The Asia Film Market (AFMC) and Asia TelevisionForum (ATF) (Dec 1-3) kicks off next week with a 30% increase in participantnumbers.

Buena Vista International Television, CBS/ParamountInternational Television, Lions Gate Entertainment, NBC Universal, SonyPictures, CABLEready and BKN New Media are among the companies that haveregistered for the first time.

Interest in the event has grown on the back of theburgeoning Asian economies and a growing interest in Asian content.

A BVITV spokesperson commented: 'We recognise thatATF has continued to grow from strength to strength in regional andinternational standing. We are committed to providing the best content andservice to our Asian clients and the unique value proposition offered by ATFenables us to accomplish both.'

In total, the market has attracted 300 buyers fromover 11 Asian markets from China to India and 130 companies from 26 countrieson the seller's side. Overall, 3,500 international attendees are expected. Countries such asAustralia, Canada, China, France, Spain and Singapore have booked pavilions.

The market, which coincides with the Asia MediaFestival hosted by Singapore's Media Development Authority, will be held at thenine-storied Garden Wing of Shangri La Hotel in Singapore.

Other highlights include a media financing forumwith panellists such as MGM Pictures creative director Stephanie Palmer, SouthPacific Pictures, New Zealand, managing director John Barnett and AsiaEntertainment Finance Associates president Peter Anshin

The market also features a film showcase which willbe opened by Alejandro Amenabar's The Sea Inside on Nov 29. Someof the other films to be featured are Malaysia's Puteri Gunung Ledang, Kazakhstan'sSchizo, Japan's Daremo Shiranai and Singapore's Rice Rhapsodystarring Sylvia Chang and celebrity chef Martin Yan.