Government urged to install latest movie technology
On the eve of the Hong Kong International Film Festival, industry leaders yesterday urged the government to take a lead in installing digital screens at public venues to catch up with the global boom in high-definition filmmaking and to promote new technology.
At present, the government has only one digital screen - at the Space Museum - while Broadway Circuit Cyberport, UA Cityplaza and UA Telford each have one.
Peter Tsi Ka-kei, executive director of the festival, which will screen more high-definition (HD) films than last year, said installing digital screens at government venues would expose the public to more HD films.
He said more films were being shot with HD cameras and many old films had been digitally restored. In taking the lead, the government would encourage more commercial cinemas to invest in the technology, Mr Tsi added.
'Hong Kong's film business is at a difficult time and finding investment is tough. Digital cinema is still very new,' he said.
'To promote digital technology, the audience needs an idea of what it is all about. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department can be a pioneer, since many digital films are not necessarily commercial. This helps in grooming new talent and encourages innovation.'