Coming to a theatre near you soon, the first 3D movie made in Hong Kong

Animators hope to show the first Hong Kong-made three-dimensional film by the end of next year after mastering the latest stereoscopic imaging technology.

Their ambitions are taking shape as some industry players are planning to install projectors capable of showing high-definition 3D films in cinemas across town.

Industry veteran John Chu Ka-yan, chief executive officer of award-winning special effects firm Centro Digital Pictures, said Hong Kong had the potential to play a leading role in 3D film in Asia after the first locally produced 3D film clip made its debut at the recent China International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen.

The clip, a six-minute piece made to promote Hong Kong's creative industries, was shot with two high-definition cameras and required two projectors to screen.

Wearing lightweight spectacles, audiences can experience crisp 3D images of objects such as fireworks, which appear as if they are exploding before your face.

Mr Chu said Hong Kong was the only city in Asia that had mastered the stereoscopic imaging technology, which was the most advanced used in Hollywood. He said such technology would be applied to filmmaking soon, with projects already in the pipeline, but he declined to reveal details, except to say that the first locally made 3D film would be shown by the end of next year.

'Fewer than 10 companies in the world can harness this technology and we have spent more than a year on research and development,' said Mr Chu, adding that working with the technology requires an investment of more than HK$10 million.