[Press Release by ScreenWest]
Following the launch of the Media Development Authority-ScreenWest Cross-Media Development Initiative in October this year, the two agencies last week 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) 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) along 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 opened in 2009. More information can be found on the Funding section of ScreenWest’s website.