[News from Institutions] Hong Kong Design Institute Opens New Virtual Production Studio – the Largest Filming and Education Venue to Nurture the Film Specialists of Virtual Production in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI)  has devoted to promoting the application of virtual production technologies in film and television production. Today, its virtual production studio is officially opened at Shaw Studios. The studio is equipped with essential hardware and software used in virtual production, including the largest Samsung microLED display in Hong Kong, technology from virtual production specialist Disguise, and solutions from ARRI. The new studio provides international-level professional virtual production education and shooting facilities, catering to both students and the industry, and helping elevate virtual production standards locally. 

HKDI always strives to meet the trend of art and technology development. After years of preparation, the studio covers an area of 9,000 square feet, making it the largest filming venue in Hong Kong’s virtual production industry. It is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including ARRI cinematography and lighting systems that are widely used in the industry. It also features a Samsung’s sophisticated “The Wall” microLED display of ultimate ultra-high resolution (8K) with pixel pitch of 1.68 mm fineness and the computer equipment is installed with a visual experience technology platform from Disguise, extended reality (XR) solution can run 3D software on servers and integrates the entire virtual production workflow. The studio is also equipped with basic but essential facilities such as control rooms, workspaces and dressing rooms.

The top-notch hardware and software equipment used in the HKDI Virtual Production Studio enables students and industry professionals to blend virtual and real scenes in the studio, instantly present the composite effects, prepare for subsequent scenes while shooting, and handle up to six scenes simultaneously, supporting real-time virtual production shooting and reducing post-production work effectively. The establishment of the studio also aims to foster the industry’s application and experimentation in virtual production. In this regard, the studio is open to supporting and welcoming cooperations with the industry. Through joint consultation, it will provide venue, technology and equipment support, and facilitate the involvement of HKDI teachers and students in the execution of virtual production projects for film and television. In the initial phase, two current film specialists who graduated from HKDI will benefit from the aforementioned programme.

Dr Lay-lian ONG, Principal of HKDI and IVE (Lee Wai Lee), said: “HKDI has always emphasised the integration of theory and practice, providing students with cutting-edge courses that closely align with the industry. The opening of the Virtual Production Studio means that students can operate virtual production systems widely used in the industry in a superior learning environment and with world-class facilities to hand, unleashing their creativity, turning ideas into reality, and leaving them better equipped for further studies and future employment.” 

Ms Helena YOUNG, Director - Production Services & Marketing of Shaw Studios, said: “HKDI possesses top-notch virtual production technology and systems for the benefit of the local film industry. We warmly welcome the establishment of the HKDI Virtual Production Studio at Shaw Studios, providing the industry with internationally recognised virtual production technical education and shooting facilities. This enables us to stay in tune with the latest trends and actively contribute to the local film industry alongside HKDI.” 

Mr Addy GHANI, Vice President of Virtual Production of Disguise, said: “We are delighted that HKDI has applied state-of-the-art hardware and Disguise technology in the studio, allowing students to unleash their creativity and bring their imaginations to life. HKDI has shown great foresight in nurturing creative talents, and the opening of the Virtual Production Studio will significantly enhance the production standards of students and the industry.” 

Ms Yiyin ZHAO, Managing Director of Samsung Electronics Hong Kong, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with HKDI, providing the largest Samsung ‘The Wall’ microLED display in Hong Kong for the studio, showcasing cutting-edge visual experience technology and enabling students to excel in virtual production. We are pleased to join hands with HKDI and other leading companies in the industry to cultivate local creative talents and promote industry development.” 

Mr Kevin SCHWUTKE, Senior Vice President, Business Unit Solutions of ARRI Group, said: “We are thrilled that HKDI has chosen ARRI's camera systems and virtual production solutions for the studio, allowing students to gain more practical experience and equip themselves with skills to adapt to industry operations at an early stage. We greatly appreciate HKDI's efforts in nurturing local creative talents and will actively share learning resources with the institute to support industry development.” 

HKDI had previously become the only institution in Hong Kong to receive training accreditation from Disguise, ARRI and Dolby – three leading international professional film production brands – simultaneously. The curriculum of the institute’s Department of Digital Media includes professional training courses offered by these three companies, where qualified students can be awarded relevant certification that aligns with industry needs and enhances their competitiveness. 

About Hong Kong Design Institute 
Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) is a member of VTC Group. HKDI was established in 2007 with the mission to be a leading provider of design education and lifelong learning, including architecture, interior and product design, communication design, digital media, and fashion and image design. With a view to providing professional designers for the creative industries, it promotes the “think and do” approach and encourages interdisciplinary synergy in its broad range of design programmes that cultivates students’ cultural sensitivities and sense of sustainability. HKDI maintains a strong network with industry and provides its students with essential practical experience. Overseas exchanges are actively arranged for students to broaden their international perspective.  
Website: www.hkdi.edu.hk

About Shaw Studios
Funded through the Sir Run Run Shaw Charitable Trust, Shaw Studios is the crowning achievement of its founder Mr. Run Run Shaw, legendary film and television pioneer and respected philanthropist. It is home to over one thousand Chinese classic films and hosts one of the largest and most advanced film facilities in Asia, with a full-service film and digital, picture and audio production and post-production facility, including theatrical Dolby Atmos studio and Dolby Vision colour grading suite.
Website: www.shawstudios.hk

About Disguise
Disguise is the industry-leading platform sitting at the heart of a new era of visual experiences. One powerful integrated system of software, hardware and services to help create the next dimension of real-time spectacle.  We partner with the biggest entertainment brands and companies in the world to deliver the A-list of live music events, live TV broadcasts, immersive experiences, installations, theatre, film and TV production, corporate communications and brand product launches.

Disguise’s Emmy award-winning ecosystem of software and hardware is revolutionising every sector of the entertainment. With visual experience software, seamless end-to-end workflows, proven premium hardware and a Cloud suite of applications for global collaboration, we empower the biggest real-time, 3D productions around. 

Disguise services offer a 24/7 global support system to meet any customer need ranging from essential technical service and online learning all the way to end-to-end creative and technical services from our creative and build team, Meptik. Working with Disney, Snapchat, Netflix, ESPN, U2 at the Sphere, the Burj Khalifa, U2 and Beyonce, Disguise is the number one partner delivering the next dimension of entertainment.
Learn more at www.disguise.one.

About Samsung Electronics
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

About ARRI
“Inspiring images. Since 1917.” ARRI is a global player within the motion picture industry, employing around 1,600 staff worldwide. Named after its founders August Arnold and Robert Richter, ARRI was established in Munich, Germany, where the headquarters is still located today. Other subsidiaries are in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Australia.

The ARRI Group consists of the business units Camera Systems, Lighting, Rental, and Solutions, as well as the subsidiary Claypaky, all dedicated to connecting creativity and future technologies for moving images and live entertainment. ARRI is a leading designer and manufacturer of camera and lighting systems for the film, broadcast, media, and entertainment industries, with a worldwide distribution and service network. The portfolio includes digital cameras, lenses, camera accessories, archive technologies, lamp heads, and lighting accessories. Along with offering exclusive technologies, ARRI Rental’s first-class services and equipment provide camera, lighting, and grip packages to professional productions around the world. ARRI Solutions offers high-quality virtual and traditional production infrastructure solutions and efficient, integrated workflows to a broad range of studio operators, producers, and enterprises. Claypaky fascinates audiences worldwide with cutting-edge live entertainment and stage lighting.

In recognition of its innovative contributions to the film and television industries, ARRI has been honored with 19 scientific and technical awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and six Engineering Emmys from the Television Academy and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

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