The search is on for six new filmmakers for FTFM 2005

(Shanghai, 8 July 2005) — Discovery Networks Asia, the Asian headquartered arm of global media and entertainment company Discovery Communications, Inc., in partnership with the Shanghai Media Group (SMG), today launched First Time Filmmakers (FTFM) 2005 in the People's Republic of China including the Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of Hong Kong and Macau.

FTFM 2005 is a partnership between Discovery Networks Asia and Shanghai Media Group, supported by SMG Documentary Channel and the Shanghai Institute of Visual Art. FTFM is designed to bring China to the world on Discovery Channel. It offers up-and-coming Chinese filmmakers the chance to showcase their talents and gain experience and recognition on an international level.

Kevin Dickie, vice president of marketing and communications, Discovery Networks Asia, said, "The response and quality of ideas submitted by filmmakers from China for the last two initiatives clearly shows that China has a large pool of talented individuals. We are bringing FTFM to China once again to help further develop this talent and provide an avenue for young Chinese filmmakers to tell their stories to the world."

Mr. Ying Qiming, Chief Editor of SMG Documentary Channel said, "The success of the initiative in China has played an active role in developing the international cooperation of Chinese TV documentaries. For SMG Documentary Channel, it has also been important in expanding its brand influence. Meanwhile, the FTFM initiative has also fueled the passion among young talented documentary filmmakers in China, and provides them with the chance to develop their talent and showcase their work on an international stage."

Aspiring filmmakers in the People's Republic of China and the Special Administrative Regions are invited to submit outlines/treatments for this year's theme, 'Inspirational stories that capture unique responses of individuals or communities in China to rapid modernization in an increasingly globalizing world'.

The FTFM initiative was first launched in China in 2002, and held there again in 2004 following the successful launch. This is the first time that the initiative is being held in the same country for the third consecutive year.

Once again, six successful applicants will be commissioned to produce a single half-hour documentary based on their proposals. The winners will have a chance to bring their ideas to life and will also face the real challenges in the world of filmmaking, such as working on a budget and delivering their finished product within the stipulated time. The resulting documentaries are scheduled to air internationally on Discovery Channel in 2006. In China, they will premiere on SMG Documentary Channel and 26 other leading cable TV stations nationwide.

The FTFM initiative is an ongoing effort by the Discovery Channel to encourage the development of non-fiction filmmakers worldwide; it has already provided a showcase for the talents of filmmakers in Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Germany, Netherlands, South East Asia and China. The short films produced by the first-time filmmakers of SEA and China have also won many international awards including Best Documentary at the Asian Television Awards 2003.

Later this year, the six documentaries produced by the winners of last year's initiative will premiere on Discovery Channel in China.