Hong Kong – PCCW has announced the set-up of a HK$300 million Independent Productions Fund for the acquisition of local independent productions in a bid to support the local production industry, as well as offering a greater variety of TV programme choices for Hong Kong viewers. First conceived more than a year ago, the Independent Productions Fund forms part of PCCW’s preparation for its Free TV service.

PCCW welcomes the Chief Executive-in-Council’s grant of the approval-in-principle of HK Television Entertainment Company Limited’s (HKTVE) application for a Domestic Free Television Programme Service License (Free TV license). The company’s total investment plan across the first six years of operations is estimated to be over HK$1.3 billion, a substantial part of which will be invested in programming and production, they announced. In addition to own productions, the company has set aside a pool of funds to be accessed by local creative talents. 

This fund aims to draw together the local creative industry and independent producers to bring viewers more quality choices in TV programmes. It will unleash the potential of cross-media talents in films and TV and harness the creativity of independent producers in Hong Kong to offer original and innovative formats.

As a start, PCCW intends to invest HK$300 million in this fund, and is open to further phases in the future upon a favourable response. It seeks to bring to viewers an array of attractive TV movies and mini-series with an aim to developing about 60 titles. In addition, it will also identify other genres including reality series, variety shows and lifestyle programmes, the company announced.

PCCW added that the selection criteria will be based upon originality, creativity, production and content quality, and viability of the proposal. Quality programming of all scale and genres will be considered. Upon receiving a proposal and confirming its production budget, the company will facilitate and support the production process and aims to complete the evaluation process within 60 days of receipt of a comprehensive proposal, it added.

At the inauguration of the fund, PCCW organised an industry forum for film and TV directors and talents to share their views on the development of the local independent production industry. They also discussed the outlook of the Free TV industry for the production industry, and the future trends for drama and non-drama TV programming, and new media.  

Janice Lee, Managing Director of PCCW’s TV and New Media business, said, “We recognise the merits of creating a healthy independent production industry, as it encourages and fosters creativity of talents working across TV, film, and music, in order to bring upon the best and new formats of TV programmes to viewers. Our fund provides an open platform to enable them to unleash their potential which will in turn elevate the standards of the local television industry while satisfying viewers’ need for more quality TV programme choices. As we continue to engage in our own productions, we also earnestly look forward to cooperating with industry partners to turn their creative ideas into quality TV content.”