Press Release

HKBU joins FILMART to showcase art tech projects that transform film and TV production 

Tuesday, 12 March 2024

 

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) showcases a variety of artificial intelligence (AI) and art technologies (art tech) projects at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) which is now taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Through collaborations with the industry, related technologies will be translated to create a new outlook on the landscape of film and TV production.

During the exhibition, HKBU also hosted the highlight event "15 Years of Cinematic Legacy: HKBU Academy of Film" in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of its Academy of Film (AF). Industry representatives were invited to explore the profound impact of art tech on the future development of cinematic art.

FILMART is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council from 11 to 14 March. Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; and Mr Shi Zhi-yan, Second-grade Counsel of the Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan Affairs Office of the National Radio and Television Administration; visited HKBU’s pavilion when the event kicked off on 11 March. They were received by Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor; Professor Martin Wong, Provost; Professor Terence Lau, Interim Chief Innovation Officer; Professor Johnny M Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research) of HKBU; and other HKBU representatives who introduced various art tech research projects at the University and five art tech startups established based on relevant research outputs. How HKBU’s collaboration with the industry translates art tech into applications and injects innovative elements into future film and TV production as well as creative media were also elaborated.

HKBU startups spearhead art tech translation

One of the startups leverages cutting-edge AI technology to generate high-quality visual and motion contents. This enables the seamless control of the virtual avatar’s appearance and actions through the use of natural language scripts and visual prompts, offering new possibilities for immersive storytelling and interactive experiences.

Another startup utilises an AI algorithm based on Large Language Model to generate Cantonese songs which may revolutionise the music industry. An HKBU research team also attempted to explore the application of new media technologies in expanded cinema and navigable cinematic systems, bringing audiences novel cultural entertainment experiences.

HKBU also showcases various art tech research projects at its pavilion, including the Future Cinema Systems, Panoramic Navigator, AI-generated motion solutions, and innovative technologies such as AI-powered digital avatar customisation solutions.

Celebrating 15th anniversary of the establishment of AF

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of AF, HKBU hosted the “15 Years of Cinematic Legacy: HKBU Academy of Film” highlight event on 12 March. At the panel discussion themed “Spotlight on New Horizons in Filmmaking and Beyond – a Hong Kong Vision,” Professor Ellen Seiter, Director and Chair Professor of AF, served as the moderator and shared valuable insights together with Professor Jeffrey Shaw, Chair Professor of the Academy of Visual Arts at HKBU, and Mr Gordon Cheng, CEO of Cameron Pace Group China.

Another panel discussion on “Cross-Generational Cinematic Journeys: Exploring the Future of Film with Art Tech and AI” was hosted by seasoned film critic Mr Thomas Shin. Prominent figures of the Hong Kong film industry including Dr Johnnie To Kei-fung, acclaimed filmmaker and Honorary Consultant of AF, and HKBU alumni, film directors and screenwriters Mr Andrew Fung Chih-chiang, Mr Steve Chan Chi-fat and Mr Chan Tai-lee were invited to engage in an inspiring dialogue.

As early as the 1970s, HKBU offered Hong Kong’s first film and video production course. In 1991, the Department of Cinema and Television was formally established. To keep pace with the rapid development of the media industry in the Greater China region, the Department was upgraded and renamed the Academy of Film in 2009. Throughout its 15 years of establishment, AF has received substantial support from the HKSAR Government, the Hong Kong Film Development Council and the film industry.

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Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government and other guests visit HKBU’s pavilion to learn about the University’s art tech research projects and startups.
HKBU showcases various advanced AI and art tech projects at FILMART.
HKBU showcases various advanced AI and art tech projects at FILMART.
HKBU hosts the “15 Years of Cinematic Legacy: HKBU Academy of Film” highlight event on 12 March, in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of AF.
Prominent figures of the Hong Kong film industry including Dr Johnnie To Kei-fung, acclaimed filmmaker and Honorary Consultant of AF (2nd left), and HKBU alumni, film directors and screenwriters Mr Andrew Fung Chih-chiang (centre), Mr Steve Chan Chi-fat (2nd right) and Mr Chan Tai-lee (1st right) attend the event and share their insightful perspective on the development of art tech and the film industry during the panel discussion hosted by Mr Thomas Shin, film critic (1st left).
(From left) Professor Ellen Seiter, Director of the Academy of Film at HKBU; Mr Gordon Cheng, CEO of the Cameron Pace Group China; and Professor Jeffrey Shaw, Chair Professor of the Academy of Visual Arts at HKBU, share their insights at the panel discussion.