The Rise of Hyperlocal Content in Southeast Asian Cinema and the Future of Cinema Technology
As an emerging talent or techie in the cinema space, have you considered the impact of “made local” films and technology such as HDR?
While Hollywood has faced significant disruptions due to strikes and production halts over the past two years, Southeast Asia's cinema sector has shown remarkable resilience and recovery. This resurgence is primarily driven by a strong focus on local and regional content. The shift towards hyperlocal content, which highlights unique cultural narratives and diverse stories from the region, has become a key growth strategy. Is going hyperlocal the future of growth for Southeast Asia's cinema industry?
Join Singaporean filmmaker Yee Wei Chai as he explores this question by examining the success of hyperlocal films and their deep resonance with local audiences. He will reveal how these films have captured the hearts of viewers by reflecting on their own experiences and traditions. Additionally, Yee Wei will share his thoughts on the technological advancements poised to drive further growth in the coming years. He will focus on innovations such as High Dynamic Range (HDR) cinema, virtual filmmaking, and virtual studios, which are set to revolutionize the filmmaking process and enhance the cinematic experience.
Image credit: Photo by Logan Ward on Unsplash
He has co-written, produced, and directed several feature films and high-budget series across various genres, including serious drama (“Wonderland”), romantic comedy (“Venus on Mars,” “That Girl In Pinafore”), and horror (“Blood Ties,” “Twisted”).
In addition to being an award-winning filmmaker, he is a tech enthusiast who founded Mocha Chai Laboratories, Southeast Asia’s first boutique digital film lab featuring state-of-the-art Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos facilities. Today, he splits his time between developing and producing content, and advocating for the use of new technologies to tell better stories.
