Digital Domain Sponsors USC School of Cinematic Arts In Celebration of John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts’ 25th Anniversary
10.25.19October 25, 2019, Los Angeles ——Digital Domain Holdings Limited (the “Group” or “Digital Domain”; stock code: 547), one of the largest and most innovative providers of visual effects and immersive experiences, was invited by USC’s School of Cinematic Arts (SCA)’ John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts (Hench DADA) to be the sole sponsor of its 25th Anniversary celebration. The official celebration, hosted by Teresa Cheng, Chair of Hench-DADA, took place during SCA’s annual “First Frame” showcase on October 24 at the Directors Guild of America in Hollywood. “First Frame” showcased the latest achievements of current USC students and recent alumni and featured a range of genres and techniques along with installations of work from Hench-DADA M.F.A. students.
Mr. Daniel Seah, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Domain, said, “We are proud to support emerging artists and the Animation Division at USC. As we recently celebrated our 25th Anniversary at Digital Domain, we recognize and honor what an incredible milestone this is for the division. Many of our very own well-rounded artists including Yifu Zhou, mark prime examples of the immense talent that is developed at the esteemed university. We were delighted to sponsor this event to honor the incredible guidance that the staff and instructors provide to cultivate these young artists. We look forward to continuing our partnership and future collaboration with USC.”
Elizabeth Daley, Dean of School of Cinematic Arts, said, “It’s our honor to have Digital Domain join us in celebrating our 25th Anniversary. With animation being one of the most successful genres in the entertainment industry, The John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts is proud to offer animation programs with the goal of providing trained artists and filmmakers who are immediately ready to meet the needs of this critical part of the industry. Under Teresa Cheng’s stewardship, Hench has, in a very short time, grown in scope and stature throughout the world.”
Teresa Cheng, Chair of Hench-DADA, said, “We are immensely proud of our students, their accomplishments and the accolades they’ve received throughout the 25 years, such as winning a Student Academy Award for the fourth consecutive year in a row (Alicja Jasina, for “Once Upon A Line” in 2016; Devon Manney, for “Cradle” in 2017; Yu Yu, for “Daisy” in 2018 and Emre Okten, for “Two” in 2019). It’s all attributable to the professional environment that our division provides for students to study and produce all practical and theoretical applications, including 2D and 3D feature and television animation, character animation, visual effects, motion capture, projection mapping, motion graphics, and virtual reality. Our curricula along with our esteemed faculty of professionals truly prepare students for careers in animation.”
In the past 25 years, Digital Domain has created many blockbuster films including “Titanic,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Ready Player One”. These award-winning feature films were all made possible by talented artists, many who graduated from USC and consistently raise standard for Hollywood and the industry at large. Additionally, coupling Digital Domain’s proprietary software and processes and leveraging USC’s facial scanning and rendering technology, Digital Domain has developed many groundbreaking digital human characters such as Marvel Studios’ formidable villain “Thanos” from the “Avengers” franchise.
With the very best talent and technology in the industry, Digital Domain consistently produces visual effects that go beyond what’s possible.
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About Digital Domain
Digital Domain creates transportive experiences that entertain, inform and inspire. Throughout the last quarter of a century, the studio has grown to lead the visual effects industry, expanding globally into digital humans, virtual production, previsualization and virtual reality, and adding commercials, game cinematics and episodics to the robust film roster. Digital Domain’s rich legacy consists of hundreds of blockbuster feature films for every major studio and thousands of commercials, music videos, game cinematics and digital content by world-renowned directors and brands.
A creative force in visual effects and premium content, Digital Domain and its predecessor entities have brought artistry and technology to films including Titanic, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and blockbusters Avengers: Infinity War and Ready Player One. Staff artists have won more than 100 major awards, including Academy Awards, Clios, BAFTA awards and Cannes Lions.
Digital Domain has successfully become the first independent visual effects studio to enter Greater China. In 2017, Digital Domain launched in Hyderabad. In 2018, Digital Domain acquired one of China’s VR hardware equipment pioneers and leaders – VR Technology Holdings Ltd, Shenzhen（“3Glasses”).
Digital Domain has locations in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Montreal, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Taipei and Hyderabad. Digital Domain Holdings Limited is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 547).