supports promotional and educational projects from other seven non-film creative sectors, providing about $355 million to 48 such projects in 2020.

Nurturing Talent and Facilitating Start-ups

Through the CSI, CreateHK supports the manpower development of creative industries and nurturing of start-ups.

Support arrangements include: the Design Incubation Programme, for design start-ups; the Fashion Incubation Programme, for up-and-coming fashion designers; graduate programmes, providing internships at digital advertising, digital entertainment and design companies; the DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award, which selects winners to receive government funding to pursue work attachments or further studies overseas; the Animation Support Programme, funding original animation by start-ups and small companies; the Hong Kong Game Enhancement and Promotion Scheme, which supports game companies to develop marketing campaigns and enhance the quality and profitability of their products; the Support Programme for Advertising and Music Talents (Microfilm Production), which offers funding and mentorship to advertising production companies and directors; and the Next Writer Publication Funding Scheme, subsidising publication and promotion of new books by nine groups of local emerging writers.

Creative talent is also sponsored to take part in advertising and short film events, such as the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and Market.

Exploring Markets

CreateHK supports the non-film creative sectors to bring high-value customers to Hong Kong, and takes local talent and products to Mainland and overseas markets. CSI-sponsored activities in 2020 included the Hong Kong Pavilion at the online South China Book Festival and promotions in Guangzhou and Shenzhen bookstores; the promotion of local fashion brands

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