Local Entertainment Industry Unleashing Potential
T
he local entertainment industry reflects everyday life and the changing face of the city as well as contributing to social and economic development. Its golden age was in the 70s and 80s when Hong Kong films, TV dramas and Cantopop topped the Asian popularity charts. This report asks why it has been in decline since then and what can be done about it.
Music, film, television production and online media are among the city’s homegrown cultural and creative industries (CCI). They comprise one of Hong Kong’s most dynamic economic sectors, contributing to both economic growth and job creation. In 2018, the value added by CCI according 1 to government statistics was $117.8 billion and the contribution to total employment was 5.6%. This report explores ways of rejuvenating CCI and broadening its potential for future development at a time when the sector has been experiencing a downward trend. It discusses the possible reasons for the trend and looks at whether a shrinking local market, lack of talent, poor promotion by government or narrowing the scope of creativity are the main underlying factors. When the national security law came into effect in Hong Kong, the government amended the Film Censorship Ordinance to ban films harmful to national security. In-depth interviews with stakeholders found that practitioners in the film industry were worried about how the law would be interpreted. They thought that there would be self-censorship leading to the stifling of creativity.
Key points from respondents CCI were rated as follows
[on a scale of 0-10, where 10 = “very much appreciated” or “very much agree”]
● 6.12 Television productions ● 6.11 Cantopop ● 5.95 Film ● 5.9 Online media The following average ratings were also given for CCI: ● 6.23 As a representation of Hong Kong culture ● 6.01 As a means to enhance sense of identity among Hongkongers 14.1% of respondents were interested in working in CCI: ● 6.6% said they considered online content creation ● 5.0% expressed an interest in music production ● 3.7% were interested in filmmaking ● 3.7% wanted to work in television production Other points: ● 33% considered the city’s creative talent to be its key advantage in CCI ● 31% thought the industry was held back by lack of government support
Note 1. Census and Statistics Department, HKSAR. Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics June 2020.
Comments from Youth I.D.E.A.S. think tank members Ronald Chan, group convenor “The work of the
entertainment industry is currently under the aegis of various government departments. A long-term government development blue print for the industry is also needed and a new cultural bureau could oversee and coordinate all related issues. In the meantime, existing panels and committees should continue to uphold the tradition of impartiality.”
Jenny Liu, group deputy convenor “Some respondents in this study worried that the amended Film Censorship Ordinance could stifle creative expression and a clear explanation is needed. It is of paramount importance to preserve room for creativity if the local entertainment industry is to thrive and the government should listen to stakeholders and provide a stable, long-term CCI business environment.” Report No.64 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S. Livelihood Group Published title Unleashing the Potential of Local Entertainment Industry Respondents 816 Hong Kong residents aged 15-65 were polled. 3 scholars and 8 industry stakeholders were also interviewed. More details in Chinese yrc.hkfyg.org. hk/2021/09/27/yi064/ Enquiries Chan Shui Ching 3755 7040
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