Reviving Hong Kong's film industry: Harnessing AI for a new era of creativity

Hong Kong’s film industry should leverage technological advancements, especially artificial intelligence, to regain its global prominence and reclaim its status as the “Hollywood of the East,” lawmaker Duncan Chiu Tat-kun said.

Chiu’s remarks came during a seminar on AI’s potential for innovating the film industry, hosted by the Institute for Innovation, Translation and Policy Research of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) on Tuesday.

“Technological advancements, including computers and the internet, have already reshaped our daily lives,” Chiu said. 

“The rise of AI will undoubtedly affect every industry, potentially replacing certain jobs.” 

He added the importance of preparing every sector by studying AI’s impact and training the necessary talent, urging young people to equip themselves with AI-related skills to gain a competitive edge in society.

Chiu expressed optimism that Hong Kong’s film industry could achieve new heights by embracing technology, citing the city’s historical success in cultural and artistic endeavors. 

“Hong Kong has a rich legacy in the arts, and with the integration of cutting-edge technology, our films can once again shine on the global stage,” he said.

Rocky Cheng Chung-ngam, CEO of Cyberport, echoed Chiu’s sentiments, highlighting the role of AI in revolutionizing film production.

"AI’s predictive capabilities can help create compelling scripts, tailor content to diverse cultures, and significantly reduce production time and costs,” Cheng said, adding that such applications could benefit a broader range of filmmakers and content creators.

Chen Jie, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at HKBU, provided insights into the current limitations and future potential of AI in filmmaking. 

He cited the example of the mainland blockbuster Nezha 2, noting that the production team spent considerable time designing intricate details like characters’ hair. 

"AI still has limitations, particularly in achieving certain levels of detail and dynamic design in character creation," Chen said. 

"However, this is an area where the AI industry is striving to improve. I believe AI will continue to evolve, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in film production."

(Ayra Wang)