MUMBAI: The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) announced the first film to receive support under its International Film Fund that was launched at the Cannes Film Festival this year.
Neon Sign the first Singapore-China-Korea film co-production, will be directed by Korean Pil Gam-Sung and is scheduled for release in 2011. Backed by CJ Entertainment and Beijing Polybona Film Distribution Co. Ltd, with support from MDA, Neon Sign will be produced by Bang Productions (Singapore) and Nabi Pictures Ltd. (Korea).
Neon Sign is the second feature film co-production deal involving Singapore and Korea. The first, Host 2 by Singapore’s Boku Films and Korea’s Chungeorahm Films, was announced two months ahead of the American Film Market in September. In all, Singapore has co-produced properties in the film, television and animation space with over 10 countries across the world.
Commenting on the growing trend of co-productions between and among countries, MDA chief executive officer Dr Christopher Chia said: “This tripartite collaboration represents the growing synergies among Asian countries and our abilities to tell Asian stories concerning universal topics such as music and culture in a unique way for an international audience.”
Neon Sign is set in China’s Yunnan province. The comedic road movie centers on a highly sought- after Korean pop idol who flees to China to escape paparazzi following scandals at home.
CJ entertainment vice president Joon Choi said, “We are delighted to be participating in Neon Sign. We believe that this film will undoubtedly make a mark as a successful Singapore-China-Korea co-production. Utilizing its top-notch entertainment network, CJ Entertainment is pleased to contribute to the realization of this project as we believe the film will offer a warmhearted delightful storyline that combines beautiful music, choreography and artistic direction to entertain audiences far beyond Asia’s borders.”
Nabi Pictures producer Min-whan Jo said: "Nabi Pictures is excited to be working with great partners across Asia and a wonderfully talented director, Gam-Sung Pil.
Bang Singapore president Keiko Bang said, This film is symbolic of the many new and lasting alliances which signify the emergence of a new paradigm shift in the way that Asian media projects will be financed, produced and distributed in the future.”
