“We have the best motion-capture library, the best digital-asset library and, since 2008, the best human face data library,” 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 under AI technology is based on data, and Digital Domain plans to leverage its database and copyright advantages. The company also aims 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 conduct machine learning and digital training in the Hong Kong Science Park.”
Digital Domain’s initiative in the city marks its latest effort to extend the company’s operations beyond its widely recognised visual effects used in major Hollywood films.
Co-founded by film director James Cameron, visual effects pioneer Scott Ross and make-up 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 form part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Photo: Handout
Digital Domain has produced visual effects for more than 500 films, including The Avengers series that form part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Dune franchise and RRR, the Indian Telugu-language period action drama. Among the world’s top 20 highest-grossing films, Digital Domain has designed visual effects for six, and won three Oscars for Best Visual Effects.
After declaring bankruptcy in 2012, it was acquired by Sun Innovation Holdings, a Hong Kong-based firm that ran a scrap metal trading business as well as owned commercial properties and car parks in the city.
But even after raising more investments and branching out to virtual reality (VR) content services over the years, Digital Domain continues to face difficulties. In 2023, the firm’s revenue fell around 23 per cent and gross profit declined 45 per cent from 2022. Losses hit HK$476 million, which marked its ninth consecutive year of financial deficits.
Still, Digital Domain sees potential in applying its technology and expertise to help promote Hong Kong’s film industry. The company also plans to extend use of its VR technology to areas including banking, education, elderly services and tourism.
“We’ve been destroying worlds in films,” Seah said. “Now we need to create a new world.”
