[2024.08.02] LOUIS KOO AND FRUIT CHAN SUPPORTS NEW SCREENWRITING APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Louis Koo and Fruit Chan shoot recruitment videos to provide tips and experience
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers has launched the "New Screenwriter Apprenticeship Program", funded by the Hong Kong Film Development Fund and fully supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Office (formerly known as "Creative Hong Kong"). After the selection of the first-stage funding companies, the Hong Kong Film Workers Federation announced that a total of 10 "full-time junior screenwriters or assistant screenwriters" positions will be opened by 5 local film production companies. Applications for the positions will be accepted from now until August 31. .

Based on the professional background, resources and other factors of the applicant instructors and their companies, the Federation has conducted a comprehensive process through a rigorous evaluation and scoring mechanism, and selected 5 funding companies: Nicetop Independent Ltd, Newgen Creativity Ltd, Good Kids Production Co., Ltd., and Plus One Creative (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. and Word by Word Co., Ltd., with designated creative elites as direct supervisors, including Fruit Chan Gor, Frankie Tam Kwong Yuen, Jo Jo Hui Yuet Chun, Kearen Pang Sau Wai, Philip Yung Tsz Kwong, to systematically provide comprehensive on-the-job training in hopes of cultivating more creative talents for the Hong Kong film industry with practical experience. A few days ago, Louis Koo Tin Lok, the President of the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers and five groups of direct supervisors/company representatives took the time to make a video of the recruitment announcement for the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers, provided tips and shared experiences to friends who were interested in applying for positions.

When asked what qualities are most needed in new screenwriters in today's industry, senior creator Tam Kwong Yuen said, "Any young creator has his or her own uniqueness. The key is how to discover and hone. I believe they have unlimited possibilities. Screenwriters use service text to increase the quality of drama, good scripts are always continuously refined to form. In addition to creating and writing scripts, our screenwriting team will also participate in pitching ideas, production set, post-production and publicity meetings, and need to be involved in every aspect to become comprehensive film people."

Koo Tin Lok said, "I am very happy that the industry has responded positively and enthusiastically to the project. The five mentors finally selected are different but all very comprehensive. The most important thing is that they are very passionate and thoughtful about cultivating this group of new screenwriters. They all have rich connections and resources in the industry, the five direct supervisors have already set work plans and internship goals for the next 18 months for the newly created funded positions, and will surely become important promoters of the career development of screenwriting apprentices. The implementation of this plan can only fund 10 full-time positions as a pilot, which is of course far from meeting the needs of the industry. Hopefully the government can continue to support and expand the scale of funding, so that the industry can systematically support the cultivation of screenwriting talents and continue to improve the creative level and competitiveness of Hong Kong films. We hope that the second phase of job recruitment will also have an enthusiastic response, Hong Kong films are waiting for you to take the baton."

Fruit Chan Gor said, "Screenwriters are often ignored in the film industry. When movies were booming in the past, there were many talents and opportunities. This new screenwriter apprenticeship program is really helpful to young people and the industry who want to enter the industry. At present, in such a big environment, it is a rare opportunity to be able to be paid full-time for 18 months, and to be able to work with new screenwriters in a systematic company team under the leadership of experienced mentors. "