MEDIA RELEASE
Industry Veterans looking to bridge Canadian and Chinese markets through common ground with storytelling, relationships
December 1, 2016 – Vancouver, BC – Today, executives and delegates announced the launch of Darkhorse10 Pictures Inc. a new VFX-provider looking to build Vancouver’s reputation as an IP-creation centre by using VFX-driven storylines with international appeal.
The new studio and production company has already secured substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) through its partnership with Plusmos Film Technology. Darkhorse10’s executives seek to spur a VFX consumer shift among Chinese audiences by connecting Chinese productions with more of the top-calibre visual effects characteristic of Hollywood that their markets in Asia are hungry for.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Darkhorse10 to Vancouver’s thriving creative economy, building on VFX as an anchor high-growth industry in our city,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Innovative partnerships like Darkhorse10 play a huge part in driving Vancouver’s nation-leading economy, spurring investment and creating well-paying jobs. I look forward to following Darkhorse10’s impact as a homegrown company, in partnership with our sister metropolitan district of Chaoyang, Beijing, as they work to revolutionize VFX and take the industry to the next level.”
“Furthering the local IP incubation cause is also a big priority for us,” said Jason Dowdeswell, CEO and co-founder of Darkhorse10. “We have a vested interest in building the next generation of storytellers with original content out of Vancouver. Our partners at Plusmos are supporting these efforts through foreign direct investment.” Dowdeswell is a Vancouver VFX veteran seasoned by years at luminary studios like Sony Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic and Image Engine.
In addition to their ambitions to export IP, Darkhorse10 has big plans to revolutionize – modernize – the role VFX plays in the production process. “Darkhorse10 is a pivot on a business model that is 40 years old, where VFX is thought of as a component of post-production,” said Dowdeswell, speaking from his 25 years of experience in the industry. “Although visual effects are usually an enormous part of storytelling, they’re historically not factored into the filmmaking process from the start – at Darkhorse10, we will be part of the creative process in the beginning, leading more forays into VFX as a driver of narrative.”
In addition to their ambitions to export IP, Darkhorse10 has big plans to revolutionize – modernize – the role VFX plays in the production process. “Darkhorse10 is a pivot on a business model that is 40 years old, where VFX is thought of as a component of post-production,” said Dowdeswell, speaking from his 25 years of experience in the industry. “Although visual effects are usually an enormous part of storytelling, they’re historically not factored into the filmmaking process from the start – at Darkhorse10, we will be part of the creative process in the beginning, leading more forays into VFX as a driver of narrative.”
Darkhorse10 made their announcement at the 4th Annual Canada-China Business Forum, where the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Economic Commission, a delegation of Chaoyang District officials along with prominent representatives of Vancouver’s film, TV, VFX, animation, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) industries had gathered to strengthen business ties to the Chaoyang District of Beijing. Events like the Canada-China Business Forum allow Vancouver businesses to build the much-needed relationships business dealings with China rely upon (guanxi). Such relationships often take years to build, as Greg Herbert, co-founder and CFO of Darkhorse10, will attest.
“The primary factor for the creation of Darkhorse10, and the core of our business, is the recognition of relationships and trust. We aligned with common goals of seeking unique value for our markets, talent for our collaboration, and the aim of telling stories that strike a chord around the world,” said Herbert.
The studio opening is the result of a years-long negotiation process between Herbert, Dowdeswell, and decision-makers of the Hangzhou Plusmos Technology Motion Picture Group, which began six years ago on a 2010 trade mission to Shanghai led by the Vancouver Economic Commission.
“We lead these missions in order to generate results,” said Ian McKay, CEO of the VEC. “When conducting frequent delegations abroad, we secure opportunities for Vancouver companies by building closer ties to foreign markets. The Vancouver Economic Commission is delighted to have played a part in the journey of understanding between key decision-makers that led to the arrival of Darkhorse10 to our world-class VFX cluster.”
The new Darkhorse10 studio will be headquartered in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood.
-30-
About Darkhorse10 Pictures Inc.
Established in 2016, the founders of Darkhorse10 Pictures Inc. are Liu Jia, President of Hangzhou Plusmos Technology Motion Picture Group, Jason Dowdeswell, CEO, and Greg Herbert, CFO. Darkhorse10 is headquartered in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood.
About Plusmos Film Technology Inc.
A Canadian holding company and subsidiary of Hangzhou Plusmos Technology Motion Picture Group. Hangzhou Plusmos is headquartered in Hangzhou, China, and has over 100 employees split between offices in Hangzhou and Beijing.
About the Vancouver Economic Commission
The Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) works to strengthen the city’s economic future by supporting existing businesses, attracting foreign investment and promoting international trade. The VEC strives to position Vancouver as a globally recognized city for innovative, creative and sustainable business. www.vancouvereconomic.com
Media Contacts:
Jessie Jiang, Darkhorse10 / Jessie.jiang@darkhorse10.com / 778.885.5168
Ingrid Cheung, Vancouver Economic Commission / icheung@vancouvereconomic.com / 604.868.1990
