FILMART Connects Virtual Production Opportunities
The global virtual production market reached US$1.82 billion last year, and is expected to hit US$6.79 billion by 2030, according to a recent report by Grand View Research. The huge market demand is reflected by the mushrooming of virtual production studios in Europe, the United States, Korea and Thailand. In Hong Kong, two young entrepreneurs opened a virtual production studio, and got connected with creative talents and innovative producers from around the world at the FILMART to explore new business opportunities.
Entrepreneurial spirit shines
Roy Kwok and Tony Lau, co-founded VPlus Studio Corporation Limited in 2021, bringing forward special effects from post-production to pre-production by using real-time game engines to create interactive virtual backgrounds.
“Changing the traditional way of filmmaking, virtual production has also disrupted global supply and demand. In the future, there will be a new breed of filmmakers who are rich in imagination and able to master new technologies,” said Mr Roy Kwok.
He believed that industry players will be inspired by these novel technologies, and bring in more creativity and motivation.
While virtual production creates stunning visual effects for Hollywood blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and Gran Turismo, the technology can also be applied on small-budget niche films. One of the examples is the “Hong Kong Family”, which was selected to screen at the 27th edition of Busan Film Festival’s Window on Asian Cinema.
Committed to serving local filmmakers pursuing excellence, VPlus supported the production of the “Hong Kong Family” by applying real-time virtual production technology.
Compared with green screen, LED panels create a completely immersive environment for actors to perform in. Taking the “Hong Kong Family” as an example, actors are sitting on a taxi at the studio while the LED panels playing real-life videos from city centre to the airport. These background videos were produced in advance based on the screenplay requirements.
“In a fully-controlled setting without any risks such as bad weather, traffic accident or congestion, they are able to focus more on acting. It also makes budget-control easier – no matter how many no goods (NGs) are, the pre-recorded background video footage can be used repeatedly.”
FILMART connects virtual production opportunities
Mr Roy Kwok stressed that virtual production requires the proper use of technology and imagination, striking a balance between the two will achieve excellence.
Hong Kong has the potential to become the next virtual production centre in the world, and the key is making the best use of talents, he added. “Coupled with the city’s strong foundation in the film industry, it brings together the world’s best talents with great visions. Using new technologies flexibly will bring infinite innovation.”
Connect through FILMART
Gradual local development was seen in the past two years, VPlus plans to expand its business in overseas markets by leveraging the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
“We have met some filmmakers and producers in the last edition and are in discussion on some exciting and interesting projects, and hope to unveil them in FILMART 2024,” Mr Kwok added, “We hope to try any markets that need our professional support.”