New MDA measures to nurture Singapore's digital film, video sectors

THE Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) is looking at developing a Creators' Space which will help nurture the country's digital film and video sectors holistically by increasing collaborations within the community.

Announcing this in parliament on Tuesday, Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, said MDA will work with industry partners to organise master-classes and workshops to hone creators' skills to produce content and better engage audiences on digital platforms.

He added that Disney's Maker Studios will be the first partner under this initiative. Maker Studios is one of the largest international multi-channel networks for digital video content.

MDA is exploring several ideas under the Infocomm Media Masterplan to nurture homegrown talents and spur the development and distribution of innovative made-in-Singapore content.

Dr Yaacob said that when assessing film applications, MDA does consider accolades received at recognised film festivals, besides commercial success. Furthermore, the New Talent Feature Grant under The Singapore Film Commission focuses on talent development and not commercial viability, he said.

"Through this grant, we have seen emerging film-makers such as M Raihan Halim. His film 'Banting' was the first feature-length Malay film to be made in Singapore since the 1990s," Dr Yaacob said.