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Seoul to promote cinema industry

By Kim Rahn

Film production facilities will be available for filmmakers in Seoul at affordable prices to promote and advance the filmmaking industry.

Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday that it will set up the offices necessary for filmmaking at Digital Media City (DMC) in Sangam-dong, western Seoul, as part of measures to enhance the industry, as only 13.6 percent of movies in 2009 surpassed the break-even points on average.

"Seoul takes up 70 percent of the industry's total sales, and experts, investors, and cinema-related infrastructure converge here. We hope to have quality movies produced in Seoul, making the city lead in the industry's development", Lim Ok-ki, director general of the city's Design Bureau, said.

The core of the plan is the Post Production Suite ― the city has been operating a pre-production center in DMC since 2008.

The office can be rented for 8 million won for six months, about 13 percent of the average cost that filmmakers spend on similar facilities, with the possibility to extend the contract up to two months.

"It takes about six to eight months to produce a movie. During the period, filmmakers need an office for editing or holding meetings and they spend an average of 60 million won for rent and to purchase office supplies", Lim said.

Twelve offices are available on 1,770 square meters of space in the DMC building. Each will be equipped with a desk, computers and other office supplies, and meeting rooms and storage space are also available.

The city will recruit filmmaker tenants this month to begin operation in March. Those who will start filming soon are eligible to apply.

Besides supporting filmmakers, the city will provide Korean movie screenings at 1,000 won, so that more citizens can enjoy movies.

Starting March 21, 10,000 Seoul citizens will have a chance to see a movie for only 1,000 won at 63 theaters every third Monday of the month. Citizens can apply for tickets at the city's website, www.seoul.go.kr, between every first Monday and Wednesday.

A free cinema preview will also be offered to 2,400 citizens at the Seoul Arts Center once a month.

The city government has also designated the 10 most popular filming locations, including Mt. Namsan, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Insa-dong, Hongdae, Bukchon Hanok Village and the Han River. The 10 along with 90 others will be promoted as tourist attractions.

"A Thai film, 'Hello Stranger' filmed 90 percent of its scenes in Seoul. After the movie became a hit, the number of Thai tourists to Korea rose by 40 percent last year. Boosting the film industry will invigorate Seoul's economy", said Chung Kyung-won, deputy mayor for culture, design and tourism.

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