IC launches subsidy scheme for animators

The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) is launching the “2016 Subsidy Programme for the Production of Original Animation Short Films.”

As part of the Subsidy Programme Series for Macau’s Cultural and Creative Industries, the newly launched scheme is an initiative that aims to promote the development of the region’s animation industry.

According to a statement released by the IC, the scheme intends to nurture localss in animation creation, production and planning, as well as to promote local animation development through participation in exhibitions, public screenings and online promotion.

To qualify, applicants must have already directed or produced at least one animation short film of over two minutes, which must have been screened in public. The proposed film, which could be a single film or a film series, must be a fictional animation film to qualify for the scheme.

In the initial review, the adjudication panel will select a maximum of 12 projects for the second review based on criteria including creativity of the story and expression techniques, character design and potentiality, feasibility of production plan, promotion and marketing plan, budget rationale, and the applicant and film crew’s capacity for implementation.

The adjudicating panel based on these criteria will select a maximum of five beneficiaries. Each beneficiary will receive a subsidy of up to MOP240,000 to initiate the production, promotion and marketing of their new animated short films.

Applicants must hold a valid Macau Resident Identity Card and be aged 18 or above, and be the director or producer of the proposed film.

Applications are open until February 27.