Singapore and UK team up once more on multi-platform developments

The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) and, South West Screen, the development agency for film, television and digital media in the South West of England, announced today the second iteration of their joint, ground-breaking Multi-Platform Content Across Continents initiative.

Up to five projects will be selected by the MDA and the South West Screen, and awarded up to £10,000 each in development funding to be split between the Singaporean and British co-development partners.

The scheme was launched last year to foster greater partnerships between Singapore and British media enterprises in creating innovative and engaging digital content that redefines television entertainment. Last year’s selected projects were Eco Gone Mad, a factual entertainment series by Singapore’s Apostrophe Films and UK’s Junction K, and iLand, an animation series by Singapore’s Scrawl Studios and UK’s Wonky Films.

This year, the scope of the initiative has been extended to include seminars, workshops, virtual networking sessions and business mentorship, designed to facilitate creative exchanges and collaborative partnerships between Singaporean and South West of England media companies. It culminates with a call for proposals in February 2011, inviting participants to submit joint proposals for the development of engaging video content which leverages on the interactivity and versatility of new digital media platforms, internet channels and social media platforms.

Multi-Platform Content Across Continents is funded by South West Screen through the Creative Industries iNet (Innovation Network), a £3.2m programme of funding designed to help the South West’s creative sector thrive and advance the area’s growing reputation as a global creative centre of excellence. The iNet is led by South West Screen, part of Solutions for Business and funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivery partner investments.

"The 'Multi-Platform Content Across Continents' initiative between MDA and South West Screen seeks to help Singapore and UK companies bring their content to a global audience. It also allows these companies to network and learn from each other. As we launch this initiative again, we look forward to even more innovative joint proposals from companies of both countries," said Aubeck Kam, MDA’s Chief Executive Officer.

Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive of South West Screen, said; “South West Screen is pleased to be supporting this year’s Content Across Continents with Creative Industries iNet funding. The first year of the initiative was a great success that kick-started digital twinning between the South West and Singapore, and we look forward to this year’s edition building on these foundations to forge even closer collaborative and creative partnerships between digital media companies in both countries.”