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Hollywood visual effects company Digital Domain to set up R&D base in Hong Kong Science Park

Hollywood visual effects company Digital Domain to set up R&D base in Hong Kong Science Park

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“We have the best library for motion capture, the best library for digital assets, and, since 2008, the best library for human face data,” Seah said.

The Charles Kao Kuen Auditorium stands at the centre of the sprawling Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin. Photo: SCMP
Seah pointed out that the essence of machine learning, training and other disciplines fall under AI technology is based on data, and Digital Domain plans to leverage its database and copyright advantages. The company also plans to file a total of five Hong Kong patents to promote technological innovation.

“These digital assets are the petroleum of the new era, and we have 30 years (worth of such data) in storage,” he said. “All these digital assets will be used to carry out machine learning and digital training in the Hong Kong Science Park.”

Digital Domain’s initiative in the city is the company’s latest attempt to expand its operations into areas beyond the widely recognized visual effects used in major Hollywood films.

Co-founded by film director James Cameronvisual effects pioneer Scott Ross and makeup effects creator Stan Winston in 1993, Los Angeles-based Digital Domain earned its first Academy Award for the groundbreaking visual effects seen in the 1997 film Titanic.
Digital Domain has been involved in creating special visual effects for blockbuster films that are part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Photo: Handout
Digital Domain has produced visual effects for over 500 films, including The Avengers series that are part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Dune franchise and RRRthe Indian Telugu-language action drama. Of the 20 highest-grossing films in the world, Digital Domain designed visual effects for six and won three Oscars for Best Visual Effects.

After the company declared bankruptcy in 2012, it was acquired by Sun Innovation Holdings, a Hong Kong company that operated a scrap metal trading business and also owned commercial properties and parking lots in the city.

But even after attracting more investment and expanding to virtual reality (VR) content services over the years, Digital Domain is still struggling. In 20223, the company’s revenue fell by about 23 percent and gross profit fell by 45 percent compared to 2022. Losses reached HK$476 million, marking the ninth consecutive year of financial deficits.

Still, Digital Domain sees potential in applying its technology and expertise to promote Hong Kong’s film industry. The company also plans to expand the use of its VR technology into areas such as banking, education, elderly care and tourism.

“We’ve destroyed worlds in movies,” Seah said. “Now we have to create a new world.”

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