第一届初创动画企业支援计划

Twenty small-scale emerging animation companies in Hong Kong have recently received funding from the "First Start-up Animation Enterprise Support Scheme" to produce original animations over the next five months. These works will be broadcast across various media platforms and events for promotional purposes, thereby creating new business opportunities. The "First Start-up Animation Enterprise Support Scheme" is organized by the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association, sponsored by Create Hong Kong of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and fully driven by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC). It is designed for animation enterprises established for no more than four years and with no more than eight employees. Local small-scale emerging animation companies responded enthusiastically to the scheme, with over sixty applications received. After a rigorous selection process by a committee composed of industry professionals, twenty companies were chosen to participate in the scheme. The list of selected enterprises was announced at the launch ceremony held today (September 5, 2012) (see appendix). At the launch ceremony, Mr. Peng Zijie, President of the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association, stated, "Local emerging animation companies excel in creative conceptualization and technical execution. This scheme encourages and supports them in producing original animations, paving the way for future development. Whether in project development, feature-length animation film production, or copyright licensing, it helps them attract new clients and seize new business opportunities." Mr. Liao Yongliang, Director of Create Hong Kong, said, "Create Hong Kong is dedicated to supporting Hong Kong's creative industries, with one of its strategies being to promote the development of newly established creative enterprises. We are delighted by the positive response from the industry to this support scheme. The scheme helps address common challenges faced by emerging animation companies, such as insufficient funding and limited platforms for showcasing their work. It provides them with the resources and pathways to build their own brands, which is crucial for advancing Hong Kong's development as an animation hub in Asia in the long run." Ms. Mai Deng Biyi, President of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, remarked, "Supporting Hong Kong's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promoting the development of the creative industries have always been our ongoing efforts. Our newly established 'SME One' one-stop service not only focuses on providing information about SME funds and support services from government agencies in Hong Kong and mainland China, financing solutions in the market, and the latest information technology applications but also offers free expert guidance and online consultation services. It is the ideal partner for emerging animation companies looking to expand their businesses." The "First Start-up Animation Enterprise Support Scheme" provides each of the twenty selected enterprises with funding of up to HKD 80,000 to produce a 3-minute narrative animation. Additionally, the selected enterprises will receive animation technical training and benefit from the "Mentorship Program" under the support scheme. Industry leaders will serve as volunteer mentors, offering advice and guidance on production techniques and business expansion. Starting from February next year, the organizing committee will arrange for the completed works under the support scheme to be broadcast on television, the internet, and at large-scale events such as the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market. The works will also be recommended for participation in international digital entertainment competitions, such as the "DigiCon6 Awards" hosted by Japan's TBS Television, helping these emerging animation companies reach more potential clients and explore new business opportunities through various channels.