Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) has developed into one of Asia’s most significant cross-media, cross-industry entertainment trade platforms over the last 10 years. Thanks to the potent supports from the film and television industries, FILMART has established its leading position in areas of film financing, distribution, production, post-production, television, digital entertainment, film & broadcasting equipment and shooting locations in the region. It is also an effective occasion for launching promotion campaigns, a platform for building network, and an important gateway to the Chinese Mainland market.

FILMART 2007 has proven to be a huge success, attracting more than 450 exhibitors and over 4,000 guests from 50 countries and regions. During the exhibition, more than 60 seminars and networking activities were running at full capacity. Other highlights of FILMART 2007 also included over 160 screenings, which were all well received. As a world-class, star-studded extravaganza, there were also 14 international premieres, attracting celebrated industry players from all over the globe. The 12th anniversary of FILMART next year is anticipated to be another great success.

Over the years, many internationally renowned corporations have participated at FILMART. They included: China Film Promotion International, China International TV Corporation from the Chinese Mainland; Ausfilm from Australia; German Films Service & Marketing GmbH from Germany; UK Film Council from Great Britain; Unifrance from France; Fortissimo Film Sales from Holland; Lionsgate from US; KOFIC, CJ Entertainment Inc from South Korea; as well as TOEI Company Limited, Kadokawa Herald Pictures, Inc., and Unijapan from Japan.

FILMART 2008 is going to be a large scale international marketplace. Returning exhibitors are expected to include big names such as: China Film Promotion International from the Chinese Mainland; Australian Film Commission from Australia; German Films Service & Marketing GmbH from Germany, UK Film Council from Great Britain; Unifrance from France; FAPAE / ICEX from Spain; KOFIC from South Korea; JETRO, UNIJAPAN from Japan; Vietnam Cinema Association from Vietnam. At FILMART 2008, China Film Promotion International will expand its exhibition booth to 200m2 while FAPAE / ICEX of Spain 54m2. In addition, PPFI (Indonesia) is looking forward to making its debut appearance. Hong Kong film and entertainment industry leaders have also shown their supports. Market giants such as Mei Ah Entertainment Group, Media Asia Distribution Ltd, Emperor Motion Pictures and Universe Films Distribution Limited, have all confirmed to take part in FILMART 2008, each occupy a 54 m2 booth. Other renowned exhibitors also include Golden Harvest Entertainment Co. Ltd, Television Broadcasts Limited, ATV, Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings Limited and Sunwah Media. As a significant film market in the global film calendar, FILMART 2008 will no doubt be a leading event appealing to industry players from not only Hong Kong, but the rest of Asia and the world.

Mega thematic pavilions will undergo a series of expansion at FILMART 2008. As the highlights of the exhibition, Animation and Digital Entertainment World, Equipment and Post-Production Services Pavilion, and TV World will all return in 2008 – bigger and better!

The highly acclaimed Animation and Digital Entertainment World will celebrate its fifth anniversary. The number of exhibitors of this pavilion has been increasing constantly. There were a total of 73 exhibitors in 2007, showing a steady increase compared to previous years. It is expected that the number of exhibitors will continue to rise in 2008. Currently interested exhibitors include delegations from France, Great Britain, South Korea, Japan, Philippines and Thailand.

The Equipment and Post-Production Services Pavilion was first launched in 2006 to provide one-stop service to facilitate filmmakers in sourcing post-production partners and filming equipments. In 2007, there were a total of 15 companies showcasing their state-of-the-art products and services. These exhibitors include: ARRI from Germany; Flying-Cam Limited from Belgium; Soundfirm Pty Ltd from Australia; Technicolor Ltd from Thailand; and Salon Films, Jebsen & Co. Ltd. and Shun Hing JVC Ltd from Hong Kong.

TV World was set up as a new initiative at FILMART 2007 to highlight the presence and significance of the TV industry. It was well received by the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong media professionals. Leading Hong Kong TV stations such as TVB, ATV, Cable TV, Pacific Century Matrix (HK) Limited, Phoenix Satellite Television, RTHK TV, Mei Ah movie channel and Now TV all participated enthusiastically at the TV Forum. Cao Yin, deputy head of the State Administration of Radio Film and Television (SARFT), was invited to be the guest speaker to share with the latest market trend and development in the Chinese market. As FILMART strives to enhance TV content, TV World will continue to be a platform for facilitating the exchange of ideas, promoting trade, technology and culture, pushing the TV industry to a new level.

Other than exhibition booths, FILMART will also feature all sorts of special events such as seminars, networking cocktails, press conferences. Screenings are scheduled for buyers to watch first-hand Asia blockbusters-to-be. Free one-stop professional services including consultations on law, finance and marketing are offered to attendees. Business matching service will also be available onsite to help participants explore potential investors, producers and distributors at no cost at the fairground.