Western Australia and Singapore announce cross-media development projects

Singapore, 10 December 2008 – Following the launch of the MDA-ScreenWest Cross-Media Development Initiative earlier in October this year, the two agencies today announced the first two cross-media projects that will receive funding for further development. ‘Off the Wall’ from ZacToons (Western Australia) and Scrawl Studios (Singapore), along with ‘Origami Samurai’ by Vue DC (Western Australia) and Sitting In Pictures (Singapore), are the first two cross-media projects selected, and will be awarded a grant of up to US$30,000 each in development funding through the initiative. Each project will involve development of content to be commercialised beyond television, in other media like publishing, and for online and mobile distribution. This offers the opportunity for the content to enjoy a wide reach. “Capitalising on the experience and strengths of each other’s capabilities, Singapore and Western Australia media companies are poised to develop more multi-platform intellectual properties. We are confident that these new projects will have the potential to enjoy a wide reach globally when they are fully-commercialised.” said Dr Christopher Chia, Media Development Authority’s Chief Executive Officer. The successful recipients were announced today at the 2008 Asia Media Festival Country Showcase by ScreenWest Chief Executive Ian Booth, and are leading the way for further co-production projects between Singapore and Western Australia. “I am delighted at the high standards and strong interest shown by the production companies from both regions. As a result, two additional projects were recommended to apply under the official Singapore-Australia Co-Production treaty; documentaries ‘Extreme Wild’ from Vue DC (Western Australia) and Infocus Asia (Singapore) together with ‘Borders’ by Artemis International (Western Australia) and Threesixzero Productions (Singapore),” said Mr. Booth. Applications for the second round of the MDA-ScreenWest Cross-Media Development Initiative will be announced in 2009. More information about this Initiative is available at: www.mda.gov.sg

http://www.mda.gov.sg/wms.www/thenewsdesk.aspx?sid=913

Lucasfilm Ltd. Announces Creation of Lucasfilm Animation Singapore.

Lucasfilm Ltd. Announces Creation of Lucasfilm Animation Singapore.

Publication: Business Wire
Date: Tuesday, August 3 2004

SINGAPORE -- Lucasfilm Ltd. today announced that it has established Lucasfilm Animation Singapore, a digital animation studio designed to produce digital animated content, including films, television and games for global audiences.

"I've been a fan of Asian animation and illustration all my life. Asian cinema has had a particularly big impact on a lot of my work. When we began thinking about developing new ways to explore the craft of animation, it seemed a natural step to combine the two," commented George Lucas. "By having a base in Singapore, we can create a new style of animation that will blend east and west -- and offer something not seen before."

"We're excited about this new venture," commented Micheline Chau, President and COO of Lucasfilm Ltd., who was in Singapore for the announcement. "Singapore was our location of choice for so many reasons -- a growing talent base, the cosmopolitan flavor, and its attractiveness as a place to live. Our long-term partnership with the Economic Development Board (EDB) gives us the resources to begin work almost immediately, working in concert with our animation unit in California."
Lucasfilm has joined with a consortium of investors in Singapore, including EDB Investments Pte Ltd. and Creative Technology Ltd.

The Singapore-based creative team will be led by Gail Currey, Vice President and General Manager of Lucasfilm Animation. Teo Ming Kian, Chairman EDB said, "This is a capstone for Singapore's digital media industry. We already have an established base of 17 international cable and satellite broadcasters, a burgeoning TV production sector as well as games development. This new studio will not only provide exceptional career opportunities for local animators and people keen in the creative arts, it will also attract top talent from the world over to live and work in Singapore. It will help us further diversify our economy and provide opportunities for our people with different interests and competencies."

http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/movies-sound-recording/5203096-1.html