Outgoing deputy PCCW chief Jack So Chak-kwong has been appointed to head a new body tasked with finding ways to help revive the ailing local film industry. Mr So's appointment as chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council came a day after he pocketed HK$103 million from selling off part of his PCCW shareholding.
The government yesterday announced that Mr So and 15 non-official members would serve on the new body through to March 31, 2009.
The council's members will comprise all 11 non-official members of the existing Film Development Committee - of which Mr So is chairman - and five representatives of the film industry. They are Hong Kong International Film Festival Society chairman Wong Ying-wai, film critic Wong Chi-keung, Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild president Gordon Chan Ka-sung, director Mabel Cheung Yuen-ting and Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers chairman Ng See-yuen.
The permanent secretary for commerce, industry and technology (communications and technology) will serve as vice-chairman, while the secretary for home affairs and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's executive director will serve as ex-officio members.
Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Joseph Wong Wing-ping said the council's establishment showed the government was committed to promoting the development of the local film industry. 'The [council] is a very important committee to advise the government on the overall policy and strategy for the short- and long-term development of the local film industry,' he said.
'We will also consult the [council] on specific measures to promote the film industry, including detailed arrangements for the Film Development Fund with an increase in commitment of HK$300 million.' The number of Hong Kong productions dropped from 55 in 2005 to 51 last year. The industry produced about 300 films a year at its peak in the early 1990s.
