While other countries' entertainment industry is declining, South Korean entertainment industry is thriving. Here are some of the things South Korea is doing that other countries should emulate:
Screen Quota
Foreign films are a huge threat to the local film industry in many countries. The most threatening foreign films are those from Hollywood, which have huge commercial appeal, huge production budget that result in more appealing visuals and greater marketing campaigns. Therefore, domestic films are usually overlooked in favor of those from Hollywood. As movie theaters are interested in revenue, they tend to prioritize these foreign films over local ones.
In Korea, it works differently. In order to protect domestic films, the government imposes a screen quote on theaters in the country, making them screen domestic films for at least 146 days a year. It was a progressive move as they established it in 1963 when they didn't need it yet, but it served to protect the local industry when in 1993 Hollywood's blockbusters started eating away at the domestic industry's market share.
Korean Film Council (KOFIC)
The domestic film industry is also protected by the Korean Film Council, a self-administered body established by the government in 1999. The organization works under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism which appoints nine commissioners in charge of promoting and supporting the South Korean film industry on a national as well as international level.
KOFIC takes pride in supporting the production of indie films. KOFIC believes that with financial support, more unique and experimental films can be produced, diversifying the pool of films in the industry. Funds amounting to USD 1.1 million are available for filmmakers making shorts, features and documentaries.
In terms of support for films that have already screened at theaters, there is a grant which domestic filmmakers can apply to in order to get started for their next film. However, it will depend on the box office success of their previous feature. KOFIC will choose approximately 60 titles that will each be provided with up to USD 70,000.
International Film Festivals
South Korea also has a number of International Film Festival, such as the Pusan International Film Festival, the Jeonju International Film Festival and the largest one, the Busan Film Festival. These film festivals are aimed at different markets but all focused on introducing new films and first-time directors to audiences. The festival also attracts a young audience and helps the production of future films as the festivals bring directors and new talents closer to potential funding sources.
More Liberal Censorship Funding
One of the problems for animation studios is funding. The South Korean government targets this problem by investing a total of 380 billion won on the country's domestic animation and character industries.
Movie Making Courses as Early as Elementary
Instead of waiting till college to learn movie-making skills, in South Korea some schools have invested in equipment to allow teachers teach movie making. This equipment includes actual blue screen technology and rooms with set pieces that can be used for role playing and staging of plays.
Directors, Writers, Editors, Composers and other Production Staff are just as important and Well-Paid as actors.
The South Korean entertainment industry does not ignore people behind the scenes. Unlike other countries, in South Korea, directors, writers, composers, and other production staff are deemed as important as the actors and they earn a considerable amount of money.
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