ATF/ScreenSingapore Opens with Record Attendance

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SINGAPORE: More than 5,000 participants are expected at Asia TV Forum & Market and ScreenSingapore this week, the largest-ever attendance for the annual events.

The market officially opened at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore today. This is the 17th edition of ATF and the 6th edition of ScreenSingapore. There are 738 exhibiting companies on the show floor—the largest ever for ATF and ScreenSingapore. Exhibitors include new country pavilions this year from Canada, Korea, Spain and Turkey for a total of 21.

“With such a big gathering of industry talents, there will be numerous avenues for attendees to buy, sell, network, share ideas and learn from the brightest minds in Asia’s entertainment content world,” said Debbie Evans, president for Southeast Asia and Australia at Reed Exhibitions, at this morning’s official opening ceremony.

The ceremony also featured remarks by Chee Hong Tat, the Minister of State for Communications, Information and Health. He used his address to stress Singapore’s commitment to talent development. “Our accomplished storytellers have done us proud; works such as Pop Aye by Kirsten Tan and Spelling Armadillo by Oak 3 Films have shone on the international stage and flown our Singapore flag high. But there is more we can do together to support and nurture future generations of storytellers, so that they can stand on the shoulders of our veterans, and take Singapore’s media industry to an even higher level.”

As part of those efforts, Singapore’s IMDA regulatory body is partnering with LASALLE College of the Arts for a WritersLab program.

“Singapore is well-positioned to be a vibrant, regional media hub in Southeast Asia,” Chee continued. “We want Singapore to be a place where we can attract and develop talent from the region—both local talent and talent from the region, bringing talent together—where companies can come to get ideas, financing and access to technologies and markets. This is what I believe will benefit the industry, will help grow the industry and create good jobs for our people. This is why IMDA will continue to support platforms like the Singapore Media Festival, for media professionals from different cultures and backgrounds to share their experience and expertise.”

“ATF and ScreenSingapore 2016 has once again brought together the most influential and brightest minds in TV, film and digital media,” said Yeow Hui Leng, senior project director for ATF and ScreenSingapore at Reed Exhibitions. “With several perennial and new elements tailored to meet the needs of the industry, we expect the market floor to be abuzz with activities, just as rigorous discussions and knowledge exchange take place at the conference. Coupled with abundant networking and partnership possibilities taking place over the four days, we are thrilled to play a significant role in advancing Asia’s content industry.”