************************************************************
The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, will send Lunar New Year greetings to Hong Kong people through an animation to be broadcast tomorrow (February 13).
In the 30-second animation titled "So happy to be home", cartoon characters of Mr Tsang and people from all walks of life leap across the Hong Kong skyline before going back home, symbolising that after a year of hard work, Hong Kong people return home to enjoy the Lunar New Year with their families.
"The Chinese New Year holiday is the sweetest moment for me. In this festive season, we can stay at home and offer best wishes to one another. I hope that all Hong Kong people, regardless of age, position and views, can savour the happiness and tranquility with their loved ones," Mr Tsang said.
Mr and Mrs Tsang wished Hong Kong people a harmonious family and good health in the Year of the Tiger.
Noting that it was the first time that his Lunar New Year greetings were sent through an animation, Mr Tsang said the idea was to bring new elements to this annual project and to promote creativity.
The animation was produced by Bliss Concepts Limited. The Chief Executive visited the company mid last year after he had announced the plan to develop the cultural and creative industries.
"The company's cartoon characters 'McDull' and 'McMug' are household names. The creativity behind its products is impressive," Mr Tsang said.
The General Manager of Bliss Concepts Limited, Mr Samuel Choy, said the sweetness of family life was behind the production.
"Hong Kong people are industrious. The Lunar New Year is a time for rest and family union. Through the animation, we want to depict how wonderful it is to stay with our loved ones at home after a year of hard work," he said.
"Schubert's classical music 'Serenade' was chosen as the background tune to create a light-hearted mood."
The animation will be broadcast on television and uploaded to the website of the Chief Executive and YouTube.
During the Lunar New Year holiday, it will be shown on the TV screens at a number of spots in the territory, including the lobbies of public housing estates, the Hong Kong International Airport, major boundary control points, shopping malls of the Link and Leisure and Cultural Services Department's sports centres.
Members of the public can also view it on the LED display boards at Victoria Park at Causeway Bay and the Urban Council Centenary Garden at Tsim Sha Tsui, and on Airport Express and some Cathay Pacific flights.
Ends/Friday, February 12, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:03
NNNN
