Independent Film and Television Alliance

First ever American pavillion yields 100 export sales

As FILMART ended on March 24, 2011, ITA's Fanny Chau (Commercial Service, Hong Kong) and Barb Rawdon (Manufacturing and Services Office of Service Industries) had quite a tally. The twenty firms that participated in the American Pavillion generated 100 export sales worth over $5 million to China, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and twelve other markets.

This was the first time that the United States joined China, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and thirteen other countries that had national pavillions at the trade fair. Traditionally, U.S. firms have been at a competitive disadvantage because prior to this year's pavillion, they have had to attend on their own and exhibit in isolated booths that are frequently missed by buyers.  

ITA's Commercial Service, Hong Kong helped to raise awareness even more by arranging a high-profile visit by the Consul General of the United States in Hong Kong. The pavillion itself was funded in part by ITA with a $248,267 Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) award. But most of the financial resources committed come from IFTA and the companies themselves. IFTA's portion of the MDCP project budget is $856,671.

(Update: The 2012 American Pavilion at FilmArt was even more successful. See the FilmArt blog for more information.)

ITA's Commercial Service in Hong Kong hosted a reception for foreign buyers of films and television programming.