Club helps HKBU Academy of Film install latest HD studio equipment

23 June 2010

After going through many ups and downs in the past few decades, Hong Kong's film industry has started to pick up again recently.  It is one of the creative industries that have been identified as core to Hong Kong's development in the coming years.  This resurgence has led to an increase in demand for talented film-makers.  To support the local creative industry and help nurture young film professionals, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has donated some HK$12.5 million through its Charities Trust to the Academy of Film at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), so that it can install the latest high definition (HD) equipment in its television and film studio.

Today (23 June), Club Steward Anthony W K Chow joined Chairman of the HKBU Foundation and Chairman of the University's Council and Court Wilfred Wong, University President and Vice-Chancellor Prof Ng Ching-fai and other guests at a naming ceremony for the Jockey Club Television and Film Studio.

Mr Chow said the training of local film-making talent was a top priority for Hong Kong, in line with the Government's plan to promote the creative industry through the establishment of the Film Development Fund.  "In this respect, theories and practices are equally important factors in grooming the new generation of film professionals.  A workman must first sharpen his tools if he wants to perform well," he commented, quoting a traditional Chinese saying.

"By providing funding for HKBU's Academy of Film to purchase the latest new equipment, we aim to assist talented young local film-makers to fulfil their dreams.  At the same time, we hope the Academy can continue promoting local movies, bringing this creative industry to a new high."

Over 150 young film professionals each year are expected to be trained through the upgraded Jockey Club Television and Film Studio, where a team-based rotational system will equip Professional Higher Diploma students at HKBU's Academy of Film with all-round skills in different aspects of TV and film production.  Most importantly, they will be able to gain experience of the very latest high-definition equipment, including an HD studio video camera system, an HD studio video recording and playback system, and an HD studio audio system.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.