Digital Domain Holdings, known for its Oscar-winning visual effects in Marvel Studios’ blockbuster films, is establishing a new research and development (R&D) centre at Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin. The facility will focus on advanced visual effects and artificial intelligence (AI) video production.
By the end of 2029, Digital Domain plans to invest HK$204 million (US$26 million) in the new R&D centre. This investment will enhance the company’s professional team and technological capabilities. Daniel Seah, acting chairman and CEO of Digital Domain, unveiled these plans at the launch ceremony held at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corp.
“Our new R&D centre will develop virtual humans powered by AI and their application in service-oriented environments,” Seah said. The centre will also explore new developments in AI video production technology.
Digital Domain has a vast collection of digital assets, including a motion-capture library, digital-asset library, and a human face data library established in 2008. These resources are crucial for machine learning and other AI technologies.
“These digital assets are the petroleum of the new era,” Seah explained. “We have 30 years’ worth of data in storage, which will be used for machine learning and digital training at the Hong Kong Science Park.”
| Asset Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Motion-Capture Library | Extensive collection for character animation |
| Digital-Asset Library | Comprehensive database of digital assets |
| Human Face Data Library | Established in 2008, essential for AI |
Moreover, Digital Domain aims to file five Hong Kong patents to boost technological innovation, solidifying its position as a leader in the field.
Founded in 1993 by film director James Cameron, visual effects pioneer Scott Ross, and make-up effects creator Stan Winston, Digital Domain has a rich history. The Los Angeles-based company earned its first Academy Award for visual effects in the 1997 film Titanic. Since then, it has worked on over 500 films, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Avengers series, the Dune franchise, and the Indian Telugu-language period action drama RRR. Digital Domain has designed visual effects for six of the top 20 highest-grossing films globally, winning three Oscars for Best Visual Effects.
However, Digital Domain has faced challenges, including bankruptcy in 2012, leading to its acquisition by Sun Innovation Holdings, a Hong Kong-based firm. Despite diversifying into virtual reality (VR) content services, the company continues to face financial difficulties. In 2023, revenue fell by about 23 per cent, and gross profit declined by 45 per cent from 2022, resulting in losses of HK$476 million, marking the ninth consecutive year of financial deficits.
Despite these challenges, Digital Domain is committed to using its technology and expertise to advance Hong Kong’s film industry and beyond. The company envisions applying its VR technology to various sectors, including banking, education, elderly services, and tourism.
“We’ve been destroying worlds in films,” Seah remarked. “Now we need to create a new world.”
Digital Domain’s new R&D centre represents a significant step towards achieving this vision, promising to bring innovative visual effects and AI technology to Hong Kong and the world.
Featured Image courtesy of VFX Voice
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