#10 /2015 10

Contents

Editor-in-chief: Editor’s Letter Lei Chin Pang

Online shopping has already become the ubiquitous Managing Editor: means of shopping over the years, and most young Flora Shaw entrepreneurs would opt for adding an online shop in their business plans. What about Macao? And what about the Portuguese Editor: sphere of online marketing for creative and cultural business José Oliveira commerce? In this issue, three entrepreneurs active in the cultural commerce field share their experiences in online Email: sales and marketing. [email protected] 002...... Feature This issue is also dedicated to film buffs. In Chit Chat Online Marketing we have budding film director Emily Chan Nga Lei, and Produced by: for Creative and Cultural Business Commerce then we have award-winning director Chao Koi Wang in 100 Plus Cultural Creative Extravaganza; prominent filmmaker also shares Development Limited 008...... Chit Chat his insight about grooming new talent in the industry in The Revelation of Timing Around the Globe. Published by: Apart from the cinema, our bloggers continue to bring Cultural Affairs Bureau of 010...... Extravaganza inspiring content about the cultural and creative industries the Macao S.A.R. Government Come, the Light: The Macao Production that to our readers. Shines in the FIRST International Film Festival

012...... Around the Globe Lei Chin Pang Fresh Wave: Nurturing New Talent for Editor-in-chief ’s Film Sector

014...... Event Calender

016...... Blogs Alvis Sio - Between Calm and Passion — On Writing for a Literary Magazine (1) Lio Chi Heng - Give Room for Macao Movies to Grow Rai Mutsu - The Significance of Commercial Movies Joe Tang - The Double-edged Sword of Social Media Choy Sau Ying - SYUT by tfvsjs: An Example of Self-reliance

The views and opinions expressed in this Yi-Hsin Lin - Art Development with Many Possibilities: Case Studies in London publication are those of the authors and the Rachel Mok - Music Festivals: More than Just Music interviewees, which do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government. Feature

Macon: The Power of Customer Database

Set up in 2013, the local fashion label, Macon, Chan and her team could adjust their business in an actual shop before buying. Typically, the has successfully become the first original fashion strategy to enhance sales. customer service team would get in touch with brand from Macao to feature on Tmall.com, Asia’s Chan believed that, ultimately, it is the the customers a week after their purchase to biggest shopping platform. Its creative director, customer experience that counts, and a understand their needs, and may even offer Online Jane Chan, agrees with the immense potential of successful fashion business must take into them value-added advice such as guidance on online sales and marketing and decides to make account the customer’s needs at all times, garments care. As such, it is not difficult to realise good use of the online channel and information from the designing stage to the after-sales that sustainable sales is built on a pleasant Marketing to reinforce sales strategy. customer service. She said: “In order to attract customer experience rather than cheap prices. Having studied fashion design in Beijing, customers, Macon needs to emphasise its At the beginning of her career, Chan was for Creative and Cultural Chan has partnered with Fu Son Garment Macao-made element. This is best achieved able to benefit from the Subsidy Programme for Factory for a few years when she joined Macon, through thoughtful products photography Fashion Design on Sample Making organised Business Commerce which refers to the Macao-made element and and copywriting, combined with a visually by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, which effectively By Yuki Ieong and Lam Kuan Long the use of comfortable, pragmatic and delicate appealing website experience. This requirement lowered the risk of her business venture. Photo courtesy of Around Chao, Macon, Agostinho Jesus Liu do Castro, cotton material. differs from the operation of an actual retail However, as Chan pointed out, the scheme Jason Leong Since the beginning, Macon relies on store. For the latter, customers can go there and was useful only for the launch of the business, online channels for sales and distribution, try on the clothes they like before deciding to since she had to rely on her own resources in the The world’s largest creative commerce platform, Etsy, boasts saving on retail rent. Nevertheless, like any buy the products. On the other hand, it would processes that followed from pattern-making, buyers and sellers from all over the world. Pinkoi, a similar platform other actual retail outlet, it also has its own be harder to communicate with the customers such as production and sales. targeting the Asian market, also has a network of over 20,000 costs to meet, such as human resources. The in an actual store the brand’s design philosophy.” With a limited capital, Macon took part designers and 600,000 active buyers. On the mainland, Tmall.com recruitment of various professional talents Macon has opened shop in Tmall.com, a in several fashion shows organised by Macau leads the Asian creative commerce market in terms of online sales required – such as designers, pattern- subsidiary of Taobao.com. These two online Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre, revenue, featuring over 50,000 shops and a clientele of 400 million makers and manufacturers, IT channels differ in the sense that Taobao.com where it gained industry recognition both people. Can this diverse range of online shops help to bring Macao’s professionals, quality control staff, features all kinds of online shops including locally and outside Macao. For example, Macon local designer products into overseas markets? In this issue, we talk sales teams, customer service and those run by individual sole traders, whereas took part in Hong Kong’s Fashion Week in July, to three local entrepreneurs active in the cultural commerce field administrative officers etc. – cost Tmall.com is a more sophisticated platform where it was promoted jointly with several other to learn more from their experiences in online sales and marketing. over a million dollars a year. that caters more to companies, and is complete Macao brands. The fashion label successfully The major risk of running with guaranteed quality control and copyright captured new partnership opportunities from an online fashion boutique is protection. Macon’s online shop at Tmall.com buyers in the fashion expo. the relatively low visibility of offers detailed information on each product, Other than growing Macon’s online outlet, the brand. Its success depends including the materials, transaction volume Chan has expansion plans by collaborating with largely on effective sales channels and reviews. Customers can also click for the more retail outlets. She said: “At present, Macon appropriate for its clientele. For option to ask questions via live chats, such as enjoys good sales from its consignment at example, Macon generates a finding out more tips on matching outfits and Macao Fashion Gallery. In the future, we hope to substantial volume of customer fashion styling. These services help to reduce develop more consignment locations with local

Macon is well known for the database via a comprehensive online the likelihood of sales refunds. Once a customer fashion stores. With the rise of spending power use of comfortable, pragmatic products catalogue, i.e. data to do with decides to buy the product, Macon would and more awareness towards cultural business and delicate cotton material. the age groups and geographical reach despatch the item in two days, and offer Tmall. commerce among Macao’s customers, we are of its customers as well as the popularity of its com’s sales policy of seven-day refund. This is confident that fashion brands with originality various product items. By analysing these data, comparable to customers trying out clothes will fare well.”

Jane Chan, Macon’s creative director, points out that running an online shop may save on retail rent but it also has its own costs Macon took part in Hong Kong’s Fashion Week and successfully captured new partnership opportunities from to meet. buyers in the fashion expo. 002 003 Feature Mo-Design: Creating a Brand’s Character and Style is Paramount

Creative Director of Mo-Design and and even place an order immediately. Hence designed a business card holder, you are only To a certain extent, it’s more risky to run an store as a showroom and customers can only to build a good brand. He is pleased to see that prominent designer Chao Sio Leong’s idea of the products can be integrated to target competing with a few brands in Macao, but if e-business.” He points out that although a virtual purchase the products online. Chao believes local designers have widened their horizons online marketing is: “Nowadays, e-shopping is consumers’ lifestyles successfully.” you sell the product online, you are competing store incurs no rental costs, some e-commerce that traditional retailers still have a role to play recently, by making reference to foreign artists’ not only about ordering online while you are So are local brands competitive enough with thousands of brands around the world. platforms require that a seller has to achieve and can complement e-commerce. But the works. Some students from design schools are at home. The younger generations may find to go online? Chao believes that the Some people believe that it’s easier to run an certain amount of turnovers, otherwise the most important is to create a brand’s character willing to take summer internships at prominent that it’s old-fashioned to surf on the internet uniqueness of a product is of paramount online business than a brick-and-mortar one. seller’s accounts would be suspended.” and style. “To successfully build a brand, it has to designer brands overseas, in order to learn more to shop. Now the question is how to make importance. Some brands in other Think again, an online business actually needs Does e-commerce really improve the target clearly to certain age groups; a product’s from countries with an established design online shopping fit with buyers’ lifestyles. countries only focus on developing two much more resources to promote than a store quality of life? Chao thinks that it’s not known message needs to be communicated, and the industry. They eventually come back to Macao For instances, some designer brands may to three products and make the sales of that has a physical presence. Promotion on the yet. “If it’s a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes, designer’s attitude has to be seen in the brand. and create their own products. Chao feels that collaborate with hotels. After check-in, a products go viral. Speaking of Mo-Design internet can be expensive. You need to target at least you have some idea what you are In other words, a successful brand means one those students are very passionate about the customer can use the hotel’s app to get to itself, instead of opening a virtual shop, it certain social media or well-known websites, buying. What if it’s an innovative product? In this would immediately come up with an adjective cultural and creative industry, and its future is know more about Macao’s designer products has been a brick-and-mortar retailer since its or collaborate with established brands, so as to case e-shopping can hardly mirror the real-life to describe the brand.” hopeful. inception and has already established itself effectively attract your target consumers to visit shopping experience.” Chao said that designers should not in Macao. your virtual store. And those consumers may Chao cites that some brands in other only have their eye on the physical and online Chao said: “For example, if you have only spend a few seconds to browse online. countries would use a brick-and-mortar presence of their brands. The most essential is

Chao Sio Leong, creative director of MO-Design, says that designers should not only have their eye on the physical and online presence of their brands. The most essential is to build a good brand.

004 ISSUE10 ISSUE10 005 Feature Handy Garden: Tips for Small Businesses’ Online Operation

“Internet platforms can make local brands It is easy to find shops that sell different to reply to reservations online, discuss styles and culture consumers. “One of the reasons is before making a decision. “Merely posting more well-known, but it does not guarantee handmade products on Facebook, as social and explain costs. She has heard of subsidies that Macao people do not support local brands accessories photos online without actually revenue,” said Aster Lam, person-in-charge media is the primary platform for small that can be applied to launch a website, but and think there is no consumption value in instructing and producing them in person is not of Handy Garden, a brand that customises businesses in Macao to promote themselves. she didn’t apply for it because she lacks online them. They think foreign brands are better, thus enough to retain clients,” she said. She thought precious metal jewelries for clients. There are not many workshops that designs and marketing experience and is not familiar with local creative and culture products are only that her workshop is able to go on only because designers in Hong Kong. Not only do they Handy Garden is a workshop that customises precious metal in Macao, which is website operations. supported mutually by those in the industry. precious metals have their own value, and it was update new products by designers online, they manufactures precious metals. From melting, the special feature of Handy Garden. Aster is a Before starting her own workshop, Aster Macao people are willing to buy products by successful to package them with clients’ real also organise events like creative and cultural casting, polishing to mosaic, it can take over ten full-time teacher and spends a lot of time to run used to run a stall in the Taipa Flea Market, and designers from other countries, even if they are stories. markets frequently, which allows designers hours to make a pure-silver ring. her workshop after work. She discusses designs foreigners were among her customers’ mix. She not famous.” Aster is still relying solely on social media to interact with clients directly and stimulate Aster shares the process and background with clients, and hold classes for silverware kept in touch with these foreign customers on Aster added that online shopping is not as promotion platform, and believes that good consumption. Macao’s creative and culture of the making of accessories for her clients making. Aster posts product shots and photos the internet. It has been more than a year since yet very popular in Macao. Most consumers still wine needs no bush -- even if she is not part platforms still remain in the stage of merely on social media platforms. “Long-distance of the classes online, and the promotional effect she started her workshop, and her business wish to have a look on the product in person of any local designer group or organisation, providing information online. Aster said: “I will relationships, confessing of feelings, a gift is significant on the internet -- one or two clients has broken even and the reservation volume her products will attract customers as long as only consider developing my own website if I for firstborn sons, etc., there is a unique story out of ten are from Hong Kong or Taiwan. But is satisfactory. Aster thought that dedicated she does a good job. Aster noted that there still have the ambition to step out of Macao in behind every piece of accessory,” she said. Aster confessed that it is very time consuming websites are not applicable to Macao’s creative are plenty of internet platforms that unify the future.”

There are not many workshops that designs and customises precious metal in Macao, which is the special feature of Handy Garden.

Handy Garden’s accessories are made of precious metal, which attract both local and foreign clienteles alike.

Aster Tam, person-in-charge of Handy Garden, believes that the unique story behind every piece of accessory is attractive to her customers.

006 ISSUE10 007 Chit Chat

L: Culture commentator Lei Chin Pang C: Movie director Emily Chan Nga Lei

L:You have signed contract with a Timing? Beijing studio to develop in commercial C: It is jointly shot by the mainland and movie industry. What made you set foot on Macao, with some mandatory requirements the industry? to involve workers, actors and scenes from C: I did movie-related and news both places. It is a mode of co-production. reporter internships in university. When L: How did you convince mainland I graduated in 2012, I started to think if I studios to participate in the production of should take it as my career. I have a dream Timing? to be a full-time movie worker, but after C: I think I sold the story very excitedly Film stills for Timing understanding the development of the to discuss the human touch of Macao, and industry, I realised that it is impossible to struggle on whether to stay or not -- it does be a full-time moviemaker in Macao. I have not only apply to Macao, but also resonates to shoot commercials and music videos to people in those second-tier cities, because make a living. In view of this, I continued everyone one will go through the phase to study to go on this path, and I enrolled of proposal and marriage. Packaging the The Macao sentiment in the movie Timing has moved many in Renmin University of China. But then dilemma of staying or leaving with the idea Macao and mainland audiences. How did budding movie director I realised Renmin University is a theory- of love is the attractive point of Timing. In directors. But if directors lack the ability to Emily Chan Nga Lei set foot on the path of commercial movies? oriented institute, and didn’t help getting the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers write stories, it is like signing in robots. She shares her story in this issue’s Chit Chat. me closer to the industry even if I went to Film Festival held in Lanzhou, the movie L: When it comes to story creation Beijing. Those two years were my low ebb. attracted a batch of post-80s and post- and the idea designing, is it still vulnerable Because of that, I was able to precipitate 90s to the theatre. I heard some audience to clash with mainland cultures and taboos and started creating stories. Later I started sobbing during the movie. They haven’t in censorship? The Revelation of looking for producers to work together lived in Macao and can still resonate to the C: Actually the taboo is over- with the story of Timing, and I went back story — that’s when I realise that Timing exaggerated – it’s actually pretty funny. to Macao to write to the Cultural Affairs should be able to break even in mainland. For example, smoking is allowed but Bureau and Macao Foundation to apply L:What type of people is needed in the scene of lighting a cigarette is not; for capitals to shoot a commercial movie. In the movie industry? and bad guys must end badly. There is 2014, I joined the Guangdong-Hong Kong- C:When considering signing in a no classification system in China, and Timing Macao Film Production Investment and director, movie companies do not care the knowledge and academic level of By Chan Lap Hang Photo courtesy of Emily Chan Nga Lei, Trade Fair organised by the Cultural Affairs how technically advanced the candidates audiences are not equal. Also China is vast, Chang Seng Pong Bureau. I got the Best Film Project Award are. What they need are directors with and there are things that must be put under with Kung Fu Goddess and caught the eye insights, organisational skills, and the ability control. So there’s a line to regulate what is of my current manager in the Fair. At last I to articulate clearly to communicate. This not allowed while filming. got a contract for a commercial movie and is because techniques can be nurtured, L: Can your experience and stepped into the industry genuinely. and there are good executive directors, hardworking mode be a reference for L: What is the cooperation mode of art directors and photographers to assist youngsters with movie dreams? C: First they need to come without family burden. Secondly they need to be prepared, read more books and watch more movies so that they have their own methods of expression, and be able to grab opportunities by telling their own stories at any time when they meet producers.

Emily Chan Nga Lei points out that when considering signing in a director, what movie companies need are directors with insights, organisational skills, and the ability to articulate clearly to communicate. 008 ISSUE10 ISSUE10 009 Extravaganza Come, the Light: Directed by Chao Koi Wang, Come, and improvement to the film business. including China Exhibition Tour, Film the Light is an episode in Macao Stories The 9th FIRST International Film Festival Forum and Film Financing Forum, etc., The Macao Production that 3: City Maze. The judge panel was invited many big names in the industry to to enrich young Chinese filmmakers’ impressed by the production with a be members of the judge panel, including diversified learning experiences. Chao Shines in the FIRST International film crew of local Macao people and the the reputable director Jiang Wen, actor said he had learnt a lot from the film theme exploring the values of people in Chang Chen and the awarding winning festival through exchanging thoughts the gambling business and the changes cinematographer Peter Pau. Pau said with other filmmakers from Greater China brought by the economic growth to the after the ceremony he was especially and meeting mainland investors. Film Festival Macao society. fond of Chao’s film and impressed by his By Jason Leong Photo courtesy of Chao Koi Wang, Around Chao In his acceptance speech, Chao said, storytelling skill. Stay and Work in Macao after “although there is no film industry in This year, the competition section Gaining National Recognition One of the most prestigious film showcases in China, FIRST International Macao yet, people are working hard to was divided into college student Chao has already gained a Film Festival was held in Xining, the capital of Qinghai province in July. change that. I hope the Chinese-speaking category and youth category. The reputation in Macao directing March Chao Koi Wang, a Macao director won the Best Short Film Award at the filmmakers would pay more attention college student category was opened Rhapsody. The film was shortlisted for Festival’s Competition Section with Come, the Light. to the development of the Macao film for college students and there was no the International Short Film Festival business in the future.” age limit for the youth category. Chao is of Bueu in Spain and won the Jury’s a college student, but he chose to take Commendation Award (Short Film) in Brought in New Blood for the the challenge by competing in the youth the MIFVF-Macau Indies 2011. Mainland Film Industry category and won the Best Short Film Chao is still studying for a master FIRST International Film Festival was Award. The competition section also degree in film in Taiwan. He is certain first held in 2006 and all the participants presents Best Documentary, Best Actor, to pursuit a career in had to submit their first feature film for Best Director and other awards for the after graduation, although he has the competition. The organisers hoped to young filmmakers, who deserve proper not decided where to base yet. provide the young filmmakers more recognition. Nevertheless, he will stay in Macao if competition, in order to Apart from the competition section, there are opportunities because, after bring more varieties FIRST is organised in various sections, all, Macao is home.

Film stills for Come, the Light

Chao hopes that the Chinese-speaking filmmakers Chao’s March Rhapsody won the Jury’s would pay more attention to the development of the Commendation Award (Short Film) in the

Chao Koi Wang, a Macao director, won the Best Short Film Award at the FIRST Macao film business in the future MIFVF-Macau Indies 2011 International Film Festival’s Competition Section with Come, the Light. 010 011 Around the Globe

Founder of Fresh Wave, Johnnie Having invested in several huge box office hits in the mainland, Wang embarked on their filmmaking careers by entering this contest, getting To stresses that Fresh Wave sets itself the mission to Changtian once said that there are no more than 60 directors with whom attention from film companies and receiving commissions. For example, discover young directors, he would partner with in the Chinese-speaking region. This shortage of Chow Kun Wai, a Fresh Wave “graduate” in 2011, succeeded in getting and this contest is the perfect channel to good film directors is not just limited to mainland China but applies to contracts from Edko Films and to produce his first feature showcase the talent Hong Kong as well, a city that has seen a considerable number of box film in 2013:, which is a film adaptation from Yi Shu’s of these emerging artists. office hits in the market. Kong Chi Keung, a film producer in Hong Kong, book, starring Jacky Cheung and other leading actors. This is certainly a said: “What could have led to a shortage of films? Most of the time, it is not most encouraging experience for a young director. Moreover, Milkyway because there are no opportunities to make films, but because we don’t Image has also commissioned three Fresh Wave prizewinners including have enough capable directors.” Au Man Kit, Hui Hok Man and Vicky Wong to co-direct a long film As early as a decade ago, the Hong Kong film sector has pioneered with producers Johnnie To and Yau Nai Hoi. Fresh Wave Short Films Competition aimed at discovering and grooming It may seem not too cost-effective to nurture only a few young fresh talent. Featuring students and open categories, the competition has directors, given the considerable resources required spanning ten years. transformed from a straightforward video contest to today’s short films However, Johnnie To defended the scheme, saying: “Filmmaking is a time- expo of international acclaim. The reason for its success lies in the fact that consuming business and has no shortcuts. For example, good directors the winning criteria focus on talent and concepts that empower the films, such as Dante Lam Chiu Yin, Zheng Baorui and Siu Fai, whose rather than the experience or track record of filmmakers. Whoever work make hundreds of millions, have been working hard since the 1980s. captures the best concepts can win the prize. There are master- They have attained recognition only very recently with their respective classes where local and overseas filmmakers share their mature masterpieces. Even for myself, I did not make a good film until experiences, while leading Hong Kong film directors such seven years after my debut. A film needs a long time to develop. A film as Herman Yau Lai To, Chan Muk Sing, director cannot make it with only talent. He or she has to be passionate Yuen Ting, served as the mentors, offering much- about the craft and possess a strong sense of vision.” needed advice to the participants. In face of the popular trend of film joint ventures, what is the future Founder of Fresh Wave, Johnnie To, outlook for Hong Kong films? Will Fresh Wave be able to groom young remarked: “Fresh Wave sets itself the directors who can produce artistic as well as commercial films? mission to discover young directors, and To said: “In the film industry, very rarely will people invest in artistic recognises the importance to nurture films. On the other hand, the resources for commercial films are significant. such talent. This contest is the perfect In fact, there are lots of commercial films with artistic merit. I am not against channel to showcase the talent of joint venture projects because, after all, the market and investment in the these emerging artists.” mainland are much bigger, and offers more opportunities to filmmakers. In the past decade, We must realise that Hong Kong films are no longer dominating the scene, many participants have given the lack of budget. In the past, we can make a film with a budget of two to three million. Nowadays, it is hard to accomplish the same without a ten million budget. No investors are willing to offer you a budget over and above the expected box office revenue. In Hong Kong, box office revenue of three to four million makes it hard to get a film budget reaching 10 million. If it is a joint venture with the mainland, however, a budget of 30 to 40 million is possible. The important thing is that the director finds the best route for his art, and to have the courage to undertake risks in his creative Fresh Wave: journey.” Nurturing New Talent for

Hong Kong’s Film Sector Chow Kun Wai, a Fresh By Flora Shaw Photo courtesy of Fresh Wave, Edko Films Ltd. Wave “graduate”, succeeded Fresh Wave’s master in getting contracts to class invites prominent produce his first feature film Korean film director Kim in 2013: A Complicated Story, Ki-duk to share his insights starring Jacky Cheung and other into film-making leading actors. 012 ISSUE10 ISSUE10 013 Event Calender Chic — aholic in the Visual Land 2015 Street Fun, Fun Street- MOCA × Macau and Portugal Art of 20th Macao International Trade & AniMacao 2015 Community Art Festival Illustration Exhibition Investment Fair — Macao Creative Pavilion Date: 19/9/2015-18/10/2015 Date: 19/9/2015-8/11/2015 Date: 7/10/2015-31/10/2015 Date: 22/10/2015 (Trade visitors); Date: 16/10/2015-25/10/2015 Time: 10am-7pm (Closed on Mondays and Time: 24 hours Time: 10am-7pm 23/10/2015-25/10/2015 (Public) Time: Various public holidays) Venue: Taipei. Please refer to activity schedule Venue: Rui Cunha Foundation Time: 12pm-6pm (22/10/2015); Venue: Small Auditorium, 10am-6pm (23/10/2015-25/10/2015) Venue: Lun Hing Art Community (6/F, Lun Ticket: Free Ticket: Free Macao Cultural Centre Hing Knitting Factory, No. 45-49, Rua Venue: The Venetian Macao Convention and Details: Three community art projects launched Details: The exhibition, which takes place in Ticket: MOP60 de Francisco Xavier Pereira, Macao) Exhibition Center by Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei give you Porto, Portugal and Macao, brings together Details: The festival line-up brings an array Ticket: Free a glimpse and a chance to participate in different 22 intriguing illustrators from Macao and Ticket: Free (Trade visitors have to apply for an of animated films for all tastes and ages, Details: Chic-aholic in the Visual Land is a styling art forms, including metal art, installation art Portugal. An array of techniques, including access pass for entrance) including the classic Moomins on the Riviera project jointly launched by seven homegrown and visual art. Topics like clashes of old and new depiction, photography and painting are Details: Macao Cultural and Creative Map will and the award-winning The Boy and the World. fashion designers, with the aim of showcasing cultures, and gentrification and renewal of space employed to convey thoughts, feelings, facts, be showcased in the Macao Creative Pavilion, Organiser: Macao Cultural Centre outstanding local fashion and designs. With are reflected in these art pieces. feelings and emotions via the artwork. as well as selected homegrown designer Web: www.ccm.gov.mo/Event.aspx/ different themes, scenes and stylings, the products. Maps are available for free on the Organiser: Museum of Contemporary Art, Organiser: Yunyi Arts & Cultural Detail/6687 exhibition is surely a feast for the eyes. Taipei Communications Association spot, and there’ll be introductory sessions about the app that introduces Macao’s Organiser: Cultural Industry Promotional Web: www.mocataipei.org.tw Web: www.yunyi.org Association of Macao creative spaces. Web: www.facebook.com/ Web: www.macaucci.com Chicaholic.in.the.Visual.Land

Seminar on Visionary Trends for Style • Encounter Moment — Soundmazing — Macao International Amor Electro Concert Little Taiwan Calling Music Festival AW2016/17 Womenswear & Menswear Fashion Parade and Awarding Ceremony of Music Festival Outreach Programme Date: 17/10/2015 the 2nd Subsidy Programme for Date: 2/10/2015-30/10/2015 Date: 27/10/2015 Date: 31/10/2015-1/11/2015 Fashion Design on Sample Making Time: 3pm-5pm Time: 7:30pm-10:45pm Time: 8pm Time: 8pm-11pm Date: 23/10/2015 Venue: 10/F, Macao Productivity and Venue: Various. Please refer to Venue: Small Auditorium, Venue: Kowloonbay International Trade & Technology Transfer Center Time: 2:30pm-3:20pm activity schedule Macao Cultural Centre Exhibition Centre Ticket: Free Venue: Hall A, The Venetian Macao Convention Ticket: Free. Reserve online (www.icm.gov. Ticket: MOP150/100 Ticket: HK$600 (Two-day pass); and Exhibition Center Details: Michael Leow, Fashion Snoops’ Asia mo/eform/event/c/7/) Details: A series of activities are hosted by HK$420 (One-day pass) Pacific Sales & Marketing Head, talks about Ticket: Free Details: Five classic music films are selected Casa de Portugal em Macau from October Details: Astro Bunny, Flux, Chocolate Tiger, Misi fashion trends and forecast in the seminar. Details: The event showcases the achievement for this edition’s outreach programme. They to December. Highlights include this Amor Ke and Ma-te-Lin may sound unfamiliar to you, Focus is given to fall/winter womenswear and of the 2014 Subsidy Programme for Fashion are Quartet, Amadeus, Buena Vista Social Club, Electro Concert, which brings promising young but their music talent is likely to impress you. menswear. Design on Sample Making, revealing the Whiplash and Umbrellas of Cherbourg. electronic bands from Portugal to Macao and This festival introduces emerging musicians and Organiser: Macao Productivity and creativity and strength of the current fashion Organiser: Cultural Affairs Bureau fills the city with Lusophonian vibes. bands from Taiwan to Hong Kong and they will design industry in Macao. be playing across the two days. Technology Transfer Center Production: Audio-Visual CUT Association Organiser: Casa de Portugal em Macau Organiser: Cultural Affairs Bureau Organiser: Taiwan Calling Music Festival Web: cms.cpttm.org.mo/ Web: www.icm.gov.mo/fimm/29/ Web: www.ccm.gov.mo/Event.aspx/ Web: cms.cpttm.org.mo cn/?contentID=COMMUNITY Detail/6664 Web: www.facebook.com/taiwancalling

014 ISSUE10 ISSUE10 015 Alvis Sio was born in Macao in the 1990s. She is a media Lio is a writer and the film adaptation of her novelDiago was worker in Hong Kong, and the author of The Good Old days of one of the competitors in the Official Selection Competition Colonial Hong Kong and Macao. of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2010.

Blogs Blogs

Alvis Sio Lio Chi Heng

Between Calm and Passion — On Writing for a Literary Magazine (1) Give Room for Macao Movies to Grow

“Wow, you work at a literary magazine? middle-person between readers and books, expert, and after the interview was confirmed I In my three previous articles on “Films this? on the gaming industry, and provide another You must love reading.” That’s what people and you need to take a step back to use a raced to the bookstore to read up on all aspects and the development of cultural and creative There are two terms in the phrase “culture path for youngsters. Those who are interested always say to me when I introduce myself. It rational perspective to interpret and choose of martial arts. Fortunately in the end I think I did industries in Macao”, I have talked about and creative industry”- “culture and creative” to join the industry have nothing but creativity makes me feel somewhat embarassed. different books, and then think how to present OK. situations of Macao movies, and there is no real and “industry”. Macao has only experienced and a dream. They don’t come from a rich You might think, but isn’t that the truth? those books in the magazine. I started working linkage to “culture and creativity”. As a matter of the kick-start for a few years, but the feeling is family to give them money at their back. They And if it is, why is that awkward? Yes, the truth is in this job in 2012 and have learned some skills Meeting My Idols fact, not only are Macao movies on a difficult that related parties have gone from “culture need more opportunities to grow, and they are I love reading, but liking reading and working as along the way that I’m happy to share with you. Apart from these restrictions, working for a long path, so is the whole culture and creative and creative” to the extreme end to focus only bound to stumble on their way. At least we need a literary editor isn’t just a simple case of putting A literary magazine is a magazine, but literary magazine obviously comes with lots of industry in Macao. on industrialising it. It is certainly justified for to give them opportunities over a specified two and two together. There are some issues, it’s not something aimed at the masses. At perks. For a booklover, the greatest of these is Overall, we lack an industry-chain to the government to promote the culture and period in which we try our best to give aid for example regarding the distance between the same time, it isn’t an obscure academic obviously the chance to get my hands on new “standardise”: if we can’t consistently follow the creative industry and be realistic to expect and sponsor. Some people are actually doing the personal and professional realms which publication. It needs to be public-facing but at books first and meet my favourite authors, even path of “cultural creativity cultural products results, but it lacks pragmatic mind: we have a culture and creative undertakings, which may arise. the same time not low-brow; as the editor, you though a lot of these people have now bowed marketing”, there is no genuine culture and lot of “congenital deficiencies”, we don’t have be the golden egg yet to be hatched, but these have to take into consideration what readers out of the limelight and decline interviews or creative industry. enough talents, we don’t have an industry chain, people are mocked. But some businessmen A Suitable Middle-person want. People like novels, biographies, classical are simply too busy. The job allows you to use Take the creation of film and television and we lack the market -- these should not who make a fortune with their business mind Reading is a personal thing. You can have literature, comics and all types of books. The work as a reason to invite authors you admire dramas as example. It needs screenwriters, be overlooked. There’s no place on earth that become the pioneer in promoting culture and your own preferences and tastes and navigate job of the magazine is to balance interest in for a conversation; sometimes, this can even directors, actors, post-production, marketing, didn’t spend at least 10 to 20 years and invest creative industry as soon as they “put on the books with your passion. But working at a all of these to create something like a “menu” blossom into a friendship. I have seen this sales and distribution, showing cinemas and tremendous amount of capital in developing cultural coat”. literary magazine is a public thing. You’re the of books. The editor also has to capitalise on a happen many times before. broadcasters etc., involving multiple industries, the culture and creative industry. The task of If the government is so result-oriented window of interest in a particular This sort of blurring of the lines between enterprises and related sectors. We have the government’s special fund should be to and think only entrepreneurs can hatch book or publishing trend to personal and private must be the dream of splendid stories, some of which have been nurture a “pond” in the policies and provide golden eggs, then it should set up a “Macao maximise reader interest, with a lot of working people, and it’s what I try to filmed, but to realise the value of such cultural necessary policies and capital guarantee for Enterprise Fund” to promote developments of the aim of getting them to pick focus on whenever I am struggling with the job, products, i.e. to put the films on the market, the development of the culture and creative all enterprises, instead of the special fund for up that book and read it. Even if oscillating between calm and passion. These is no easy task. Firstly, there is no distributor industry. At the same time, it cannot give up on culture and creative industry. you feel under pressure or you’re real-life encounters make me remember that or theatre chain in Macao; secondly, whether dreamers for entrepreneurs. Industrialisation After all, Macao movies need to mature on not familiar with that book or I’m not alone in the vast literary world. distributors and theatre chains like Macao without an industry chain will be in vain. this path to bear eternal beauty. author or you simply don’t like Now that I’ve shared some thoughts about movies depend on the quality of the movies. We Youngsters with a culture and creative Therefore, please allow time and space for it, you still have to forge ahead. transforming from a reader into an editor, next have local movies hugely favoured by Macao ambition are all dreamers. Some of them will Macao movies to grow. I remember once I arranged I’ll share some fun anecdotes about working for audiences which have been shown for almost realise their dreams, but some will not. Are (Films and the development of cultural and an interview with a martial arts a literary magazine in Hong Kong. 20 times, but we can’t say it has been tested by “dreams” equal to “fantasies”? If yes, I’m afraid creative industries in Macao series 4. End.) the commercial market if these movies have yet that “China Dreams” and “Macao Dreams” to enter markets in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or the are bigger fantasies! mainland. Why did the government propose From the beginning I have been unwilling to develop the culture and creative to discuss Macao movies in the context of industry? Because it wants to promote culture and creative industry because it will be social and economic diversification, like destroying budding flowers. Why do I say direct the economy from relying solely

Photo courtesy of Chao Koi Wang. Film still for Macau Stories 3. 016 ISSUE10 ISSUE10 017 Macao poet, novelist and columnist. Published works include Likes to read and write. Portfolio ranges from novels to plays The Largo do São Domingos Countdown, a collection of his to commentaries on art. Recipient of Macao Literary Prize and short stories; Ferris Wheel and A Fictional World, a collection of Macao Novel Prize. Plays have been staged at the Shanghai poetry and prose; and a series of promotional videos about World Expo, Macao Arts Festival and other venues in Macao Blogs Macao’s literature, co-published with poet Cheang Ga Aya. Blogs and Hong Kong.

Rai Mutsu Joe Tang

The Significance of Commercial Movies The Double-edged Sword of Social Media

In the movie El Espinazo del Diablo (2001) to go. As for how to go into the artistic path; before and after the birth of a product. If you’ve been to the theatre recently, you the media. This underscores the importance of practitioners also abide by these rules. by famous director Guillermo del Toro, there how to go in-depth in a certain topic; or even Macao people do not hold back on may have noticed that at the end, in addition mass media to culture industries, as it can help In contrast, the world of social media is was a scene in which the male lead Carlos saw break through the basic routines of movie consuming and watching movies, especially in to coming on stage to bow, the cast and crew connect everyone in the industry including the extremely difficult to manage. There is no one a little boy drawing and said to him: “Since you languages and commercial movies; these will this internet-era. Basically people will go into have also started inviting audience members creator, critic, investor and consumer. And the to set rules or control the flow of information. like drawing so much, I will write stories for you be a later story. Not all people appreciate the theatres for anything critically acclaimed. For to promote the show on Facebook and share different players in the diverse media landscape Posts ebb and flow with the public’s mood to draw in the future.” The little boy responded spiritual and radical works by progressive and example, the play Lungs was highly regarded it with their friends. Like Birdman, the cruel (which includes social media) can then exercise and whatever is trending. Especially when it that he did not need Carlo’s stories because he free Jazz master John Coltrane, but since he as touching. Naturally people start to purchase spectre of a play’s fate being determined by their influence among different smaller groups comes to crisis management, thing gets very can draw his own stories. has first locked fans’ hearts with lyrical songs tickets and go watch the play. The so-called the words of a single theatre critic is gradually or circles to result in subtle and far-reaching tricky. One misstep and the consequences Why did I mention the movie produced by before returning to his favourite genre, the industry technical review and artistic value is disappearing. Social media platforms like effects. can be extremely unpleasant. People and the famous Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar attention he gets is incomparable. Once again not as good as words of mouth by netizens Facebook, Weibo and Twitter are changing the As internet use becomes more and companies can use social media to promote Caballero out of the blue? Let us return to the it demonstrated that it is a choice, but not an saying that it is “a good show”. If it can move relationship between traditional media and more widespread, different social media their products, services or brand to a huge topic of this issue - the relationship between impossibility, to cut off from connections with professional audiences including writers and culture. The positive effect of friends promoting platforms are fighting to take eyeballs away number of people, basically for free. On the novels, movies, and promotion and marketing. commercial works to go on the exploration and commentators, even if it cannot be regarded a particular film or play on Facebook is probably from traditional media. From age eight to other hand, social media is an omnipresent Those who have been following the practice post-art creation. as a commercial success in Macao, at least it much greater today than a review in Macao 80, everyone is switching to new media monitor scrutinising every person, every development of current Macao movies Nowadays many people are criticised for will create a buzz and good reputation, which is Daily. platforms. It’s not hard to see that this is customer, every item that is sold, presenting will easily find that the scripts are relatively defending themselves in the name of art when beneficial for any plays that come after it. Paul Hirsch, Professor of Strategy and where the future lies. But there are also itself as a double-edged sword. In the weak. The slow pace and unsuccessful use of they are unable to create works that touch So back to El Espinazo del Diablo, exactly Organisational Behaviour of Kellogg School of problems that inevitably arise. In traditional infinite world of social media, anything soundtracks to drive audience emotions are audiences’ hearts. The real issue is that these what detail was incorporated to generate its Management at Northwestern University said media, the selection of information and its could potentially be a ticking time bomb. the basic problems in the initial development people do not have any commercial works to reputation? Firstly, the core of the story isn’t that the mass media acts as a gatekeeper of dissemination are under the control of a set Therefore, “social media marketing” is an art phase in most places, so there’s no need to over- justify themselves. Do they need to be justified? about ghosts – in principle it is about humanity, culture industries; any trend or product trying of rules and protocol, run by professionals form no budding culture entrepreneur can concern. All movies aim to make improvements, In this résumé-oriented world, nothing can go and the presentation method is quite artistic. to break into the main social system needs to be such as reporters and bureau chiefs. ignore, within which lies endless commercial but audiences may not grow together with unproven and unpackaged, especially in the But ghost stories attract attendance. Packaging accepted by all its sub-systems first, including Arts administrators and public relations opportunities. them. Thus, mastering the language of movies culture and creative industry. You need at least the story with ghosts is an advantage on through commercial movies is the only way one so-called “commercial success” and award the content and helps market response. Are from the art field to gain there ways to package deeper topics with trust. What do you want to commercial techniques? Are there ways to achieve with your works do up personal contents with more dramatic ultimately? Reversely, when tension and universal values? This is not a must, a product is done, how but if this is achieved, the end-product will can it attract appreciation receive a greater response. by others? These issues (When literature encounters movies; involve a lot of professional when movies encounter literature series consideration and handling – Part 1)

018 ISSUE10 ISSUE10 019 A former culture desk journalist and feature writer, Choy is a Graduated from SOAS; now living in London as a writer. literature lover and urban explorer. She now is a mum and a freelance editor.

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Choy Sau Ying Yi-Hsin Lin

Art Development with Many Possibilities: SYUT by tfvsjs: An Example of Self-reliance Case Studies in London

At the beginning of the year, the industrial building mixes minimalist decor with which is still filled with spacious and cheap spaces Art exhibitions in midsummer London this theme “Art | Antiques | Design”, Masterpiece record-breaking sales. Hong Kong government announced the crude industrial aesthetics. In fact, it was renovated in industrial buildings, slowly changing the face year are sensational, from the most established London emphasises cross-collecting and establishment of the HK$300 million Youth by the managers of the restaurant themselves. of this old, industrial part of town. Sadly, many Olympia International Art & Antiques Fair, the diversification. Visitors can see antiques from Learn from the Best Development Fund with the stated aim of They used an old sign from another shop for property developers also have their eye on the hip Masterpiece London to the art fairs by Africa, Western masterpieces by the old The above case studies show that the helping youth entrepreneurship. The plan was decoration in the restaurant, for example. There district and have tried to “revitalise” it in recent galleries and antique shops at Mayfair and St. masters, contemporary designer furniture, high diversified art events in London are targeting for the government to match any funding are many other interesting stories about the years, slowly pushing up rents. Eventually, the Jame’s, the series of commercial art events not end jewellery, supercars and yachts all in one different consumer groups (both affordable provided by non-governmental organisations, space that you can personally ask them. The most original space in Kwun Tong which tfvsjs rented as only attract people from the art industry to join, art fair. The organiser tries to defy the traditional and high end art collectors). To organise art and the receivers of the money would not need important thing about a restaurant is of course the a band room became unaffordable. but also boost the economy. The growing art perception of art collection by introducing new fairs with local characteristics with the local to pay back the government. The government food. The lunch sets here, which include a delicious They opened SYUT at the beginning of last business indicates that London, the city with business model and providing buyers a brand dealers is a creative way to promote art. In the predicts it will fund some 1,000 projects. The main course, bread and butter, and coffee or tea, year not to fulfil a dream of entrepreneurship or long and colourful history, is determined to stay new one stop shopping experience. recent years, Macao has been hosting several scheme is quite different from a similar cultural comes to around $90 to $110 per head, with no some lofty ideals, but because they wanted to as the world’s centre for arts. art exhibitions and becoming a rising star in funding project by the government in Macao service charge. It’s certainly not cheap, but when I work together to provide a space for local artistic Cooperation in Business the Asia art market. The London experience can last year; for example, the former has been see the butter comes sprinkled with tiny specks of groups to organise activities. They are closed Old Fair Captivates Over the years, the museums, galleries, help the Macao art industry to explore how to criticised for being overly focused on IT at the sea salt or paprika, I know I am not just “paying for every Monday morning, setting aside time for Recognised as one of the most prestigious antique shops and auction houses of Mayfair make better use of the art capital, create market expense of cultural and creative ideas. the ambience” here or subsidising someone’s rent. bands to rehearse, and also hold activities such and established art and antiques fairs, Olympia and St. Jame’s at downtown London have value and, in the long run, form the unique But well before the Hong Kong government The main course that followed the bread, bacon as book launches there. They do it all without the International Art & Antiques Fair still welcomes formed a special art and cultural hub. Last year, “Macao Model”. came up with this plan, young people here and potato dumplings with 64 degree egg, and a help of government funding or crowdfunding visitors with grace while facing challenges from the hundred-years-old Brown’s Hotel and the demonstrated their knack for self-reliance and coffee, were of very high quality. as many people have done in recent years. This is the up and coming art organisations. This year, dealers in the area initiated the Brown’s London came up with their own business ideas. I recently SYUT is about more than just a group the true demonstration of an independent spirit. 160 dealers showcased both antiquity and Art Weekend to boost the sales. Over a hundred went to a very special restaurant in an industrial of young people who want to run their own To realise your goals, material factors like money contemporary jewellery, antiques, paintings, participating shops all opened to the public building in Kwun Tong that had very thoughtful restaurant. In fact, the restaurant is interesting are obviously important; it is a positive thing that furnitures and ornaments. The highlight of during the weekend to attract more visitors. decor and food, called SYUT by tfvsjs. because the food is extremely good but also society and the government feels responsible for the fair was the reasonably priced modern/ This event was a great success since it was This 4,000 square feet restaurant in an old because the people behind it actually belong funding the development of local arts. But at the contemporary art pieces targeting middle- compatible with the peak auction and summer to a local band called tfvsjs. Many independent end of the day, it is down to the strength and the class buyers. The organiser also cooperated tourist season at London. bands and artists have set up shop in Kwun Tong, will of the person to turn an ideal into reality. with HALI magazine to introduce Asian carpet London Art Week, coincided with Brown’s dealers to the fair, in order to provide the visitors London Art Weekend, was a one-week long more choices with oriental style. art event co-hosted by over 40 galleries and three auction houses. It was launched in 2013, New Fair Sells combining the resources of Master Drawings Founded only six years ago, Masterpiece & Sculpture Week and Master Paintings Week. London is now the superstar of the art world, This year, the organiser received subsidy from which successfully expands into the high end the Government and private sponsorships, western art and antiques market. With the hoping to gain international acclaim and a

020 ISSUE10 ISSUE10 021 A local Hong Konger, Rachel fell in love with Tat Ming Pair and Britpop in secondary school and since then developed a deep interest in pop culture. After graduating from Baptist University’s school of journalism, she started writing for Blogs various English and Chinese publications in Hong Kong. Rachel is now working as managing editor of online music Rachel Mokplatform Bitetone and events director of Cuetone. She loves travel, spicy chips and orange colour; and she hates waiting for the bus.

Music Festivals: More than Just Music

A few years ago I lived in Beijing for a period the most important thing is the performance. towards different issues and allow the public of time and attended the Strawberry Music But instead, I find “character” the most important. to reflect and ultimately change the society. Festival. I was lying on a hillside overlooking the For instance, unlike the instant sellout of Hardwares including other supporting facilities stage with my friend, and I started to hesitate: Glastonbury Festival in the UK or the US, when like catering, booths and exhibitions also help I came to watch my favourite band. But I Clockenflap is around every year, many hesitate shape up a successful music festival. Only started drinking and chatting with my friend whether to buy early-bird tickets or not; or music festivals with distinctive character can leisurely and only listening to music from afar, should they wait until the announcement of gain support of different groups and nurture a but I am satisfied. Was I putting the cart before headliners to decide which day to watch the culture. the horse? Then I saw a foreign family not far show. The Iceland Airwaves and Tomorrowland In this context, there are plentiful away. The children were tottering on the lawn, of Belgium target at a niche audience and have determined musicians and organisers in jumping and running around to the music. I thus built up a distinctive character. These Hong Kong. Excluding the land issue of venue guess the family didn’t understand what the names themselves represent a good music limitations, I think the pressing task now is band Hedgehog was singing, but they seemed choice, a fun and interactive atmosphere, and to nurture the audience. Allowing the new to be enjoying it a lot. Then I thought, apart from most importantly, a “great unity” festival, as generation to engage in and actively excavate music itself, maybe there’re a lot more precious opposed to music-only simplicity. non-mainstream musical and cultural choices things at a music festival? Certainly, it takes many decades to is a major difficulty. For instance, the Freespace For the past two years, the atmosphere temper the character and reputation of a Happening held recently in the West Kowloon of music festivals seems to have taken in Hong music festival. Apart from versatile live music Cultural District was determined to attract Kong, and music festivals are mushrooming. performance, its spirit is also very important. youngsters through its programming, and has The more successful ones include the star- Just like how Woodstock promoted the spirit of attracted a bunch of audience who have never studded Clockenflap by the end of each year, Love and Peace under an unstable international engaged in bands and subcultures to take the Calling Music Festival headlined with community, we believe that music and artistic their first step. How to maintain their interest Taiwan bands, the Heartown Festival gathering creations carry spiritual values. I don’t think in the performance culture will be a challenge heavy bands, the Outlook Festival which plays music must be hooked with the society and for organisers. Maybe there’s still a long way to bass music, the Endless Summer International politics (which is overcorrected in Hong Kong go for Hong Kong to own a music festival that Reggae Ska Festival, the OpenSesame!2015 lately), but after all, it is the goal of a visionary represents the city and its culture, but I believe focusing on local independent music, the music festival to promote universal value it is not difficult to see the coming of this day in Grasscamp and the Silvermine Bay Music through creations to arouse public awareness near future. Festival, etc. There were also the “once-and- for-all” Lion Rock Festival and BLOHK Party, etc. Marathon performances in malls are also claiming themselves “music festivals”; performances by three to four bands in an open area are also marketed as music festivals; and there’s the official Hong Kong Asian-Pop Music Festival which hails peacefulness. All of a sudden, festivals have become the most popular musical activity. People may think that at a music festival, 022 ISSUE10