Annual Forum Opening Film | WGHK Summit - Late Studio | Hong Kong Animation Studio

This animation project was produced by a team of around ten people from the Department of Creative Arts at Hong Kong Metropolitan University. As an alumnus of the university, I joined the project as animation director. Covering both animation and original music, the project took about four months to complete. The idea was to use the imagination and visuals of animation to guide the audience through the discussion topics of the WGHK summit in a unique way, focusing on Hong Kong’s culture, creative industries and future development, and turning abstract issues into a vivid story. The process included concept and storyboard drafts, character and scene design, and post-production.

A girl slowly walks towards the LED wall and enters the digital world through the glowing screen.

Finally, in front of a digital Victoria Harbour, the girl holds a golden apple and gazes at the city.

Pre-productionStoryboard

We used “a girl’s fantastical journey” to link the four themes of this year’s event: technology, art auctions, philanthropy and sustainability. Her journey is divided into several key scenes, each symbolising a different theme of the forum. The girl travelling through the Web3 tunnel shows the endless possibilities of Web3 and digital innovation; the art auction scene highlights Hong Kong’s potential as Asia’s art hub; gold coins dropped into a donation box represent social responsibility and shared prosperity; and the golden apple tree conveys the coexistence of environmental protection and economic development. Every transition was carefully planned to keep the story coherent and smooth.

Early storyboard sketches for the WGHK film

Student ParticipationBuildings of Victoria Harbour

In collaboration with Hong Kong Metropolitan University, students from animation-related programmes took part in modelling the landmark buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. The team completed 3D models of more than 40 buildings, including landmarks such as International Finance Centre and Central Plaza. Taking part in a commercial project not only improved the students’ modelling skills but also taught them the importance of teamwork and communication, laying a strong foundation for their future careers.

Guidelines and references provided to students during the collaboration.

“Buildings of Victoria Harbour – Night Version” made by the students.

3D and Compositing

We used Blender for 3D modelling and animation, and Nuke and After Effects for compositing. As the film would be shown on a large LED screen, we also prepared versions with different brightness levels to get the right result on site.

Compositing the Victoria Harbour night scene in Nuke and After Effects

Event Opening FilmOn Site

On the day of the event, we went to the venue early to fine-tune and test, making sure the film played smoothly. Seeing the work on the giant LED screen was truly captivating.

When the screening ended, everyone applauded. It was a very moving moment.

A photo with the university president on the day of the event

Media CoverageMing Pao and TVB

We were honoured to be featured by Ming Pao and TVB, showcasing the professional strength of local animation and highlighting the potential of Hong Kong’s animation industry.