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Since its inception, the film and television media has existed squarely at the juncture of art and technology. Media forms like music videos, streaming services and even blockbuster Hollywood films have exemplified this inextricable link. In the past three to four years, though, virtual productions have swept through the world and have been described by insiders in the United States and Europe as marking a "point of no return" for the overall industry due to their real-time ability to produce special effects content. Such technology is gaining momentum in Hong Kong too. In March 2024, an international-level professional virtual production studio officially opened in the city, ensuring that local production is keeping pace with the rest of the world.

Hong Kong’s largest virtual production studio: Training talent with the latest in technology

After nearly four years of preparation, the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), the new studio is currently the largest virtual production studio providing international-level professional virtual production education and shooting facilities in Hong Kong. Housed at Shaw Studios, this 9,000-square foot facility is equipped with comprehensive professional software and hardware, plus basic facilities like control rooms and workspaces. Some highlights include a sophisticated Samsung "The Wall" microLED display with ultimate ultra-high resolution (8K) and pixel pitch of 1.68mm fineness; an ARRI camera and lighting system acclaimed by the film industry and the disguise advanced computer software solution that supports extended reality (XR). Users can instantly integrate virtual and real scenes in the studio, handling up to six scenes simultaneously.

"To excel in filmmaking and its latest techniques, students must be provided with high-standard tools that enable them to enhance their competitiveness and match international professional standards," says Terence Wong, Head of Academic Development at the HKDI. He expects that the new studio will offer students an international learning experience, preparing them for a future beyond Hong Kong.

"Virtual production has been a global focal point since around 2020. It has become increasingly widespread in the United States and Europe; producers have joked that it represents a ‘point of no return’ and have been incorporating it into their production lists," says Wong. Virtual technology now accounts for 70% of the visuals across numerous streaming series. Wong believes this will soon become a norm, leading to an increase in demand for relevant talent. "Recent data from the United Kingdom indicates that less than 50% of film professionals have six months or more experience in virtual production. It is a similar situation in other major film industries worldwide." The HKDI empowers students studying these skills to seek internship opportunities further afield — including in mainland China, where significant advances have been made in high-tech film technology and local productions.

Forging ahead: Fostering a community of film and television professionals

In response to this growing trend, the HKDI Media Lab has been actively improving student training opportunities to align with global mainstream standards since 2021. The virtual production studio was a logical next step in that direction.

"Technically, Hong Kong is still in the exploration stage, and it might lag behind more mature regions. However, we are on par in terms of creativity and production capabilities," says Wong. He believes that the facility will inspire future creative talent and elevate their production quality.

"We are discussing how the film industry, the HKDI faculty and the students can all collaborate through virtual production. Two former students who are currently working in the film industry are spearheading these efforts, with preliminary conclusions expected shortly."

He hopes these technological advancements will play a crucial role in nurturing talent. Future graduates will be taught to combine creativity with the latest technology to come up with more distinctive, high-quality productions.

How virtual filming can help the industry achieve Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals

Shaw Studios, which has joined forces with the HKDI on building this virtual production studio, hopes that pioneering this top-notch virtual production technology and systems will benefit the local film industry and connect with the world. Helena Young, Director of Production Services and Marketing of Shaw Studios, says that everyone is eagerly anticipating the day Hong Kong can produce more advanced films.

"Using virtual technology in film production is imperative," Young says. "Compared to traditional filming methods, virtual production not only consumes less time and actual costs but also facilitates the implementation of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles."

For instance, the virtual effects created through virtual backgrounds can mimic the look of real-world locations. This means that films that would have previously required on-location shooting can now be completed without the cast and crew having to travel to the actual sites. Additionally, art and props teams no longer need to construct large physical sets—instead, a scene change can be virtually created with new technology. It saves significant time, manpower and resources, which in turn reduces waste and improves sustainability.

"The filming process is often hindered by external conditions like weather or timing, a sunrise or sunset moment in the script. Virtual shooting eliminates these constraints, allowing outdoor scenes that normally take weeks to be completed in just days. The real-time integration of virtual elements such as instant colour grading and setting changes reduces time and effort spent on post-production as well, increasing production flexibility," Young says.

Developing diverse skillsets to create high-quality productions

Young predicts that the widespread use of virtual production tools will drastically change industry workflow. For instance, a sizeable percentage of post-production work will move to preproduction, resulting in changes to long-standing post-production roles.

"The industry is highly enthusiastic about using this new technology in film production," Young says. "As many studios worldwide are embracing this trend by setting up virtual production facilities, in Hong Kong too there is a strong desire to soon produce its first virtual film."

She hopes that young people with virtual production skills will embrace the rich experience of industry veterans to create new masterpieces. Together, they can maintain the continued brilliance of Hong Kong’s local film and television industries, bringing art and technology to a beautiful fruition.