News
HKBU hosts the "Navigating the AI Wave - The Innovative Journey of Hong Kong Film Industry" seminar
25 Feb, 2025
With the integration of art and technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining filmmaking, from screenwriting to production, offering unprecedented opportunities to the film industry. On 25 February 2025, the Institute for Innovation, Translation and Policy Research (ITPR) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) hosted a seminar titled "Navigating the AI Wave - The Innovative Journey of Hong Kong Film Industry" at the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s Magnus Hall. The event invited distinguished guests from technology, academia, industry, and government to explore how Hong Kong can revive the glory of "Eastern Hollywood" through AI technology.
In the welcome remarks, Professor Terence Lau, HKBU’s Interim Chief Innovation Officer, emphasised the Academy of Film’s role in nurturing numerous talents for Hong Kong’s film sector. He stressed the importance of fostering the development of theories and applications in art and technology through transdisciplinary research, aiming to catalyse the creation of a new ecosystem for art technology in Hong Kong through industry collaboration.
Professor Shin Dong Kim, Director of the Academy of Film of HKBU, also said that the Academy of Film is committed to enhancing talent development. The Academy plans to establish the Centre for AI Filming and introduce new courses related to this field, to nurture future filmmakers and position the Academy as a base for AI film production.
Following this, Dr Chen Jie, Assistant Professor of HKBU Department of Computer Science, introduced his research projects on AI motion generation and virtual avatar models for film editing and creation. Mr Raymond Chan, Assistant Director (Entrepreneurship) of ITPR also introduced the HKBU Art Tech Incubation Hub CHRYSALIS, which facilitates technology transfer and promotes the commercialisation of endeavors.
To conclude, Mr Raymond Chan moderated a panel discussion on the prospects of Hong Kong’s film industry to explore various possibilities of how the AI wave is reshaping filmmaking. Panelists included Hon Duncan Chiu, Member of the Legislative Council of HKSAR, Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport, Ms Georgina Chu, Chief Corporate Development Officer of Cyberport, Mr Jason Li, CEO of Mei Ah Entertainment Group Co. Ltd., Mr Kim Ching Luk, Director and Screenwriter of the films "Cold War" and "Cold War 2; and Mr Steve Chan, Director and Screenwriter of the film “Weeds on Fire”.
During the seminar, short videos featuring Hong Kong renowned directors Mr Wong Kar Wai, Mr Wong Jing, Mr Gordon Chan and Mr Nick Leung were presented, expressing their hopes for future collaboration between Mei Ah Entertainment Group Co. Ltd. and HKBU in advancing the innovative development in the Hong Kong film industry.
HKBU will continue to promote technological innovation, cultivate industry talents, inspire creative ideas, and push forward cutting-edge practices in film production.