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The Government today (April 14) announced the establishment of the Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC) and the appointment of 16 non-official members for a term from April 15, 2007 to March 31, 2009.
The HKFDC will be chaired by Mr Jack So Chak-kwong, who is the chairman of the existing Film Development Committee. The membership will comprise all the current 11 non-official members of the committee, and five new members, namely Mr Wong Ying-wai, Mr Wong Chi-keung, Mr Chan Ka-sung, Gordon, Ms Cheung Yuen-ting, Mabel, and Mr Ng See-yuen.
The Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Communications and Technology) will serve as vice-chairman, while the Secretary for Home Affairs or his representative and the Executive Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council or his representative will serve as the ex-officio members of the Council.
Welcoming the establishment of the HKFDC and the appointment, the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph W P Wong, said that the Government is committed to promoting the development of the local film industry which will benefit the overall economy.
"The HKFDC is a very important committee to advise the Government on the overall policy and strategy for the short and long term development of the local film industry.
"We will also consult the HKFDC on specific measures to promote the film industry, including the detailed arrangements for the Film Development Fund with an increase in commitment of $300 million and an expanded scope to provide funding support for small-to-medium budget film productions.
"I am most grateful to all members of the existing Film Development Committee for agreeing to serve on the new HKFDC. The majority of the members of the HKFDC are active and prominent members of the film industry. I am confident that the HKFDC will be able to offer very useful advice to the Government to revive and promote the development of our film industry," Mr Wong said.
The HKFDC is tasked to advise the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology on:
1. the policy, strategy and institutional arrangement for the promotion and development of the film industry;
2. the use and allocation of public funds in support of the film industry;
3. the planning, coordination and implementation of publicly funded activities related to the film industry;
4. the merits of applications for public funding under the relevant funding schemes;
5. the manpower and training needs of the film industry; and
6. the promotion of film literacy in the community.
The members of the HKFDC and their biographies are as follows:
Mr Jack So Chak-kwong (Chairman)
Mr So has served as the Chairman of the Film Development Committee since November 2005. He has held various posts in the telecommunications, transportation, securities, finance and property industries.
Mr Gordon Chan Ka-sung
Mr Chan is a director, producer and scriptwriter. He is the President of the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild, and a member of the Projects Vetting Committee of the Film Development Fund.
Mr Chan Wing-mei
Mr Chan is engaged film distribution businesses.
Ms Mabel Cheung Yuen-ting
Ms Cheung is a film director, and a member of the Projects Vetting Committee of the Film Development Fund.
Mr Felix Fong Wo
Mr Fong is a solicitor by profession. He is also the Chairman of the Liquor Licensing Board.
Mr Crucindo Hung Cho-sing
Mr Hung is the Chairman of the Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories Motion Picture Industry Association.
Mr Bill Kong Chi-keung
Mr Kong is a dedicated film producer.
Ms Terry Lai Siu-ping
Ms Lai is an experienced film and video distributor.
Mr Peter Lam Kin-ngok
Mr Lam is a film producer, and is the Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Films.
Mr Ng See-yuen
Mr Ng is a film producer and director. He is the Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers, Honorary Permanent President of the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild, and Advisor of the Hong Kong International Film Festival.
Mr John Sham Kin-fun
Mr Sham is both an actor and a producer. He is also the Executive Secretary of the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers.
Ms Nansun Shi
Ms Shi has extensive experience in the television and film industries, including production, marketing, distribution and promotion.
Mr Suen Kwok-lam
Mr Suen is the executive director of a land development company, and is also the President of Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies.
Mr Wong Chi-keung
Mr Wong is one of Hong Kong's foremost film critics.
Mr Raymond Wong Pak-ming
Mr Wong is an experienced director, scriptwriter and actor, and is the Chairman of Movie Producers and Distributors Association of Hong Kong.
Mr Wong Ying-wai
Mr Wong has rich public service experience and has been the Chairman of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Ltd. since 2004.
Ex-officio members
Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Communications and Technology) (Vice-chairman)
Secretary for Home Affairs or his representative
Executive Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council or his representative.
Ends/Saturday, April 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:01
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