Timothy J. Peirson-Smith

Opinion | Why Hong Kong should roll out the red carpet for international filmmakers

With political unrest and Covid-19 behind us, Hong Kong must focus on the economic and soft power opportunities in a global film industry in flux

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People admire the sunset skyline from the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade as Severe Tropical Storm Trami approaches the city under the No 1 typhoon signal on October 25. Photo: Nora Tam

Timothy J. Peirson-Smith

Published: 9:30am, 5 Nov 2024

As the global film industry faces a slew of challenges – shifts in distribution models, the rise of highly competitive streaming platforms and changing audience preferences – cities are vying for filmmakers’ attention, striving to become the next cinematic hub.

In 2022, Hong Kong announced a scheme to incentivise local filmmakers to partner with their Asian counterparts, offering a grant of up to HK$9 million (US$1.15 million) per production. This year, a similar scheme was launched for Hong Kong-Europe co-productions, and the budget allocated HK$1.4 billion to the city’s Film Development Fund.

By capitalising on this momentum, we can enhance the film industry and the local economy while reinforcing our cultural identity.

Historically, Hong Kong’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures has attracted filmmakers, but productions have been deterred in recent years. Political unrest and the Covid-19 pandemic created an environment of uncertainty and made potential investors wary.

The rise of production incentives in cities such as Atlanta and New Orleans also drew attention away from the traditional filming hubs, complicating the competitive landscape for Hong Kong. But as production costs in established hubs such as Los Angeles and London continue to escalate, causing filmmakers to seek other stable, diverse locations with rich storytelling opportunities, Hong Kong can re-emerge as a viable alternative, providing a cost-effective yet culturally rich environment.

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Set in Hong Kong: Where the biggest film star is the city itself

One of the strongest arguments for filmmakers to choose Hong Kong lies in its diverse settings. The city boasts everything from bustling urban landscapes to serene countryside, offering backdrops for films ranging from action-packed blockbusters to intimate dramas. Hong Kong’s cultural tapestry enables filmmakers to craft stories that can be both locally grounded and universally appealing.