InfoComm Asia 2023 is where Asia’s AudioVisual (AV) professionals will meet from 24 to 26 May — to rekindle friendships, connect with others, share ideas and discuss opportunities. With a 38% larger show floor featuring even more AV technologies, solutions and learning opportunities as well as highlighting greater business opportunities, the Show is the place to be for the Professional AV industry in the wider Asian region.
SHOW FLOOR ACTION: Interact, Ideate and Grow
Amidst the current global geopolitical developments that have increasingly led to market fragmentation and technology bifurcation, it is imperative for like-minded visionary AV players to gather at the intersection of varied needs and robust solutions, and explore potential opportunities and synergies. At InfoComm Asia 2023, AV professionals, system integrators and manufactures will be inspired to share ideas, spark new ones, and establish collaborations that can birth the next big solutions.
The go-to Show for the industry is set to rally AV professionals from all over Asia, including Japan, China, India and even Australia, as well as IT professionals and vertical market buyers from all over Southeast Asia. For this extensive reach in the region, the former InfoComm Southeast Asia has been renamed InfoComm Asia.
LEARNING PLATFORMS: Deeper Insights with Summits and Technical Tour
AV professionals can look forward to enhancing their market knowledge and technical know-hows with InfoComm Asia’s signature learning platforms – InfoComm Asia Summit and NIXT Summit. The former is the pre-eminent educational platform for everything AV, and the latter providing a peak into how industries are engaging the power of emerging tech to secure their future.
The Asia AV Leaders Connect at InfoComm Asia Summit gathers the industry’s C-suite and directorate leaders from across Asia for a half-day program that will open with a keynote by Dave Labuskes, CEO, AVIXA on “Global Pro-AV Market Trends in the Next 3-5 Years”; followed by a panel discussion, “Spotlight on Asia’s AV Market”. Thereafter, AV leaders can network and connect with their peers at the exclusive networking reception.
The AV Training spans across the first two days of InfoComm Asia Summit, and caters to AV professionals like AV project managers, technicians, programmers and engineers who are looking to hone their AV technical expertise. Designed and delivered by leading AV system integrators and consultants, the sessions will deep dive into a range of topics including:
– AV Projects – The Need for Both Science and Art to be Successful – Enter a New Dimension of Control for the Modern Control Room – Will Video Conferencing be Replacing In-person Meetings in Our Regional Business Conduct Post-Covid Era? – The Great AV Talent Drain – The Mega Trend of the Workplace, Hybrid Meeting – How to Maximize the Potential of the Microphone – Manageability in AV – AVL and Acoustics in Performing Arts Centres and Modern Houses of Worship — Same Same but Different
There will also be opportunities for AV professionals to join the popular AV Technical Tour on 24 and 25 May to see in-person digital signage systems installed within the newly-constructed Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). REGISTRATION IS OPEN: Admission is Free
One of the world’s most attractive destination, Bangkok, Thailand is all set to host AV professionals from all over Asia to gather, network and exchange knowledge on the latest AV trends and developments in Asia and beyond. It will also be a treasure trove of solutions for every organizational need. Professional AV stakeholders can reignite the spark to boost their business right here, and pave the way for their client organisations to advance by quantum leap.
InfoComm Asia 2023 will take place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) from 24 to 26 May. Admission is free. Visitors can register their visit and get the latest Show updates at www.infocomm-asia.com.
About InfoCommAsia
InfoCommAsia Pte. Ltd. is the region’s preeminent organizer of tradeshows for the Professional AudioVisual (Pro-AV) and Transformative Solutions industries. Through industry-leading shows for China, India and Asia, InfoCommAsia connects global and regional solution providers, vertical market end-users and the supply chain with the most important markets of Asia Pacific.
Additional information is available at: infocomm-china.com | nixt-china.com | infocomm-india.com | infocomm-asia.com
International trip to Cannes 2023 touts Atlanta’s entertainment fintech ecosystem and promotes the city as a world-class destination for film and television production.
Filmhedge CEO, Jon Gosier, will lead the first delegation of City officials and business leaders to the Cannes Film Festival, May 16 through May 27.
FilmHedge CEO, Jon Gosier at Cannes
Gosier, who founded Filmhedge in 2020, understands the importance of not only attending The Cannes Film Festival but of contributing to the success of the critical financial landscape that can make or break a successful year for filmmakers.
“Filmhedge is sponsoring the Marche du Film’s International Film Finance Forum as well as a number of other events at Cannes like the Producer Forum, where many films land lucrative distribution and sales deals,” said Gosier. “These events comprise the top echelon of the entertainment industry. As a funder of films with budgets as high as $50 million, globally, Filmhedge has an important seat at the table. Atlanta has an important seat at the table. We need to celebrate that fact,” Gosier said.
On Tuesday, April 18, at The Garden Room of the Atlanta St. Regis Hotel, Filmhedge hosted Atlanta’s critical assembly of economic leaders for film and television production for the first Annual Cannes+Atl.
Cannes+Atl is an association of local investors, producers, bankers, and others who will host events in both Atlanta, GA, and Cannes, France aimed at celebrating Georgia’s contributions to the Film and TV industry.
With support from city officials, Atlanta delegates, and members of Cannes+Atl, the principals are excited to be present and meet decision-makers at the 76th Annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France in May.
When asked what motivated the launch of Cannes+Atl, Gosier responded, “I’ve been hosting and sponsoring events for 6 years at Cannes, the most prestigious and largest international film festival in the world.” Gosier continued, “I’m always there championing Georgia’s entertainment infrastructure, its state tax incentives, and various local creators. Recently, it dawned on me that Atlanta, and Georgia more broadly, really had no prominent ‘voice’ at the conference. Last year I sponsored an event from another State because there was no Georgia event to support. I asked myself, how is that possible? This gap inspired my team to create one. FilmHedge is happy to give back to the state of Georgia, which has become so important to the entertainment industry.”
Present at Cannes+Atl were Marsei Martin – star of ABC’s Blackish and Executive Producer at Genius Productions; Joshua Martin, President, Genius Productions; Bobby Huntley, Director; Doug Cash, Vice President HULU; Cardelia Hunter, Director of The Atlanta Mayors Office of Film & Television; Brandon Butler, Owner ButterATL; Paris ‘PK’ Kirk, PK Music Management; Melissa Proctor, CMO of The Atlanta Hawks; Kaleeta McDade, Chief Experience Officer, VLMY&r; Ryan Millsap, CEO The Blackhall Group; Jessica White, Producer, Model; Rodney Ho, Entertainment Reporter, Atlanta Journal Constitution; and others.
Ryan Millsap, CEO of The Blackhall Group, and founder of Blackhall Studios says, “The missing pieces in the Georgia Film ecosystem are money, development, and distribution; We need Georgia capital to invest in film and television imagined in Georgia, developed in Georgia, and distributed by Georgia entertainment companies. I’m thrilled to hear that Jon Gosier and Filmhedge are growing an entertainment capital company based in Georgia.” Millsap continued, “Truly, we need Georgia-based Capital making money in film and television. Capital is integral to the long-term independence and sustainability of the entertainment industry in Georgia. Today our industry is dependent on a tax credit, but with enough capital in the space we could one day have an entertainment economy like Los Angeles that functions organically with or without a tax credit. We aren’t there today, but growing Capital companies takes us one step closer.”
Joshua Martin, President of Genuis Productions, and father of Marsai Martin of the ABC sitcom Blackish, knows how critical it is to think creatively and to take risks. “Our goal at Genius is to mine and nurture stories that might be overlooked by mainstream entertainment studios.” Continuing, Martin went on to say, “My job is to find that diamond in the rough. Filmhedge is a unique catalyst that not only diversifies funding but also breaks the money mold to diversify opportunity.”
About FilmHedge Founded in 2020, FilmHedge is a fintech platform that provides private credit and financing solutions to qualified TV and Film producers, offering up to $10 million per Film or TV production. In addition to financing, the company uses data to track Film/TV production financial data, interest rates, and the creditworthiness of producers and production companies. In 2022 FilmHedge successfully closed on $100 million in financing to meet growing demand. For more information on FilmHedge visit: https://www.filmhedge.com
About Cannes+Atl In its inaugural year, Cannes+Atl is a loose industry association and delegation of Financiers, Production Companies, Directors, and other local stakeholders aimed at celebrating and highlighting Georgia’s contributions to the international film community, while also attracting new business to the State. For more information on Cannes+Atl visit: https://cannesatl.com
Contact Information Nye Ballard Marketing Manager nye@filmhedge.com (205)566-9120
The Asia Video Industry Association’s (AVIA) Future of Video India conference opened to a full house with a keynote conversation with Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). Secretary Chandra stated that with OTT, Indian content has become more accessible and more acceptable to a global audience. “Quality of content has always been very good in India, but now it is easier for Indian content to travel across the world. OTT has helped it in a big way,” said Chandra. He also reiterated the need for OTT to continue with a soft touch approach, as the three tier self- regulatory system has been working well. While there were concerns that light touch regulation has led to less desirable content, he remained of the view that the industry needed to be more self-aware so that the government need not step in. Chandra also shared that a National Broadcasting Policy has been in the works, as the industry was becoming more fragmented. However, this would take time in order to balance the conflicting interests of all the disparate parties.
With the explosive growth of OTT and original content in India, the MIB also remained committed to the fight against piracy. “The new Cinematograph Bill that is underway seeks to protect the entertainment industry from piracy. We are ready to take action against not only those who record the content illegally, but even those who are transmitting it online. The websites which stream pirated content will be blocked,” said Chandra.
This focus on content was a theme that followed throughout the conference. Sushant Sreeram, Country Director, Prime Video India, talked about the importance of authenticity in a market as diverse as India. “By being locally authentic, it provides the best opportunity for regional and global success,” noted Sreeram. India also maintained the second largest development slate after North America, signalling Prime Video’s commitment to the market.
Similarly, Sajith Sivanandan, Head of Disney+ Hotstar India, said, “We are building for all India. There is no one India, there are many India’s and it is important that we speak to all of them.” However, much greater interactivity with the content was on his wishlist for the future, as well as the ability to serve the masses but at a scale of one. “Creative and technology should be working together to serve every single person to get the content they want,” he added.
Meeting the digital consumers’ demand was also part of the vision for Viacom18. “We have a digital-first mindset for the foreseeable future. We want to back the digital India vision and put our might behind it,” said Jyoti Deshpande, CEO, Viacom18, with most of the money spent on content going to digital and not TV. “All formats will co-exist for the foreseeable future. The consumer should be free to interact with content the way they please,” added Deshpande. Sameer Nair, Managing Director, Applause Entertainment, also noted that ‘streamers have done a great service to the content industry, making content more easily available to consumers.’ “We are in the business of creating mass-distraction,” quipped Nair.
Vikram Sahay, Joint Secretary (Policy & Administration), MIB, who participated in a content panel with some of the industry’s top content leaders, also said that the best thing about OTT was the democratisation of talent. “The greatest thing is the democratisation of talent which this industry has allowed across all parts of the creative content chain,” said Sahay.
However, the jury is still out on the best way to monetize the content that is flooding the Indian market. For Arghya Chakravarty, COO, Shemaroo Entertainment, advertising was highly dependent on the economic climate, as the advertising markets changed. Hence the sweet spot was always somewhere in the middle, and for long term sustainability, it would require a mix of both. Praveen Chaudhury, Director, Retention, Engagement & Growth Strategy, DTC Marketing, Warner Bros Discovery, APAC, also noted that the high cost of direct customer acquisition meant aggregation and partnerships remained key.
As the fragmentation of advertising delivery was continuing to put huge downward pressure on rates, the role of operator bundling was also super important, said Prasad Sanagavarapu, Chief Business Officer, INVIDI. With very rich first party data sitting with the aggregator at a level dwarfing what any individual OTT service could manage, they had a crucial role to play in advertising, added Sanagavarapu.
The very important issue of female representation in the television and entertainment industry was discussed by a distinguished panel of female industry leaders. Smriti Mehra, CEO – Business News, Network18, highlighted the fact that all too often workplaces had defining gender roles and too many talented former colleagues had dropped out of the industry. There were societal issues at play as well of course, but there was much positive action that could be taken within the corporate context. Earlier in the day. Jyoti Deshpande had defined it as the search for equity, not just equality.
Wrapping up the conference, Mihir Shah, VP, India, Media Partners Asia (MPA), said that India’s growth story remained intact amidst global turmoil, with macro tailwinds and digitalization propelling growth for video advertising, and digital penetration now on par with television.
Content spend was also expected to double to US$10bn in the next five years, with online video content investments catching up with pay TV. Shah also noted that mergers and acquisitions will continue to fuel scale and profitability for the major incumbents. And with Connected TV adoption on the rise, premium inventory will fuel the growth for the AVOD segment. “Content is king, and it’s reigning supreme,” summarised Shah.
The Future of Video India is proudly sponsored by AKAMAI, Bharucha & Partners, INVIDI, Magnite, MEASAT, PubMatic and Samsung Ads.
About the Asia Video Industry Association
The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.
The Asia Video Industry Association’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) commends the Singapore High Court for its latest Order to block another 20 illegal streaming sites and associated domains responsible for the distribution of illegally streamed content in Singapore. Under the Order, Internet Service Providers must disable access to these illegal sites and their associated domains.
The Order is the latest in an ongoing campaign by CAP members, BBC Studios, LaLiga, the Premier League and TVB International, that has seen the blocking of hundreds of illegal streaming sites that were offering access to some of the most sought-after content including premium sports, drama and entertainment.
The Order comes as CAP releases its latest YouGov consumer surveys that highlight the effectiveness of site blocking, particularly in Singapore. “It’s no coincidence that after almost ten years of blocking pirate sites, the research shows that Singapore has one of the lowest piracy rates in the region, but given the inherent time and cost inefficiencies in the system we can only imagine how much more effective it could be if rights holders were able to block more often and at a higher volume,” said CAP’s General Manager, Matthew Cheetham. The YouGov surveys also show that Singapore consumers are being educated about the dangers and risks associated with accessing illegal content online. Cheetham noted, “In blocking access to these illegal streaming sites, Courts are not only protecting the rights of content holders, but just as importantly continuing to educate and protect consumers who are often unknowingly exposed to viruses and malicious content when accessing illegal sites, including malware that can access a user’s sensitive data such as banking details.”
Site blocking continues to have multiple positive benefits as the YouGov research shows that in addition to Singapore having the highest consumer awareness in the region of the dangers and risks associated with accessing illegal content online, it also has the highest rates of subscription to legitimate content channels. Cheetham further noted, “Protecting content and providing easy access to legitimate sources go hand in hand. There are now a multitude of ways in which consumers can easily and affordably access legal content, and in doing so protect themselves from the risks associated in accessing pirate sites.”
About the Asia Video Industry Association The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.
InfoComm Asia 2023 returns from 24 to 26 May with a 38% larger show floor filled with more AudioVisual (AV) technologies and solutions to explore; and even more industry and technology-focused learning sessions at its Summits. It is also where Asia’s AV professionals will meet – to connect, share ideas, discuss opportunities, and rekindle friendships.
SHOW FLOOR: Explore Even More Solutions for Digital Innovation and Transformation
This year, with a 38% increase in show floor at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), the Show will deliver a bigger display of the world’s latest in Professional AudioVisual technology and solutions. Major brands visitors can look out for at InfoComm Asia 2023 include AVCIT, Audio Technica, BOE, Bose, Christie, Dahua, Danacoid, Harman, Jabra, Kramer, Lenovo, Leyard, Planar, MaxHub, Sennheiser, Shure, Unilumin, Vega and many more. This year’s Show will feature more than 40 first-time exhibitors, including Akusanet, AVCIT, BARCO,Dahua, Danacoid, Datapath, Hikvision, ScreenBeam, Sennheiser, Unilumin andYeastar.
LEARNING PLATFORMS: Deeper Insights with Summits and Technical Tour
InfoComm Asia presents InfoComm Asia Summit and NIXT Summit – the former being the pre-eminent educational platform for everything AV, and the latter providing a peak into how industries are engaging the power of emerging tech to secure their future. This year, delegates will have access to some 35 free-to-attend sessions. Professional AV and Transformative Solutions experts and industry leaders will deliver these sessions across different tracks, each with a distinct focus.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to join the popular AV Technical Tour to see in-person digital signage systems installed within the newly-constructed QSNCC.
PRE-SHOW: Discover the solutions you are looking for, even before you arrive at the Show
To help solution-seekers make their time at InfoComm Asia 2023 efficient and productive, a series of engagement tools on the Show website facilitate self-personalized engagement with solution providers. The comprehensive tools include an intuitive solution matching system, the information-rich vBooth (every exhibitor has a one-page microsite to showcase their full and on-show offerings), a business card drop function and a meeting appointment scheduler.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN: Admission is Free
One of the world’s most attractive destinations, Bangkok, Thailand is all set to host AV and IT Professionals, and vertical market buyers from all over Asia to gather, network and exchange knowledge on the latest AV trends and developments in Asia and beyond. It will also be a treasure trove of solutions for every organization’s needs in preparing themselves for a digital future.
InfoComm Asia 2023 will take place at QSNCC from 24 to 26 May. Admission is free. Visitors can register their visit and get the latest Show updates at www.infocomm-asia.com.
About InfoCommAsia
InfoCommAsia Pte. Ltd. is the region’s preeminent organizer of tradeshows for the Professional AudioVisual (Pro-AV) and Transformative Solutions industries. Through industry-leading shows in China, India and Asia, InfoCommAsia connects global and regional solution providers, vertical market end-users and the supply chain with the most important markets of Asia Pacific.
Asia’s largest film and TV entertainment trade platform continues online until mid-April
FILMART and EntertainmentPulse, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), assembled more than 7,300 leading entertainment figures from 41 countries and regions. The four-day content marketplace successfully showcased a great variety of cross-media, cross-genre content and brought numerous business opportunities for participants. The confident global exhibitors and buyers were delighted to network in person. “This is my first time attending FILMART. HKTDC helped line up over 10 business matching meetings which are all helpful in establishing business contacts and develop new opportunities. I’m sure some would come to fruition with follow ups,” said Ms Jean Dong, Founder & Chairman of Zespa Media Group, based in London and Beijing.
FILMART and EntertainmentPulse brought together over 7,300 industry talents from 41 countries and regions. Over 700 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions showcased a wide variety of latest film and TV productions.
Industry leaders participated in EntertainmentPulse conference series to talk about the latest entertainment industry trends.
Popular boy band MIRROR visited FILMART to introduce the debut feature film WE 12.
A representative of Hengdian Film & Television Industry Experimental Zone, which has participated in FILMART for five consecutive years, said: “The film industry of Hong Kong is mature and with the advantage of international connections. It is a must for Hengdian to collaborate with Hong Kong in order to go global and co-promote Chinese culture to worldwide audiences.”
Over 700 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions gathered at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) over the past four days for Asia’s largest cross-media and cross-industry film and TV entertainment trade expo. The Mainland China exhibitor tally at FILMART exceeded 330, a record, including the three major streaming platforms – iQIYI, Tencent and Youku. The revived physical marketplace was as vibrant and active as in the past, successfully reuniting industry players from all around the globe for business partnerships.
Innovation and technology had a strong presence as the Hong Kong Animation & Digital Entertainment Pavilion at FILMART gathered more than 30 local companies offering animation, digital effects and interactive media – the three major digital entertainment areas – to promote innovative technology development. Their innovations included creative content rendered through digital effects and Web 3. EntertainmentPulse, the concurrent conference series of FILMART, featured a dedicated session on Web3 in the entertainment industry. Entertainment industry leaders also discussed the prospects and potential of Asian content, the hype behind dating and romance reality shows, and Chinese donghua (animation) as soft power.
Growing interest in dating and romance reality shows Dating and romance reality shows are not new to the TV landscape but are finding great success once again. During the Love Story Wanted: Hype behind Dating and Romance Reality Show session, Mr Yosuke Muramoto, Director and Chief Producer of YD Creation, described how to captivate audiences: “The question is ‘What is true love?’. But how many people amongst the viewers could answer that? This is truly the topic that everyone wants to know and what keeps the viewers coming back.”
Web3 redefines engagement in the entertainment industry The entertainment industry is fuelled by creativity and technology can accelerate its development. The latest breakthrough innovation is Web3 which makes entertainment more realistic and engaging. In the session Uncovering the Application of Web3 in Entertainment Industry, Ms Jenefer Brown, EVP and Head of Global Products and Experiences of Lionsgate, discussed how brands should engage consumers with Web3: “We should approach it in the way that fans could understand and avoid the technical terminologies. The way we market it and engage with fans should always be very simplified. The key to success is to make it feel trusted, understandable and not complicated. The more steps involved, the more people we lose.”
New era for Hong Kong Movies Several Hong Kong productions have broken Hong Kong box-office records recently. In Dialogue with Hong Kong Directors: The Spring of Hong Kong Movies? renowned Hong Kong film directors including Mr Sunny Chan of Table of Six, Ms Judy Chu of Sunshine of My Life, and Mr Jack Ng of A Guilty Conscience, which became the highest-grossing Hong Kong film, reflected on the city’s cinematic success. Mr Ng said: “It is the script that gives confidence to the investors and actors. Without the script, we cannot go anywhere.”
Numerous special events announcing exciting titles
This year’s FILMART again received strong support from major local film and TV companies, organising press conferences as well as on-site booths. Emperor Motion Pictures invited more than 80 movie stars and industry leaders to announce upcoming productions at a press conference, including Under Current, Customs Frontline and New Police Story 2. In addition, PCCW Media Limited’s MakerVille and Viu also held a press conference to announce boy band Mirror’s first film WE 12. A large-scale release conference organised by Muse Communications showcased a wide range of Japanese anime, including the big hit Demon Slayer.
FILMART online platforms open until 15 April The online FILMART portal is accessible until 15 April. Users can revisit all the exciting content from EntertainmentPulse and utilise the direct messaging function offered through the FILMART online platform.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
Media Enquiries: For any media enquiries, please contact: Ogilvy PR: Honman Li, Tel: +852 9638 1208, Email: honman.li@ogilvy.com
Four-day exhibition brings together over 700 exhibitors to explore business opportunities
The HKTDC Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). From 13 to 16 March, over 700 exhibitors will showcase films and TV shows to global buyers and build connections.
Hong Kong International Film and TV Market exhibition (FILMART) attracts over 700 companies from 30 countries and regions.
FILMART showcases various events, including summits, seminars, and film conferences, as well as close to 40 screenings, allowing buyers and visitors to enjoy incredible films during the events.
Mr Leon Lai, Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador, hopes to unite the industry and encourage more young people to join the industry.
Comprising eight exciting events, including FILMART and EntertainmentPulse, the Entertainment Expo launch ceremony was officiated by Mr KK Chan, the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Raistlin Lau, Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Ms Zhou Jihong, First-Grade Counsel, International Cooperation Department, National Radio and Television Administration, Mr Zhang Guo Yi, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Ms Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Mr John Chong, Chairman of HKTDC Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee, Mr Leon Lai, Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador, and representatives of event organisers and supporting organisations.
“FILMART is one of the founding events of the Entertainment Expo and has, over the years, become the largest cross-media and cross-industry entertainment content-trading platform in Asia. With the full resumption of international travel, this year’s FILMART has attracted 702 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions. In last year’s Policy Address, the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive outlined the Government’s commitment to foster the cultural development of Hong Kong and expedite the city’s progression into an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange. I believe that with the Government’s strong support, the industry can seize more opportunities and grow further,” said Ms Fong.
Global exhibitors gather at FILMART again FILMART receives strong support from filmmakers in Hong Kong, Mainland China and worldwide. Numerous Hong Kong entertainment companies – including Edko Films, Emperor Motion Pictures, Golden Scene, Mandarin Film, Media Asia, One Cool Pictures, PCCW Media and Universal Films – participate in FILMART.
Aside from local exhibitors, a record number of over 330 mainland exhibitors from Beijing, Fujian, Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shandong and Shanghai are attending. They include renowned content producers and distributors such as Zhejiang Huace Film & TV, Daylight Entertainment, Fantawild, Beijing Yiding Legend Culture Co., Ltd and Linmon Media. Three major mainland streaming platforms – iQIYI, Tencent and Youku – will also showcase their programmes. The venue will host close to 30 overseas pavilions, including those from the mainland, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Italy, the United States and Europe, allowing exhibitors to trade with global buyers.
Apart from the exhibition, the four-day FILMART presents a variety of events, including press conferences, showcases, summits, seminars, meetings and screenings.
EntertainmentPulse brings together industry leaders to share insights EntertainmentPulse will feature leading industry speakers discussing a variety of topics across a wide spectrum of topics in depth, including the hype behind dating and romance reality shows, application of Web3 in entertainment industry and Chinese donghua animation as soft power.
The forum will begin with Spotlight Conversation: The Asian Wave in 2023 and Beyond, co-hosted by Mr Sebastian Kim, Director of International Content Sales and Acquisition of CJ ENM, Mr Sanmesh Thakur, Executive Vice President & Territory Head – APAC of ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited, and Mr Ziraviss Vindhanapisuth, Vice President of International Business, BEC World Public Company Ltd. “There’s no better time to accelerate the global expansion of Thai dramas beyond Southeast Asian markets on all platforms. We are confident the audience will love the chemistry between our talents and culture,” said Mr Vindhanapisuth.
Mr Jiang Defu, COO of Bona Film Group – who released the mainland’s highest-grossing film The Battle at Lake Changjin in 2021, earning more than Rmb5.7 billion (US$819 million) at the box office – will discuss the development and future of Chinese film. Mr Hou Hong Liang, Chairman and Producer of Daylight Entertainment Co Ltd, who created famous TV series such as Nirvana in Fire and The Story of Ming Lan, will also discuss the making of quality TV content.
Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum provides filmmakers with opportunities As Asia’s most significant financing platform, the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) will run alongside FILMART and EntertainmentPulse, connecting filmmakers, investors, producers and distributors. The 21st HAF has selected 28 in-development projects (IDP) and 15 work-in-progress projects (WIP) from 350 submissions. These come from 38 countries and regions and cover a variety of genres, including comedy, horror, fantasy, romance, suspense, drama and animation. These projects will be highlighted alongside offerings from acclaimed filmmakers and producers such as Arsalan Amiri, Anthony Chen, Fruit Chan, Stanley Kwan, Teddy Robin, Lin Yu Hsien, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Nai An, Jakrawal Nilthamrong, Nader Saeivar as well as venerable festival director Marco Muller as producer. HAF will feature 22 directors making their debut and highlight 10 film projects from Hong Kong.
The 19th Entertainment Expo, Hong Kong, which started on 2 March, will continue until 16 April. It will feature eight spectacular events for film, television, music and digital entertainment, including the three founding events: The Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) and The Hong Kong Film Awards Presentation Ceremony (HKFA); and five core events: ifva (Incubator for Film & Visual Media in Asia Festival), Asian Film Awards (AFA), The Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), Entertainment Pulse and Digital Entertainment Summit.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
Media enquiries For enquiries, please contact: Ogilvy: Hon Man Li, Tel: +852 9638 1208, Email: honman.li@ogilvy.com
International Movie Star Jacqueline Fernandez and Producer Andrea Iervolino Honored at Festival Awards Ceremony
International movie star Jacqueline Fernandez arrived at the 18th edition of the Los Angeles Italia Film, Fashion, and Art Festival event accompanied by Hollywood Producer Andrea Iervolino. The event featured a red carpet premiere, screening and Q&A for the film Tell It Like A Woman.
Tell It Like A Woman is a feature film made up of seven short films directed by an international group of women filmmakers from Italy to Japan to the United States. Each segment is a story “about women, by women, for everyone.” The cast consists of internationally renowned actresses such as Jennifer Hudson, Marcia Gay Harden, Eva Longoria, Cara Delevingne, Jaqueline Fernandez and more.
The project serves as a collaboration with We Do It Together, a non-profit film production company that advocates for gender equality, founded by producer Chiara Tilesi. The film was produced by ILBE including producers Andrea Iervolino, Chiara Tilesi, Lucas Akoskin and Monika Bacardi. The film is currently nominated for an Academy Award Nomination for Best Original Song for the song “Applause” written by Diane Warren and performed by Sofia Carson.
During the Los Angeles Italia Festival awards ceremony, which was held at the Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, Andrea Iervolino was honored with the Los Angeles Italia Excellence Award and Jacqueline Fernandez was honored with the Los Angeles Italia Humanitarian Award. The event also saw other awards going to recipients including Mike White, Sabrina Impacciatore, Ferzan Ozpetek, Maria Sole Tognazzi and Pippo Mezzapesa.
8 events of film, TV, music and digital entertainment promote Hong Kong as centre for cultural exchange
The 19th Entertainment Expo Hong Kong is being held from 2 March to 16 April, showcasing the many facets of film, TV, music and digital entertainment. This year’s Expo will feature eight exciting industry events during the month-long entertainment extravaganza.
Mr Leon Lai continues to serve as Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador for the 11th year.
FILMART is Asia’s largest cross-media and cross-industry entertainment content trade expo. This year’s 27th edition has attracted 700 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and regions.
The ifva includes many exciting programmes, such as an exhibition “CINEMA 2.0: Illuminating Vaccum”, VR Cinema, two-day conferenceon VR, and screening of films made by ethnic minority youth.
The Entertainment Expo has been held since 2005 with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council as the overall facilitator and in cooperation with different entertainment bodies. It is fully supported by the Create Hong Kong’s Film Development Fund. Mr Leon Lai continues to serve as the Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador.
The Expo’s kick-off ceremony will take place on 13 March, the first day of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, gathering Hong Kong and global entertainment industry heavyweights.
HKTDC Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), 13-16 March FILMART is Asia’s largest cross-media and cross-industry entertainment content trade expo. This year’s 27th edition, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), has attracted 700 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and regions. In addition to Hong Kong’s major film and television companies, more than 20 pavilions from, Japan, Mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Italy, the United States and more are featured at FILMART.
There will be a record-breaking number of Mainland Chinese exhibitors. Participating mainland provinces include Beijing, Fujian, Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanghai and more. Additionally, the three major Mainland streaming platforms iQIYI, Tencent and Youku as well as renowned content producers and distributors, such as Zhejiang Huace Film & TV, Daylight Entertainment, Fantawild, Beijing Yiding Legend Culture Co., Ltd, Linmon Media, and more, will showcase their work.
Furthermore, local filmmakers, including Edko Films, Emperor Motion Pictures, Golden Scene, Mandarin, Media Asia, One Cool Pictures, PCCW Media, Universal Films and more, will release and introduce their films.
Aside from the exhibition, FILMART features a series of events, such as press conferences, showcases, summits, seminars, market screenings and more, enabling participants from around the world to exchange ideas and build connections.
EntertainmentPulse, 13-16 March EntertainmentPulse, the concurrent conference series of FILMART, will feature leading industry speakers who will discuss a variety of topics, including the hype behind dating and romance reality shows, application of Web3 in entertainment industry and Chinese donghua as soft power. Speakers include Jiang De Fu, COO of Bona Film Group, whose 2021 release The Battle at Lake Changjin grossed in excess of RMB 5.7 billion and became the highest grossing film in Mainland China. Other speakers include Hou Hong Liang, President and Producer of Daylight Entertainment, which curated famous drama series, such as Nirvana in Fire and The Story of Ming Lan, and Sebastian Kim, Director of International Content Sales and Acquisition, CJ ENM from Korea, who has successfully promoted tvN’s popular Korean dramas, such as 25, 21 in 2022 that became a popular drama globally through online streaming.
Moreover, EntertainmentPulse also welcomes Sanmesh Thakur, Executive Vice President and Territory Head – APAC of ZEE Entertainment and Ziraviss Vindhanapisuth, Vice President of International Business from BEC World, to explore the future of the Asian entertainment market.
Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), 30 March-10 April Founded in 1976, HKIFF is the oldest film festival in Asia and the largest cultural event in Hong Kong. This year, the festival will be held in both physical and online format, with Golden Horse and Golden Statue winner Aaron Kwok as the festival’s ambassador.
To commemorate the passing of the godfather of France’s New Wave cinema, Jean-Luc Godard, this year’s HKIFF presents a retrospective of eight of his films with his ex-wife and muse Hanne Karin Bayer. The films include The Little Soldier (1963), on which the two collaborated for the first time, A Women Is a Women (1961), for which Hanne received the Silver Bear Award for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival, and To Live Her Life (1962), for which Jean-Luc won the Venice Film Festival’s Grand Jury Prize.
The Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA), 16 April
Entering its 41st year, the HKFA ceremony will be held at the Grand Theatre of Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Gathering the hottest actors, directors and celebrities from around the world, the event will crown winners in 19 categories, including the Professional Achievement Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.
ifva Festival, 2-11 March Organised by the Hong Kong Arts Centre, ifva has established itself as Asia’s leading force in short film, animation and media arts, providing a platform for Hong Kong and Asian creative talents to promote their work. The 28th ifva Festival kicked off on 2 March with the opening of media arts exhibition CINEMA 2.0: Illuminating Vacuum, alongside works of finalists of the ifva Awards Media Art category. Programmes include All About Us student creative film showcase, pop-up VR cinema, conversations on VR and media arts exhibition Wend a Way by Lau Ching-wa Jess. The ifva Awards winners will be announced on 11 March at the awards presentation ceremony.
Asian Film Awards (AFA), 12 March After being held in Busan, South Korea for the past two editions, AFA returns to Hong Kong for its 16th edition, with support from Create Hong Kong and Film Development Fund at Hong Kong Palace Museum. This year, the Academy has put together a star-studded guest list of nominees and presenters. They include internationally renowned filmmakers Zhang Yimou, Kore-eda Hirokazu, Hamaguchi Ryusuke, Lav Diaz, Darezhan Omirbaev, Peter Chan and Anthony Chen; star actors Sammo Hung, Abe Hiroshi, Carina Lau, Do Do Cheng, Sandra Ng, Nishijima Hidetoshi, Park Hae-il, Suzuki Ryohei, Zhang Yi, Happy Salma, Ji Chang-wook and Chrissie Chau. The best and brightest of the Asian film industry will gather in Hong Kong to witness this grand event.
Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), 13-15 March A major financing platform in Asia, HAF connects filmmakers, investors, producers and distributors. Many well-known industry talents have previously participated in the forum, including Jia Zhangke, Jiang Wen, Lu Chuan and Ning Hao from Mainland China, Peter Chan Ho Sun, Stanley Kwan Kam Pang, Ann Hui On Wah, Fruit Chan and Pang Ho Cheung from Hong Kong, Tsai Ming Liang, Wei Te Sheng, Chung Mong Hong and Leon Dai from Taiwan, Kore-eda Hirokazu, Kurosawa Kiyoshi, Kawase Naomi and Iwai Shunji from Japan, Park Chan Wook, Kim Jee Woon, Bong Joon Ho and Im Sang Soo from Korea, as well as Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Ekachai Uekrongtham, Nonzee Nimibutr and Pen-ek Ratanaruang from Thailand.
The 21st HAF selected 28 in-development projects (IDP) and 15 work-in-progress projects (WIP) from 350 submissions from 38 countries and regions, covering a variety of genres, including comedy, horror, fantasy, romance, suspense, drama and animation. Alongside projects from acclaimed filmmakers and producers, such as Arsalan Amiri, Anthony Chen, Fruit Chan, Stanley Kwan, Teddy Robin, Lin Yu Hsien, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Nai An, Jakrawal Nilthamrong, Nader Saeivar as well as venerable festival director Marco Muller as producer. 22 directors are making their feature debut and 10 film projects from Hong Kong are among the highlights.
Digital Entertainment Summit, 15 March
Together with the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association, the HKTDC hosts the 13th Digital Entertainment Summit, with this year’s theme being Uncovering the Application of Web3 in Entertainment Industry. Evan Auyang, Group President of Animoca Brands, Jenefer Brown, EVP and Head of Global Products & Experiences of Lionsgate, Lucas Cheung, Managing Partner of Gusto Collective, and Jaeson Ma, Co-Founder & CEO of OP3N, will share how technologies change the future of entertainment industry.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
Media Enquiries: The 27th HKTDC Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), 13 March to 16 March, http://www.hktdc.com/hkfilmart Ogilvy PR: Hon Man Li, Tel: +852 9638 1208, Email: honman.li@ogilvy.com
The culmination of MWC Barcelona 2023 on 2 March saw Axiata Group Berhad positioned to take the lead in Asia in deploying GSMA Open Gateway, joining other leading telcos to herald a new wave of digital services and apps at the mobile telecommunications convention.
Representatives from Axiata Group Berhad, Axiata Enterprise and Rakuten Symphony meeting at MWC Barcelona 2023: Thomas Hundt, Group Chief Strategy & Technology Officer, Axiata (3rd-L); Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Joint Acting Group CEO, Axiata (4th-L); Dr Gopi Kurup, CEO, Axiata Enterprise (4th-R); and Rabih Dabboussi, Chief Business Officer, Rakuten Symphony (Center).
Vikram Rao, Head of Enterprise, ASEAN, AWS; Jayanth Nagarajan, Head, Telecommunications Industry, Asia Pacific & Japan, AWS; Haris Izmee, Managing Director, ASEAN Growth Markets, AWS (Back L-R); Namal Jayathilake, Chief Technology Officer, Axiata Digital Labs; Thushera Kawdawatta, Chief Executive Officer, Axiata Digital Labs (Front L-R)
Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Joint Acting Group CEO of Axiata (R) inks MOU with Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SKT (L) in partnership for the ifland metaverse platform.
Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman, Axiata Group Berhad (4th-L) is welcomed by Thushera Kawdawatta, Chief Executive Officer, Axiata Digital Labs (5th-R) at the Axiata Digital Labs showcase during MWC23 in Barcelona.
GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative was launched on the opening day of MWC on 27 February 2023. Supported by 21 Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) globally, the framework of universal network Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs) is designed to provide universal access to operator networks for developers. The GSMA-led initiative is a federated approach to harmonise the industry around Open APIs and represents a paradigm shift in the way the telecoms industry designs and delivers services in an API economy.
At the GSMA Pavillion, Axiata showcased the Axiata Digital Concert Platform, featuring MetaStage, the Group’s first ever metaverse concert powered by Axiata Digital Labs’ (ADL) Axonect, and hosted by Sri Lanka’s Dialog Axiata and Indonesia’s XL Axiata. The immersive musical fest showcased GSMA’s Open Gateway APIs for Number Verification (SMS 2FA), Device Location and Carrier Billing.
Enabling Digital Transformation ADL, a telco-focused software and solutions provider, delivered MetaStage through its Axonect Enterprise Enabler Product Suite. This proof-of-concept showcased the suite of services available to MNOs to enhance existing services and deploy new ones to its customers. ADL’s demonstration of the GSMA Open Gateway-compliant Axonect Product Suite highlighted its potential as a powerful tool for digital innovation and transformation.
This was further underscored by its collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced on 1 March 2023, whereby ADL will begin providing Axonect Product Suite running on AWS. With this collaboration, ADL will be able to provide customers with its suite of systems and tools, such as its Digital Business Support System (BSS), 5G and cloud optimized business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) platforms, and multi-domain orchestrators on AWS. ADL’s customers will have access to AWS’s global infrastructure and the breadth and depth of cloud capabilities.
Communication Service Providers (CSPs) will also be better supported as they embark on the transformational journey along the Telco to TechCo continuum, moving beyond traditional connectivity to platform-based products and services as part of an ecosystem, thereby reaping benefits such as improved performance, a competitive advantage in big data, and new revenue streams.
Partnership with SK Telecom for ‘ifland’ At MWC Barcelona 2023, Axiata also signaled its strong interest in bringing the metaverse platform ‘ifland’ developed by South Korea’s SK Telecom (SKT) to its markets. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two telco giants on 28 February 2023, enabling Axiata’s subsidiaries the ability to develop metaverse platform business models and support AI-based opportunities that are market competitive.
The signing, represented by SKT’s CEO, Ryu Young-Sang and Axiata’s Joint Acting Group CEOs, Dr Hans Wijayasuriya and Vivek Sood, is part of Axiata’s digital transformation and inclusivity strategy.
“As part of the Group’s vision to be The Next Generation Digital Champion, we are deeply committed to leveraging emerging technologies towards the inclusive advancement of Societies and Economies across Asia,” said Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, who is also Axiata’s CEO of Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Vice President. “We are proud to partner with SKT and the ifland platform and consider the partnership a significant component of our participation in the metaverse going forward.”
All in all, this week at Barcelona was pivotal in Axiata’s journey towards becoming The Next Generation Digital Champion, putting in place the building blocks to enable the ecosystem for digital telcos to move into their new future.
About Axiata In pursuit of its vision to be The Next Generation Digital Champion, Axiata is a diversified telecommunications and digital conglomerate operating Digital Telcos, Digital Businesses and Infrastructure businesses across a footprint spanning ASEAN and South Asia.
The Group has controlling stakes in market-leading mobile and fixed operators in the region including ‘XL’ and ‘Link Net’ in Indonesia, ‘Dialog’ in Sri Lanka, ‘Robi’ in Bangladesh, ‘Smart’ in Cambodia and ‘Ncell’ in Nepal while ‘CelcomDigi’ in Malaysia is a Key Associate Company. Axiata’s regional digital business verticals comprise ‘Boost’ a fintech company, and ‘ADA’, a digital analytics and AI company. ‘EDOTCO’ is among the top 10 independent TowerCos globally, operating in nine countries to deliver telecommunications infrastructure services.
As a committed and long-term investor, the Group actively supports and drives young talent development; community outreach; as well as climate change initiatives. Axiata’s broader goal of Advancing Asia aims to piece together the best in the region in terms of innovation, connectivity and talent to drive digital inclusion and sustainable progress across our markets. Find out more at www.axiata.com
Axiata Group Berhad [XKLS: 6888][RIC: AXIA:KL ][BBG: AXIATA:MK][OTC: AXXTF]
