Peter Chan’s Position on Emerging Production Tools
During a recent panel organized by the Hong Kong Film Development Council, veteran director Peter Chan Ho Sun explained his stance on new technologies. He acknowledged that advanced software can aid in previsualisation and editing, but he drew a firm line at using AI generated material for creative decisions. Chan stressed that the human element is essential to his storytelling, and that reliance on automated content would dilute the authenticity he seeks.
The Rise of Short Form and Vertical Content
In recent years, platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have popularised short form vertical dramas that run for a few minutes and are filmed in portrait orientation. A recent Variety report highlighted the rapid growth of this format, noting that advertisers are allocating larger budgets to vertical video because of its high engagement rates. The format appeals to mobile‑first audiences who prefer bite sized entertainment during short breaks.
Market Drivers Behind the Shift
- Mobile device penetration continues to rise worldwide.
- Social media algorithms reward content that keeps viewers scrolling.
- Production costs for short form are generally lower than for feature length.
Changing Audience Behaviour
A 2023 Nielsen study on viewing habits found that younger demographics spend an average of 45 minutes per day watching short form videos, compared with 20 minutes for traditional television. The study also indicated that while short form captures attention quickly, many viewers still schedule longer viewing sessions for movies on weekends. This dual consumption pattern suggests that both formats can coexist.
Why Feature Length Remains Vital
Chan argued that the two hour feature film offers a narrative depth that short form cannot replicate. A feature allows for complex character arcs, layered themes, and immersive world building. These elements are essential for stories that aim to explore cultural identity, historical events, or moral dilemmas.
Storytelling Depth
Longer runtimes give writers the space to develop protagonists over multiple acts, creating emotional investment that resonates long after the credits roll. Chan cited his own films, such as Comrades: Almost a Love Story and The Warlords, as examples where extended storytelling enabled audiences to experience nuanced relationships and strategic conflict.
Economic Considerations for Studios
From a business perspective, feature films continue to generate revenue across multiple channels: theatrical release, streaming rights, television licensing, and merchandise. According to a UNESCO report on the global film industry, theatrical distribution still accounts for a significant share of total box office earnings, especially in markets with strong cinema cultures like Hong Kong, South Korea, and France.
Industry Reactions and Future Outlook
Other filmmakers and industry leaders echoed Chan’s confidence in the longevity of feature films. At the Cannes Film Festival, several directors emphasized that festivals remain a crucial platform for showcasing long form cinema, providing opportunities for critical acclaim and international distribution.
Comments from Peers
Renowned director Wong Kar Wai noted that while short form offers creative experimentation, it does not replace the communal experience of watching a film in a dark theater. He added that audiences still seek stories that transport them beyond everyday life, a need that feature films fulfill.
Implications for Studios and Distributors
Studios are adapting by investing in both formats. Major streaming services now produce original feature films while also commissioning short form series to attract younger viewers. This hybrid approach reflects the reality that audiences enjoy a spectrum of content lengths depending on context.
In summary, Peter Chan’s message is clear: technology will be embraced as a tool, but the core of filmmaking—human imagination and extended narrative—will continue to define cinema. As the industry evolves, the two hour feature film stands as a resilient medium capable of delivering stories that linger in the public consciousness.
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