Fortune Star, the Hong Kong film and television production arm of News Corp's Star TV, makes its debut as an exhibitor tomorrow at MIPCOM (Oct 10-13) with an emphasis on the DVD sector and high definition content.

The boutique, headed by former Media Asia distribution head Peter Poon, has yet to unveil details of its feature slate. But Poon will screen a one off showing of Love Asia, which is something of a cross between a swimsuit exhibition and a travel show. The show is seen as the beginning of a possible franchise is produced by Hong Kong film star Maggie Q.

The company has recently struck a deal with US post-production house Global Vision for restoration and remastering of its extensive library of classic Hong Kong martial arts pictures from the 1970s and 1980s. These are being restored to high definition broadcast quality at the rate of three to four a month.

"We are trying to anticipate the technological changes that are already in the pipeline and are working to the highest possible standards," said Poon. "This will put us in a very good position not only for the DVD market, but also for the TV broadcasters when they switch over from analogue to digital broadcasting."

Fortune Star has also pacted with another US company HD2DVD.TV, another facilities and post-house which supplied equipment on Love Asia. At MIPCOM Fortune Star will represent two if its shows Good Times, Good Life and Table For Two.

To complete its line-up Fortune Star will be representing all programming produced by Fox TV's international divisions. This includes survival show Temptation Island, and game show Face Off.

The company has put a number of Hong Kong film directors under contract for the first six months of 2004 and will lift the lid on its feature slate before the AFM.