Creative minds head to Far East film convention

SOME of the North West’s leading creative companies are to represent the region at a huge film and television convention in Hong Kong, writes Sian Davies.

The Hong Kong International Film and TV Market - FILMART is holding a convention to bring together the world’s best creative companies.

Thirty-three delegates will be representing 28 Manchester companies including Dreamscope Films, Millhouse Films, Cornerhouse cinema, Salford University and PR agency Atelier 82.

At a briefing in Manchester’s Chinatown last night, delegates were told that the number 33 indicates long life in China and Hong Kong, and the number 28 means good fortune.

Philomena Chen from UK Trade & Investment has organised the group of North West representatives.

She said: “This really is a great time for our region’s creative exporters to explore Hong Kong, the gateway to mainland China and much of Asia.

“Given the developments in Manchester with MediaCityUK, the BBC, Salford Univesity’s new campus and Cornerhouse’s planned move to a £20m custom built facility, what better opportunity than FILMART for our companies to build relationships with like-minded institutions with matching international ambitions.”

Many Manchester companies attending are keen to find opportunities to collaborate together, as well as extending their business to Asia.

Samantha Evans from MIDAS, an inward investment agency which brings overseas companies to Manchester said: "I am attending the Hong Kong FILMART trip to support the companies attending from Manchester and to scope out the opportunities for collaboration with these companies as well as inward investment to the Manchester region from overseas.”

The delegates are due to travel next week in preparation for the conference starting on Monday 19 March.