As Reported in the Today Newspaper Dec 11 2008
“Along with the ambitious infrastructure plans, that includes lofts and recreation facilities, Dr Lee also yesterday unveiled a SGD100 million Integrated Media Fund set up by Salon Media Management….”
Mediapolis @ one-north: Adding growth to Singapore’s Media Ecosystem
| Government paving the way for industry demand-driven media hub development |
Singapore, 10 December 2008 – Singapore is preparing to scale up its media infrastructure as it makes plans to turn itself into a Trusted Global Media Capital. A 19-hectare (ha) plot of land has been earmarked for the development of Mediapolis @ one-north – a 200-ha innovation and R&D hub that is master planned and master developed by JTC Corporation (JTC). Mediapolis @ one-north, which will be an industry demand-driven project, is envisioned to be a self-contained and vibrant digital media cluster. When ready, it will be a hub that will house a media ecosystem comprising soundstages with green screen capabilities; digital production and broadcast facilities; interactive digital media (IDM) and R&D activities; Computer-generated Imagery and visual effects; post-production, games and animation; industry-response digital media schools, business parks, work lofts and incubators; intellectual property (IP) creation and digital rights management. The development of Mediapolis @ one-north, an ideal environment to promote the dynamic flow of talent and cross-pollination of ideas, will kick-off with the launch of its first site – a 1.2-ha land JTC has reserved for development in the first quarter of next year. Local media production company, Infinite Frameworks, will invest and develop a soundstage complex on this plot of land. Escalating Demand For TheSingapore Media The media industry is expanding, and we have seen growth in the fields of media funding – about S$1billion are anchored here – award-winning films, games and animation, IDM and major international co-productions such as the filming and production of Mark Burnett’s “Contender Asia” and “The Contender 4” here in Singapore. Given these positive developments, increasing demands from the industry for more co-production collaboration, the upcoming shoot of Jan de Bont’s “Point Break 2” here next year, and the location of global media giants such as Lucasfilm, Linden Lab, EA, Ubisoft and most recently, Italian gaming and animation company, Rainbow SpA, to our shores, the government has primed itself to prepare Singapore as a future media hub. As a result, there is a necessity to create a media epicentre; hence, Mediapolis @ one-north was conceptualised to provide a ‘home’ to our thriving media sector. “The Mediapolis is an essential piece of a comprehensive media ecosystem that we are building,” says Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Media Development Authority (MDA). ”Over the years, Singapore’s media industry has made great strides, particularly in media financing and international co-productions. To elevate ourselves to the next level, we are finding ways to add scale and synergy to what we already have. “With the support of the industry, the Mediapolis and its intended array of soundstages, digital post-production facilities and R&D labs, to name a few, will be the infrastructural conduit that will enable Singapore to host international media players and large, big-budget projects.” As the master planner and developer of one-north, JTC plays a key role in providing the physical infrastructure. “JTC is pleased to be part of this multi-government agency effort that propels Singapore ahead as a Trusted Global Media Capital,” says Mr Philip Su, Assistant CEO, JTC. “We are glad to contribute to building the critical pieces, which will complement each other in the growth of a vibrant media ecosystem. “Mediapolis @ one-north will be the 3rd strategic industry cluster in one-north, after Biopolis (biomedical sciences) and Fusionopolis (infocomm, media, engineering and physical sciences). Mediapolis will also be able to leverage on the creative community in the neighbouring Wessex Estate, and tap on the synergies and world-class expertise within one-north.”
The Master Plan Concept calls for the clustering of state-of-the-art digital post-production facilities and other media infrastructure. It will also be supported by a fast and secured IT network system suited to media needs, and a conducive living and lifestyle environment. Recommendations by IAC Their recommendations highlighted several of Singapore’s value propositions. “Singapore already has a stable of strong and attractive attributes to attract production to it – an East-West gateway, English-speaking workforce, direct flights from the US, robust IP regime, tough IP piracy stance, great food and strong IP connectivity – all within a very business-friendly environment. These make it a compelling destination for media players looking for an excellent place to do business in.” says Mr Coote. “By deploying digital technology, scaling up its media infrastructure appropriately to attract big-budget productions, and attracting IP related media players to its shores, Singapore will become a choice destination for international studio and media firms.” A safe and secure network connecting Singapore to the world This IT infrastructure is part of IDA’s national iN2015 Master Plan that supports Singapore’s efforts in boosting our IDM sector. It provides and enables services and technological infrastructure as well as cluster transformation projects. RADM (NS) Ronnie Tay, CEO, IDA, adds, “IDA will be working closely with industry and partner agencies on the specialised ICT networks and facilities required at Mediapolis @ one-north to enable production, processing, trade management and digital media asset distribution. “This will in turn contribute to Mediapolis’ aim to provide Singapore with the competitive edge to attract world-class talent and global media businesses to Singapore.” Developing Singapore as a trusted global media capital “Mediapolis @ one-north will enhance Singapore’s value proposition for the global media industry, allowing companies to benefit from a world-class infrastructure as well as exploiting the significant industry synergies generated,” said Mr Manohar Khiatani, Assistant Managing Director, EDB. “Combining this with our other strengths such as a cosmopolitan talent base and strong IP protection, Singapore is an ideal home for companies to create top quality media content for global markets.” A unique opportunity for Infinite Frameworks IFW is already known for its ability to produce cutting-edge computer graphics and visual effects for TV and feature films, and have bases both in Singapore and Indonesia. Its next big project: to develop and operate Singapore’s first soundstage facility at Mediapolis @ one-north. “The soundstage at Mediapolis presents a unique opening for Infinite to further augment our distinctive range of specialist services for the film and TV industries,” says Mr Mike Wiluan, Managing Director of IFW. “This opportunity will enable us to become a fully integrated media company with valued-added services to serve our clients and partners better. The soundstage facility will also showcase and combine the best of talents, state-of-the-art technology and cost effective competitiveness.” |
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