TNUA and Central Motion Picture Corporation (CMPC) have signed an agreement to enhance collaboration between the academic world and industry by jointly setting up a R&D center.
TNUA President Prof. Ju, Tzong-Ching and CMPC Chairman Guo Tai-chiang signed the agreement on August 23 for establishing the center, which will allocate NT$50 million in the next five years for various film and related projects.
Both sides will join forces in producing and making feature films, devising theatre plans, training management personnel, conducting research and development projects, running educational training courses, and others.
The unprecedented collaboration has turned a new page in Taiwan’s film history, and injected a strong momentum in the local film industry.
Prof. Ju noted that a healthy and stable film industry must be maintained in order to support and realize the dream of making films that can touch and inspire audiences.
This film industry must be sustainable and continue to grow, with strong backing from a sufficient source of talent, the TNUA president said.
Prof. Ju revealed that both sides will jointly produce at least two feature films each year. TNUA will provide personnel and academic resources to assist CMPC in such areas as filmmaking ideas, styles, and development of equipment and technology.
CMPC will provide R&D funding, equipment and sufficient opportunities for TNUA students to fully practice and learn, Prof. Ju said.
He said it is an unprecedented occasion for both Taiwan’s educational and filmmaking sectors, allowing a close partnership between the academic circle and industry to create a win-win situation where resources and fruits can be shared through a regular collaboration mechanism.
Mr. Guo said the major aim of the cooperation with TNUA is to lay a firm foundation for Taiwan’s film industry by offering fundamental training to talented students, allowing these young people to better develop their creativity.
For Taiwan’s film industry to grow and prosper, private enterprises’ investments and participation will be essential, Mr. Guo said. The five-year plan is just the beginning; there will be more five-year plans coming in the future, and there will be more cooperation between academic institutions and industrial sectors of a similar nature, the CMPC chairman added.
Prof. Wang Tung, chairman of the Department of Filmmaking, who will oversee the project, said that with the strictest requirements he will lead this team of new blood to create a better future for Taiwan’s film industry.
The agreement signing ceremony was also witnessed by a number of government officials and famous director Lee Hsing, among other guests of honor.