MDA sets up Creators' Space for makers of online videos

Local creative types looking to make and distribute innovative videos online via channels such as YouTube are to get a helping hand from a government agency.

The Media Development Authority (MDA) is setting up a Creators' Space where online video content creators can come together in a shared facility to collaborate with leading industry players, said Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim in Parliament yesterday.

Disney's Maker Studios - a multi-channel network on YouTube for online videos - has come on board as the initiative's first partner to aid in the development of local talent.

Maker works with an extensive network of third-party content creators who post videos on their own channels online. It manages more than 55,000 YouTube channels.

The initiative is part of the Government's plans to strengthen the media industry's capabilities in the light of changing media consumption trends from the television screen to Internet videos on handheld devices.

"MDA will work with industry partners to organise masterclasses and workshops to hone creators' skills to produce content and better engage audiences on digital platforms," said Dr Yaacob.

He said MDA is also looking at ways to boost the local film industry. It will work together with the Singapore Film Commission to further develop and promote local talent through the setting up of the Singapore Film Lab.

The lab will be an annual mentorship programme where industry veterans and practitioners from the region guide local film- makers in areas such as scriptwriting, character development and directing.

Television is another area of focus, said Dr Yaacob. He noted that more local television companies are working together with international broadcasters to produce content.

MDA plans to foster such future partnerships and make Singapore media companies the partners of choice for such international collaborations.

This article was first published on March 11, 2015.
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