Deputy Mayor Hsiao at the
premier of "Close to You".

Vic Chou plays a depressed
musician in "Love You 10,000
Years".

Mayor Hu feedis Vic Chou a
suncake.

Traveling through Taichung with a film crew: Filming subsidies put Taichung on the Big Screen

Words and photos by Taichung City Government
Translated by Naomi Lai

The Taichung City Government has made efforts to further promote the beauty of the city by subsidizing the filming of movies and TV series in Taichung. In 2009, the government budgeted NT$6 million for the filming of two movies and one TV series, and in 2010 it budgeted a further NT$3 million for the filming of one movie and one TV series in Taichung. Other than direct subsidies, the government also has assisted film crews with accommodations, finding film locations, borrowing locations and permit applications. Thus, many recently-popular TV series have been partly filmed in Taichung with this city government encouragement and help.

'Love You 10,000 Years' in beautiful Taichung
Currently, the government-subsidized TV series "Scent of Love" is airing and both movies, "Love You 10,000 Years" and "Close to You", opened at theaters around Taiwan in August. Popular scenic locations such as the Taichung Stadium, Fulfillment Amphitheater, Chun An Village, Taichung Creative and Cultural Park, and Taichung Green Parkway can be found in these films.

According to Department of Information Director Tsao Mei-liang, various Taichung locations were used in "Love You 10,000 Years", including the pub where the male lead actor jams with his band; the Confucius Temple, where the male and the female leads meet; Taichung Creative and Cultural Park, where the female lead holds her evening party; and Chun An Village, the scene of a break-up between the main characters. This means that you can come and experience the film first-hand at these locations.

At the same time, the Taichung City Government also hopes to promote Taichung through the success of these films. In collaboration with film companies, activities such as a "Love Taichung 10,000 Years" lottery are being held. Movie-goers can mail their movie ticket stubs back to the Arc Light Films Company for a chance to win a two-person trip to Shanghai or Japan, or accommodations at a five-star Taichung hotel provided by Dragon Travel. The activity expects to draw tourists to Taichung over the summer vacation.

Close to You
The movie "Close to You" is a school-themed film combining elements of love, friendship and dreams, filmed in Taichung with the help of the city government. While most films only hold opening press conferences in Taipei, the crew members of this movie, including actors Ming Dao, Eddie (Yu-yen) Peng, Yuan Xing-yu and director Cheng Hsiao-che, held a second press conference in Taichung on August 6 with notable guests including Taichung City Deputy Mayor James Hsiao Chia-chi. Film locations for this production included the Park Lane Eslite shopping mall, Taichung Broadcast Studio, Lin Shin Hospital and Tunghai University
When asked about their most memorable experiences while filming in Taichung, Ming Dao, Xin-yu and the director all agreed that it was Mayor Hu's visit while they were filming at Taichung Broadcast Studio. The mayor also brought delightful Taichung snacks as treats for the crew and actor Eddie Peng expressed regret at missing that experience because he didn't have a part that day.

Taichung opens her arms to the film industry
In order to create a more film-friendly environment, the city government established the first film commission in central Taiwan on January 1, 2009. By May 21 of the same year, the commission published its regulations concerning subsidies for filming, and it is hoped that more film businesses will be attracted with such assistance. Taichung's mild climate, relaxed lifestyle and beautiful city architecture are all qualities that make it ideal for movie making, as the city extends a warm welcome to all film and TV crews.

Left: "Love You 10,000 Years" Taichung premiere.