PCCW launches HK$300 million Independent Productions Fund Offering Hong Kong viewers a greater variety of quality programs
PCCW（SEHK:0008）- HONG KONG, November 7, 2013 – PCCW announces the set-up of a HK$300 million Independent Productions Fund for the acquisition of local independent productions in a bid to support the local production industry, as well as offering a greater variety of TV program choices for Hong Kong viewers.
PCCW welcomes the Chief Executive-in-Council’s grant of the approval-in-principle of HK Television Entertainment Company Limited’s (HKTVE) application for a Domestic Free Television Programme Service License (Free TV license). Our total investment plan across the first six years of operations is estimated to be over HK$1.3 billion, a substantial part of which will be invested in programming and production. In addition to our own productions, we have set aside a pool of funds to be accessed by local creative talents. First conceived more than a year ago, the Independent Productions Fund forms part of PCCW’s preparation for its Free TV service.
This fund aims to draw together the local creative industry and independent producers who share the same vision of bringing viewers more quality choices in TV programs. It will unleash the potential of cross-media talents in films and TV and harness the creativity of independent producers in Hong Kong so that we can offer original and innovative formats of programming for the enjoyment of Hong Kong viewers.
As a start, PCCW intends to invest HK$300 million in this fund, and is open to further phases in the future upon a favorable response. We seek to bring to viewers an array of attractive TV movies and mini-series with an aim to developing about 60 titles. In addition, we will also identify other genres including reality series, variety shows and lifestyle programs.
The selection criteria will be based upon originality, creativity, production and content quality, and viability of the proposal. Quality programming of all scale and genres will be considered. Upon receiving a proposal and confirming its production budget, we will facilitate and support the production process drawing upon our production experience and facilities resources where necessary. We aim to complete the evaluation process within 60 days of receipt of a comprehensive proposal.
The fund is open to all creative talents, independent producers and new generation directors. PCCW has already been in discussion with certain partners on proposals for reality programs, series by renowned directors, refreshing romantic stories, documentaries and talk shows. It is anticipated that several proposals can be confirmed before the end of this year, with more in the pipeline. While we continue to seek out new partners and creative talents, we also welcome proposals to be sent to our project coordinator Ms. Mamie Leung, Senior Vice President of Content Development, TV and New Media of PCCW (indie.prod@pccw.com).
At the inauguration of the fund, PCCW today organized an industry forum for film and TV directors and talents to share their views on the development of the local independent production industry. They also discussed the outlook of the Free TV industry for the production industry, and the future trends for drama and non-drama TV programming, and new media. Participants included Mr. Daniel Lam Shiu-ming, Mr. Paco Wong, Mr. Lai Man-cheuk, Mr. Siu Chiu-yeun, Mr. Lawrence Cheng Tan-shui, Ms. Sandy Lamb, Mr. Lee Lik-chi, Ms. Barbara Wong Chun-chun, Mr. Patrick Kong, Mr. Fire Lee Ka-wing, Mr. Adam Wong Sau Ping, Mr. Derek Tsang, Mr. Lau Ka-ho, Mr. Sham Kwok-wing, Mr. Gary Tang, Mr. Ronald Ng, Mr. Liu Kai-chi, Mr. Joey Leung, Mr. Wang He, Ms. Mandy Lieu and others. They expressed support for the project and explored the possibility of bringing their new productions to Hong Kong TV viewers. PCCW will continue to organize more forums at various academic institutes to garner industry views.
Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director of PCCW’s TV and New Media business, said, “We recognize the merits of creating a healthy independent production industry, as it encourages and fosters creativity of talents working across TV, film, and music, in order to bring upon the best and new formats of TV programs to viewers. Our fund provides an open platform to enable them to unleash their potential which will in turn elevate the standards of the local television industry while satisfying viewers’ need for more quality TV program choices. As we continue to engage in our own productions, we also earnestly look forward to cooperating with industry partners to turn their creative ideas into quality TV content.”
PCCW has earlier announced an outline of its Free TV plan. In addition to identifying and acquiring local independent TV productions, we will also acquire local and international drama productions. We have already completed the filming of our first high quality period drama series, Empress Wei Zifu. While post-production of this HK$60 million debut series is in progress, we have started preparation for the second and third drama series. Furthermore, PCCW intends to show some of our world-class sports content on our Free TV service. To support the development of local sports culture, our Free TV service will also broadcast various local and school community sporting events. Last but not least, PCCW has accumulated substantial experience in producing professional and award winning news programs as well as high quality variety programming.
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For further information, please contact:
Ivan Ho
Corporate Communications Manager
Tel: +852 2883 8747