In the bustling landscape of virtual production, where innovation meets practicality, Vplus Studio is crafting its unique path in Southeast Asia’s dynamic market. Founded on the principles of resourcefulness, adaptability, and passion, Vplus Studio has been working on projects in the realms of advertising, film, and virtual reality (VR). Recently, AnimationXpress had the privilege of conversing with VPlus Studio co-founder and business director Roy Kwok, during the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), shedding light on the studio’s journey, vision, and the future of digital content creation.
At the heart of Vplus Studio’s success lies its pragmatic approach to utilising limited resources effectively. Kwok emphasises the studio’s ability to thrive in any setting by maximising available resources, an ethos deeply ingrained in Hong Kong’s energetic and passionate culture. Whether designing a modest 200-square-foot home or tackling larger projects, Vplus Studio’s practicality and adaptability sets it apart as a frontrunner in the virtual production sector.
“As a Hong Kong-based company operating within our unique constraints, we’ve cultivated a reputation for productivity and intelligence in navigating the market landscape,” Kwok emphasises. “In essence, the key lies in agility and resourcefulness. By starting small and reacting quickly to emerging technologies, we’re able to maximise our creative output within the confines of budget and technical constraints, ensuring that our projects remain both innovative and commercially viable.”
In a competitive landscape where pricing can skyrocket, Vplus Studio remains committed to offering accessible solutions. Kwok suggests collaboration as a key strategy, advocating for joint ventures to optimise resources and foster innovation. Furthermore, he highlights the role of government support in nurturing the industry, drawing parallels with successful models in countries like Canada and Korea.
Reflecting on the support from the Hong Kong government, Kwok comments, “I believe the government is making significant efforts to support our industry. However, I think there’s room for improvement in terms of promoting these initiatives more visibly. While those already well-established in the industry may understand, for others like myself, it sometimes takes a moment to realise the extent of the support available. More promotion could certainly enhance awareness and accessibility to these resources. Nevertheless, I appreciate the efforts made by the government to assist and promote Hong Kong businesses, and I hope to see even more initiatives in the future.”
Looking to the future, Kwok envisions a digital content creation landscape poised for exponential growth and disruption. Drawing parallels to the rapid evolution of the internet, he predicts a transformative era driven by AI and convergence, where interconnected technologies redefine storytelling and production processes. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Kwok advises a blend of focus, transparency, and intuition, emphasising the importance of agility and continuous learning in navigating the dynamic market landscape.
Events like FILMART serve as invaluable platforms for industry engagement and networking, offering a glimpse into emerging trends and opportunities. Kwok mentions, “I view events like these as invaluable opportunities, particularly for companies like ours, to engage with a myriad of industry experts, journalists, and directors. During these four days, it’s a condensed venue where we can communicate with the industry, gain insights into emerging trends, and assess the landscape of new products. It’s akin to conversing with a trusted partner, setting the course for our business direction in the coming year. While we may not be selling products outright, these events serve as crucial platforms for us, especially as we venture into providing services for companies in the film industry.”
With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a keen eye on emerging trends, Vplus Studio continues to push boundaries, shaping the future of digital content creation in Southeast Asia and beyond.
