One of the highlights of the recently concluded 14th Pusan International Film Festival was a joint declaration among Asian countries to foster cooperation and a more friendly filmmaking environment.

It’s a fact that the countries and regions of Asia have developed a unique film culture and industry based on diverse backgrounds, while improving the mutual understanding and cultural exchange between different countries and regions of the world.

Last year, film policy makers of Asia convened in Busan, South Korea to discuss the growing importance of the film industry and to collaborate methods for developing a unique Asian film culture.

And last Oct. 14, during the Film Policy Forum, film policy makers from Asian countries convened for the second time in order “to continue the progress made in the previous forum, foster a ‘Film Friendly Asia’ and to further develop and improve policies that are supportive to the film industry.”

The joint declaration called for the implementation of a joint effort for achieving a more film friendly environment in Asia by supporting film shooting, production incentives and readjustments to the current system cooperation between the member nations in order to establish a region-wide film incentive system of reduced custom and tariff formalities; all of which will be imperative for stimulating the current regional location support and production incentive systems; establish a more balanced growth within the Asian film industry by developing programs to increase cooperation on the basis of regional cultural understanding between all participating nations.

About overseas filming

What decides overseas filming locations? Various factors influence the production company’s choice of overseas filming locations, among them generous incentives and distinctive locations that fit the story like. At the semim Film NZ, discussed were comparative incentives and state-of-the-art post-production facilities, and how they attract the Hollywood big-budget films such as James Cameron’s new film “Avatar.” The Jordan Film Commission also shared its experience with one of the biggest box-office hit in 2009, “Transformers 2,” which required unique filming locations.

Incentive-related policies

At the Film Policy Plus (2nd Asian Film Policy Forum), various kinds of incentive-related policies, funds and international joint production programs were provided by Asian governments in order to attract the world’s filmmakers.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan said it will introduce government-initiated funds, incentives and policies from the Japanese government to encourage the opening of foreign markets. On the other hand, the Korean Film Council will issue the aid program that establishes a “Film Investment Fund.” It would institute a way out of the financial difficulty in the film market and suggest alternative plans as a leading country in the Asian film industry.

In Nepal, because they don’t have a film commission, the country is still relatively unknown in the film industry. For the first time the Nepalese government sent a delegate to the 14th Pusan International Film Festival to enlighten other participating nations of its unique location. In addition, the hottest locations for filming in Australia and Taiwan were recommended as the incentives provided by federal and local governments were introduced.

For its part, the Philippines (represented in the Asian Film Policy Forum by Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Rolando S. Atienza) will now be offering incentive packages for foreign production companies that intend to shoot their films in the Philippines. A one-stop shop that assists foreign film producers was introduced recently.

Among the incentives provided include grants up to $5,000 per movie shot in the Philippines. This will be disbursed through coupons for petrol providers, hotels/inns, equipment providers, post-production houses, airlines/shipping lines, film laboratories and other providers/establishments. To be eligible for the grant, filming in the Philippines has to be in progress.

Another incentive is an income tax holiday and duty-free importation of capital/film equipment for co-production ventures with Philippine movie companies. This has to be endorsed by the FDCP to the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry.

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Glamorous Kim & Gerald

Popular showbiz tandem Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson were recipients of the German Moreno Youth Achievement Award during the recent FAMAS Awards at the Pagcor Grand Theater in Sucat. The young actress was a whistle-drawer in her curvaceous multi-toned crumpled organza with cabbage effects serpentine gown while the actor was super handsome in his metallic green suit with triangle flop pockets. People watching were wowed by the fantastic couple making people to comment “They brought back the showbiz glamour. Too bad they did not wait long enough to receive their award.”

We asked Kim and Gerald what they thought of their wonderful outfits. Kim who was stunning and sexy in that gown which showed a bit of cleavage, said, “Song Medina is adorably good. This fabulous gown is so becoming to me. I feel like a princess indeed.” Kim met Song when the designer did her famous wedding gown in the soap opera “Tayong Dalawa.” Kim continued, “People were all agog to know who designed my fabulous wedding gown in ‘Tayong Dalawa’ as well as my outfit tonight. I told them proudly who he was.”

For his part Gerald said, “He (Song) is really, really good. The suit is a perfect fit and highly comfortable. I like everything about it – its metallic green color, its geometric design. I am truly feeling and looking very expensive tonight.”

Song’s success is attributed to his hard work and perseverance. His secret weapon is “word of mouth” which is continuously building a clientele for him from all walks of life and from every sector of our country. His creativity and unique, elegant designs are paving the way to his success.

A gathering of friends

Another recent birthday celebrator was dear friend Norma Japitana, writer and talent manager of note. At her birthday bash held at Annabel’s, Norma J. said, “I love my friends but I hate ageing!”

First to arrive at her party were relatives and friends from way back: Behn Cervantes, Linda Bolido, Chelo Banal-Formoso, Mila Magsaysay Valenzuela, Bechay Escalona, Tellie Francisco, Herman Robles, Alex Nolte, Ting Japitana, Leah Martinez, Jem Japitana and Norma’s adorable grandsons Jem Vincent and Joshua.

Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona arrived soon after, followed by Gen. Orville Gabuna, Perla Bautista, Marco Sison, Rey Valera and wife Ditas, Queenie Natividad and Nonoy Zuñiga.

Causing a flurry was the arrival of Rico J. Puno and Cesar Montano, two of Norma J.’s steadfast talents. Soon the two were seen in a huddle by former VP Tito, inevitably talking politics. Norma J.’s comment: “I’m losing two of my best guys to politics. Rico J. is running for Congress in the 1st District of Makati, while Cesar is running for governor of Bohol.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, Nov. 2, go to award-winning broadcast journalist Arnold Clavio, former Rep. Lynnette Punzalan, Ely Buendia, Anthony Ramos, Jenny Syquia, Jaime Blanch, US-based singer Mell Salas, Engr. Remigio P. Biazon, and Ezekiel Joshua Dimaguila…