HONG KONG RECEIVES AWARD AT LOCATIONS 2000 GLOBAL EXPO
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The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) awarded Hong Kong first prize in the "Most Informative Booth" category at its 15th Annual Locations 2000 Global Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center last weekend.

Sharing the honour with the Television & Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA) are co-sponsors Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA), Salon (HK) Films, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

Hong Kong outperformed Australia and Alberta, Canada - which took second and third place respectively - by having the most striking visuals, literature and booth staff with the best in-depth knowledge of the motion picture business.

More than 300 exhibitors representing the AFCI's 314 members and companies from 33 countries attended the three-day exposition. Designed as a "one-stop shop" for locations and location services, the Locations Global Expo is considered the only place in the world where film backdrops from all corners of the world can be viewed in one place.

Aside from receiving the award, the Hong Kong booth attracted several silver screen luminaries. Film star Nancy Kwan, best known for her title role in the movie The World of Suzie Wong, appeared for a few hours on the opening day. Ms Kwan fondly reminisced over her childhood in Hong Kong and declared her deep love for her hometown.

Action stars Robin Shou and Jean-Claude Van Damme also visited the booth. A native of Hong Kong, Mr Shou made his name in several Hong Kong films, such as Black Cat II, and Tiger Cage II. He was one of the leading characters in the Hollywood movies Mortal Kombat I and its sequel. His other film credits are Beverly Hills Ninja from Tri-Star Pictures and the Outer Limits series, from MGM.

Mr Shou finds filming in Hong Kong exciting because of the city's unique culture, people and traditions. He added that Hong Kong is a "go, go, go place".

Popular movie hero Van Damme credits the efficiency of Hong Kong crews and the professionalism of its film industry for the success of his five international movies filmed in the City of Life. Van Damme believes Hong Kong is "difficult to reproduce elsewhere" because of its "unique yin and yang, the seamless blend of old and new, and the Hong Kong people themselves" who made him feel part of their family.

TELA's Assistant Commissioner (Entertainment) Mr Esmond Lee said that Hong Kong has made significant strides since their Film Services Office (FSO) opened in 1998. "Hong Kong remains popular among filmmakers and we are optimistic that we can attract more production companies to our city this year and in the years to come," he added.

For more information on FSO, or filming in Hong Kong, contact Ms Camy Mak Kwan-hung on (852) 2594-5757, e-mail: telapfs@netvigator.com, or visit FSO's Web site at www.fso-tela.gov.hk.

Media enquiries: please contact Peter Randall (tel: 2807-6527, e-mail: plr@hkta.org) or Donna Mongan (tel: 2807-6373, e-mail: dm@hkta.org); or by fax: 2807-6595.

Photo Captions:

1. Film star Nancy Kwan is welcomed at the Hong Kong booth at Locations 2000 by Hong Kong Tourist Association Regional Director Lily Shum (left), Charles Wang, head of Salon (HK) Films (second right) and TELA's Assistant Commissioner (Entertainment) Esmond Lee.

2. Big name stars, including action man Jean-Claude Van Damme (centre) made an appearance at the award-winning Hong Kong booth at Locations 2000. He is seen here with (from left) TELA's Camy Mak, the HKTA's Regional Director Lily Shum, Charles Wang of Salon Films, TELA's Esmond Lee and the HKTA's Director for Western US, Barbara Bryant.

3. Hollywood-based Hong Kong-born actor Robin Shou fronts up to the media at the Hong Kong booth at the 15th Annual Locations 2000 Global Expo in Los Angeles.