CreativeSmart Initiative

Key Takeaways: 

• The CreateSmart Initiative (CSI) is a government funded initiative to support HK companies in the creative industries.
• Applications may be submitted to the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) through its online portal 
• Other forms of CCIDA funding include the film development fund, which offers financial assistance to Hong Kong filmmaking companies

Not too long ago, Hong Kong was known as the Hollywood of the East. Local cons like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li were household names not just in Hong Kong, but in the numerous countries to which Hong Kong martial arts films were exported.

Though Hong Kong’s presence in the global popular imagination has waned over the years, the HK government has made great strides in reversing this trend. The CreateSmart Initiative is one among other government efforts to support local creatives, and if you own an SME in the creative industry as well, there’s a good chance that you may benefit from it.

What is the Createsmart initiative?

Established in June 2009, the CreateSmart Initiative is overseen by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) in Hong Kong. Since its establishment, it has provided significant financial support to projects that contribute to the development of local cultural and creative industries. 

What does it take to be a CCIDA approved project? 

In implementing the CreateSmart Initiative, the CCIDA aims to

• Nurture talents and facilitate start-ups;
• Explore markets;
• Promote cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration; and
• Promote Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and foster a creative atmosphere in the community

Once your application has been submitted, the CCIDA will assess it based on how well it aligns with the goals outlined above. From 2009 until now, CCDIA has approved over 780 projects under the CreateSmart Initiative, and has administered a combined HK$3.4 billion in funding. The scheme has benefited over 30,000 SMEs currently working in all corners of the creative industries: advertising, architecture, design, film, publishing, print, television, music, and more. (source)

Createsmart initiative vetting committee 

Professionals, accomplished representatives from the private sector, and academics make up the CreateSmart Initiative’s vetting committee. The board’s function is to not only to assess applications, but also to monitor and review the quality of approved projects on an ongoing basis. 

Some of the board’s main areas of focus are: 

• The feasibility of its budget 
• Whether the project duplicates the work of other institutions 
• The project’s organisation and planning 
• The capability and experience of the project team 

Applying at CCIDAHK: Who is eligible? 

Only locally registered institutions or organizations based in Hong Kong are eligible to apply for the CSI. These include: 

• Local academic institutes, 
• Industry support organisations 
• Trade and industry associations 
• Research institutes 
• Locally established Companies 

However, if your project will be covered by other dedicated government funding schemes, such as the Film Development Fund, then the CSI vetting committee will not consider your application. Therefore, right before you apply, it would be best to check whether there are other dedicated forms of government funding available for your project. 

The application process is simple: applicants may simply submit their application form online. There is also no deadline, meaning that applications can be submitted throughout the year. 

Other forms of CCIDA funding: The Film Development Fund

If you’re in the business of creating films, then The Film Development Fund is the better fit for you. This is a group of government funding schemes set up to support Hong Kong film production companies. Among these schemes is the Film Production Financing Scheme (FPFS)  providing a production budget of anywhere between HK$8 million to HK$25 million (source). 

To apply for the FPFS, you must do so as a company registered in Hong Kong. The company, or the film’s director or producer, must also have a traceable record showing that they have released 2 films prior to applying for the scheme. 

Applicants should also take note that the FPFS is selecting for films that are locally produced and commercially viable. Therefore, the film project should

• Be intended for theatrical release in Hong Kong 
• Be 80 minutes or above in runtime 
• Be backed by third-party financing to the satisfaction of the HK government 
• Hire at least one HK permanent resident in any two of the following categories of the main cast and crew : (i) the leading actor/leading male voice-over; (ii) the leading actress/leading female voice-over; (iii) the supporting actor/supporting male voice-over; and (iv) the supporting actress/supporting female voice-over;
• fulfill the requirement of securing a certificate for local public exhibition under the Film Censorship Ordinance (Cap. 392)

Hong Kong’s love of expression and acceptance of diverse cultures make it a natural home for creatives all over the world. And now, with the aid of government efforts, the city is well on its way to reasserting its place as a centre of art and culture in Asia. If you’re in the creative industry, this city may well be the launch pad for your next creative venture.