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Giant cartoon figures land in Shanghai for Hong Kong Ani-Com Carnival (with photos)
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     Giant Hong Kong cartoon characters have landed in Shanghai for the Hong Kong Ani-Com Carnival launched today (September 4) to showcase the creativity and achievements of the sector during Shanghai Expo.

     Among the 30 characters on display are eye-catching 3-metre tall versions of the popular characters McDull, Tiger Wong and Cloud as well as a new character, Bibi, who is the Carnival mascot that has been created especially for the event.

     Other 'smaller' characters on display range in height from 1.15m to 2.1m and include Hero, Master Q, Miss 13 Dots, Wind, Samba and Tien Tien.

     All the characters are sure to be a huge hit with children and adults alike during the Carnival, an official HKSAR Programme for Expo, which runs form Sept 4 to 16 at the Grand Gateway shopping mall in Shanghai.    

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Mr Alan Siu, said the Carnival provided an excellent platform for the industry to show people from all over the world the originality and creativity of Hong Kong's comic artists.

     "Tapping markets in the Mainland and overseas is the way forward for our comics and animation industry," said Mr Siu.

     "The HKSAR Government will support the industry to help it keep pace with changes in the way creative content is distributed due to advances in technology.

     "For example, we are supporting the industry to develop smartphone applications that will allow readers outside Hong Kong to subscribe to and read Hong Kong comics first hand, which will break down geographical barriers."

     The Carnival - the largest ever comics and animation event staged by Hong Kong - is being jointly presented by the Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation, the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Industry Support Center, with the support of Cyberport and the Hong Kong Arts Centre.

     Apart from displaying the cartoon character models, the Carnival will include an exhibition on the achievements of the cartoon industry as well as a series of activities such as a comic painting workshop and animation dubbing to help visitors better understand the work of the industry.

     After Shanghai, the exhibition will move to Guangzhou and Dongguan to further promote Hong Kong's animation and comics sector.

     A selection of characters will return to Shanghai to go on display at the Baosteel Stage inside the Shanghai Expo Park for Hong Kong Week from October 18 to 22.  

     During the Shanghai Expo period, Hong Kong has and will stage a number of events to promote the creative industry sectors.

     These have included a wide range of cultural and performing arts programmes, as well as an exhibition by the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers.

     Later this month, Hong Kong's advertising sector will release the results of a global survey on the perceptions and potential of Chinese brands, while the fashion industry will stage a major exhibition in October.

     A film festival, community art display and pop concerts are also planned for Hong Kong Week, along with opera, jazz, classical music, Cantonese opera, harmonica and Youth Symphony Orchestra performances.

     A 'Style Hong Kong' event featuring top-end Hong Kong brand products and designs will also be staged in the high-traffic Nanjing Road East pedestrian plaza from October 15 to 19.

     For more information on Hong Kong's Expo participation, please visit: www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk.

Ends/Saturday, September 4, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:01

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