Technology Empowers Creativity

Disrupting our daily life and work, advanced technology is all about convenience. For example, ChatGPT and Canva have transformed text and image generation. Extended reality (XR) and virtual production (VP) have created similar, unprecedented opportunities for the film and entertainment industry, facilitating creative content creation at lower costs within shorter production lead time.

A start-up company introduced its cutting-edge technologies to the global entertainment industry at the FILMART 2023. It will return in the next year edition to showcase more innovative solutions, paving the way to extend its presence on Mainland China to serve surging demand.

Hong Kong incubated state-of-the-art XR studio
Incubated by Hong Kong-listed Vobile Group, Votion Studios was set up in 2021, providing the most advanced virtual production facilities and equipment. With an international and experienced virtual production team, it creates digital content and provides pre-to post-production support for film, advertising, entertainment projects and corporate clients.

As the Group’s first XR studio in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Votion Studios is at the Hong Kong Science Park’s Data Technology Centre (DT Hub) in the Tseung Kwan O Innovation Park. Addressing common production challenges, the studio creates intricate, realistic immersive virtual environments, enabling real-time visual effects and allowing on-site decision-making.

Making the impossible possible
Mr Roger Proeis, Co-founder and President, Votion Studios, said XR and VP could turn the “impossible” into the “possible”, making production more efficient, flexible and cost-effective. “We’re proud to lead this paradigm shift in Hong Kong, offering our clients cutting-edge solutions that address their business needs while revolutionising how they conceptualise and execute their creative visions.”

Taking the pandemic as an example, he explained how these technologies reshaped production. “It can construct a diverse range of settings – from realistic foreign landscapes to fantastical imaginary worlds – right within the safety of a studio. This approach minimises the logistical challenges and risks associated with location shoots, allowing production to continue even under the pandemic-induced restrictions.”

Mr Proeis believed virtual production could be applied in other realms of entertainment, including gaming, animation and real-time performance, elevating user experiences to new levels.

“For example, we can develop more immersive, interactive and visually stunning gaming environments and streamline the process of creating in-game cinematics, offering a seamless blend between gameplay and story sequences. As for real-time performances, we can change the stage and lighting in real-time, adapting to the music.”

World-class virtual production
Votion Studios exhibited at FILMART in March this year and he found the show an excellent platform for showcasing capabilities and networking with industry stakeholders.

“We’ve worked with a diverse clientele, including production companies and agencies, as well as directly with brands and independent producers/artists. Through successful collaborations, we continue to redefine what is possible with virtual production and we’re excited about the potential that the future holds.”

The company will join FILMART again next year to showcase advances in virtual production technologies. “We are working with our technology partners, and we plan to put on a show and demonstrate that Hong Kong is the place to do world-class virtual production.”

Tapping into mainland market
Mr Proeis is also optimistic on the mainland market, saying that virtual production market – encompassing film, TV and advertising – was experiencing a significant upswing. He said Votion Studios, with its unique intersection of creativity and technology, was well positioned to meet growing demand.

Rapid GBA development offered ample opportunities for creative industry, in terms of both investment and market. As part of its strategic expansion, Votion Studios is also keen on fostering robust partnerships and collaborations with local entities, at the same time, cooperating with mainland creative talents and technical experts to bring fresh and exciting narratives to life.

“We are actively exploring the possibility of extending our physical presence into the mainland. This step aligns with our vision of being at the heart of the region’s creative and technological transformation, and playing an instrumental role in shaping the future of digital content in China.”

“Must attend" global entertainment marketplace
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the 28th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) will be held from 11-14 March next year at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, showcasing entertainment contents and projects, including film, TV production, animation and games etc, as well as production services and innovative technologies from more than 700 exhibitors. Over 7,300 industry representatives from 41 countries and regions converged at last edition of the fair for sourcing, expanding connections and exploring collaborations for more opportunities. For more details, please contact us at filmart@hktdc.org