Hindi
Singapore earmarks $156 mn to develop media content sector
MUMBAI: The Singapore government has earmarked $156 million over five years to develop the country‘s media content sector. This is in addition to $340 million already committed to interactive digital media research and development.
This initiative is part of the government‘s ongoing plan to attract the world‘s creative community to partner with Singapore media companies.
Accordingly, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) announced three of its new initiatives at the Cannes Film Market.
The government‘s plan aims to provide the best environment for media business, while leveraging R&D to position Singapore at the leading edge of digital media. Emphasising the creation of new intellectual properties, as well as the formation of new digital media industries. The three initiatives outlined by the MDA include:
The International Film Fund: (TIFF) Provided to Singapore-based production and post-production companies with the opportunity to executive produce and/or co-produce films of global appeal with international partners, MDA launched The International Film Fund (TIFF), the latest funding initiative which will encourage projects to be shot in and out of Singapore.
The fund will allow a contribution of up to $3.4 million per project, covering 17 to 20 projects ranging from animation, live-action features and post-production projects. MDA will take a share of the rights and revenues of the films as appropriate for its investment.
The TIFF is in addition to $882 million of private equity investment in Singapore that is currently available to filmmakers.
Stereoscopic 3D Development Fund: As a result of its inaugural 3DX Festival, a global gathering of the stereoscopic 3D filmed entertainment and technology sectors which took place last November, Singapore has earmarked $6.7 million for its stereoscopic 3D Development Fund.
Under this fund, Singapore has committed to co-produce a slate of three 3D films, all of which will be in production by the end of March 2010, and which are being offered for pre-sale at Cannes. The first title of the slate is Amphibious, a science fiction adventure project to be directed by Brian Yuzna.
Mediapolis @ one-north: Currently under-development, Mediapolis @ one-north is a state-of-the-art studio complex which offers sound stages, digital production, post-production, broadcast and distribution facilities. A colaboration between the Singapore Government and private sector investors, Mediapolis @ one-north will span 47 acres (19 hectares) and will serve as a catalyst for film, television, animation, video game and emerging new media production.
In addition to the studio complex, the master plan for Mediapolis @ one-north includes research and development labs and work lofts as well as retail and recreation amenities and accommodations.
Hindi
Marico founder Harsh Mariwala’s book Harsh Realities set for film adaptation
Almighty Motion Picture taps Karan Vyas to script Marico story
MUMBAI: Almighty Motion Picture is turning its lens on India Inc., with plans to adapt Harsh Realities: The Making of Marico into a screen project. The story charts the rise of Harsh Mariwala, the chairman and founder of Marico, and is currently in early development, according to a report by Variety.
Writer Karan Vyas, known for his work on Scam 1992, Scoop and Made in India – A Titan Story, is attached to pen the screenplay. The project continues the studio’s growing interest in real-life Indian narratives that blend business with human drama.
At the heart of the story lies a defining moment in 1987, when Mariwala chose to step away from the family-run Bombay Oil Industries and strike out on his own. What followed was not just the creation of a company, but the reinvention of a legacy. Marico would go on to become a global FMCG player, with brands like Parachute, Saffola, Set Wet and Livon becoming household names, reaching nearly one in three Indians.
The source material, co-authored by Mariwala and renowned business strategist Ram Charan, offers more than a boardroom chronicle. It captures the grit behind the growth, the risks behind the rewards and the leadership lessons forged along the way.
The adaptation aims to move beyond balance sheets and brand milestones, focusing instead on the person behind the enterprise. Expect a narrative that leans into the emotional stakes of entrepreneurship, where decisions are as personal as they are professional.
Today, Marico draws about a quarter of its revenue from international markets across Asia and Africa, reflecting its steady transformation from a domestic player into a multinational force. Yet, if the makers have their way, the screen version will remind audiences that every global success story begins with a leap of faith.
With development set to begin soon, this is one business story that may just trade spreadsheets for storytelling, and profit margins for moments that linger
