Budding local filmmakers and online content creators will have more opportunities to collaborate, learn and experiment when Creators' Space opens in the second half of next year.

The initiative by the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) aims to nurture the community of online content creators and encourage the development of professional online video content.

Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim announced the development at the opening of the Asian Television Forum and Screen Singapore at Marina Bay Sands yesterday, saying it will create opportunities for local creative talent to learn new skills to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape.

"We will continue to build an environment for our filmmakers to tell their stories to the world," said Dr Yaacob.

Creators' Space, to be located at the Pixel building, one-north, will offer programmes and workshops in areas such as content production and monetisation. It is also tying up with international media companies to tap their expertise.

One key partner is Disney's online content developer and distributor Maker Studios. It is the largest content network on YouTube, with more than 60,000 creators from over 100 countries.

There are more than 100 local online channels on the Maker Studios network, including well-known YouTube channels such as NightOwl Cinematics, Wah!Banana and Munah & Hirzi.

Other partners include video-sharing website Dailymotion, which will provide advice on monetising online video content.

Creators' Space is also linking up with industry partners to allow them access to video production resources, such as hardware and software for video editing, cloud storage and technical support.

For local YouTuber Jaze Phua, 24, co-founder of action-comedy channel JUO Productions, having equipment and a space readily available will defray some of the costs of production, allowing the team to focus on content.

"The facilities provided by Creators' Space will help us generate videos faster and in a low-budget way," said Mr Phua.

Dr Yaacob also announced that MDA will partner cable TV broadcaster HBO Asia for two years to train local professionals to produce high-quality dramas for an international audience.

"Local companies and talent will also have a chance to work on HBO Asia productions which will provide valuable on-the-job training opportunities," said Dr Yaacob.