HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0621.000 2012-2014 •-JNSY-,OF M,
Nancy E. Crawford
William P. Kenoi 1 \'.d4
Mayor . %� Director
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Deanna S. Sako
t tip -;e•1►..` Deputy Director
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County of Hawaii
Finance Department
25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2103 • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720
(808)961-8234 • Fax(808)961-8569
January 16, 2014
J Yoshimoto, Council Chair and
Members of the Hawai`i County Council
Hawai`i County Council ,o
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 0�
Re: Agreement with the Hawai`i Strategic Development Corporation
The Department of Research and Development wishes to enter into an agreement with the Hawai`i
Strategic Development Corporation (HSDC), a State agency, to support their Transmedia
Accelerator Program. The agreement will provide funding of$303,000 which will match the
commitment of HSDC and the in-kind commitment of Global Virtual Studio (GVS)to set up a
dynamic working facility with office spaces and equipment storage areas. The goal is to expand
and fortify our island's film and media industry. This program is the only one in the State, and
will provide a global pathway for entrepreneurs, writers, industry professionals, and will connect
different disciplines and expertise to work alongside a creative community.
Enclosed is a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Hawai`i
Strategic Development Corporation in order to provide support the development of the Transmedia
Accelerator Program.
If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to call Lavern Omori from the Department of
Research and Development, at 961-4711.
C1,416/4
Nancy rawford
Director of Finance
Enc.
cc: R&D
c'es,
Comm. No. 4 2
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Ref. To: �L
Ref. Date JAN 1 7 2014
Form #: B-52
7/18/91
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
DEPARTMENT: Research and Development DATE: January 15, 2014
STAFF CONTACT: Laverne Omori PHONE: 961-8366
A. REQUEST:
Council approval is requested to allow the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Hawai'i Strategic
Development Corporation (HSDC), an agency of the State. County funds of $303,000 will be used to
supplement the creation of a Transmedia Accelerator Program; encouraging economic diversification,
creating employment opportunities and supporting innovation in the media production field. These funds will
match the commitment of HSDC and the in-kind commitment of Global Virtual Studio (GVS) to set up a
dynamic working facility with office spaces and equipment storage areas.
B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED):
As a vibrant industry, Transmedia includes the sectors of movies, television, gaming, web based media,
digital publishing, music and related areas. These are some of the fastest growing economic sectors
in the world and some of the most competitive. The goal of the Transmedia Accelerator Program is to jump
start a community of transmedia content creators that will create and market commercially viable products for
a global market. This will in turn help build a community of transmedia entrepreneurs and professionals in
the State of Hawai'i that will generate new jobs, stimulate growth and economies and celebrate the people,
stories, and cultures of these islands. The Accelerator's role is to support these entrepreneurs as they
create a "bullet proof" strategy that can be funded, produced and marketed in the private sector at a global
level to wide commercial audiences.
GVS, contracted by HSDC, will manage the Transmedia Accelerator Program. GVS is an established
transmedia studio with a track record in developing multi--platform companies led by Kona entrepreneur and
film-maker, David Cunningham. GVS will serve as the coaching team for companies selected for
acceleration. The coaching team approach will provide necessary elements to ensure project success.
The Department and the Mayor realizes the urgency to expand and fortify our island's film and media
industry. This Transmedia Accelerator Program will be the only one in the State. This project will provide a
global pathway for entrepreneurs, writers, industry professionals, etc. and will connect different disciplines
and expertise to work alongside a creative community.
There are many competitive destinations and locales around the world and the County is focused on
strengthening our competitive advantage in the Transmedia industry. Additionally, there is a synergy and
residual benefit that will be created between tourism and transmedia through the increase in global media
exposure . With the commitments of the State, the County and private and non-profit entities working
together, this project will provide and create a vibrant, creative sector for our island and the entire State.
SIGNED: `11/1(1/' ( ,
DATE: ///
Depart ent Head