The software needed to create today's special-effects-powered films is often expensive, but the free Linux operating system is helping Hong Kong film producers keep their scripts within budget.
Using the cost savings that Linux provides, Hewlett-Packard has brought to Hong Kong some of the computing power that has helped break new ground for animation production in Hollywood.
Donald Hung, HP's product marketing manager for Linux-based workstations, said the company wanted to put in the hands of Hong Kong's digital content production houses the latest hardware and software advances that could help fire up their business in this slow economic environment.
'We want to help them focus on what they do best - creating home-grown digital content that's ahead of what their competition in Asia is doing,' he said.
It is an opportunity that a number of local companies, such as Shaolin Soccer special effects producer Centro Digital Pictures and digital games developers, are expected to explore soon because of the low production expenses involved.
Proof of what HP's Linux-based workstations can achieve was realised with the new DreamWorks SKG animated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.