The nation’s top telecoms operator, Chunghwa Telecom Co (中華電信), has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hollywood animation and visual effects company Rhythm and Hues Inc (R&H) to form a joint venture to develop cloud computing technologies and services for animation and films.
This is the first time R&H has collaborated with a phone company in forming a cloud animation and visual effects venture, Chunghwa Telecom said in a statement yesterday. No financial details were revealed.
The Los Angeles-based R&H helped create the visual effects in Oscar-winning director Ang Lee’s (李安) latest movie, Life of Pi.
The firm has produced over 150 Hollywood movies, including The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Hulk, and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon.
In cooperation with R&H, Chunghwa Telecom said it hopes to introduce key visual effects technology and join the global visual effects market.
“This partnership will supplement the company’s technologies,” company spokesman Yeh Shu (葉疏) said in a filing to the Taiwan Stock Exchange.
In addition to the venture with Chunghwa Telecom, R&H has set up a studio in Greater Kaohsiung and is raising funds to finance film projects.
Separately, Asus Cloud Corp (華碩雲端) said yesterday it plans to introduce its enterprise cloud services overseas next year to bolster its presence in the cloud computing sector.
In particular, the cloud unit of PC brand Asustek Computer Inc (華碩) said it is eyeing business opportunities in China, where efforts are being made to develop Internet-connected infrastructure in big cities, and in Japan, where companies are seeking productivity applications.
Asus Cloud has acquired 500,000 users since it began operations earlier this year in local universities, companies and government agencies, Asus Cloud chief executive Peter Wu (吳漢章) said on the sidelines of a local developer forum.
Additional reporting by CNA
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