HONG KONG: The best talent that Hong Kong has to offer in the digital entertainment arena. These whiz kids (expectedly most are young geeks) were recognised during the presentation ceremony of the third Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Excellence Awards (HKDEEA).

The awards are jointly organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association and the Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Hong Kong government's chief information officer Howard Dickson said no efforts had been spared in supporting the development of the digital entertainment industry over the last two years. That includes close to HK$ 100 million pumped into areas such as the provision of high-end equipment at the Digital Media Centre, R&D projects, marketing activities, professional development and training programmes.

Over 100 entries were in the running for the Computer Animation, Digital Effects and Entertainment Software Awards under various categories. Entries were judged according to originality, creativity, entertainment value, technology and business potential.

Winners of the third HKDEEA were:

Professional Category

• Best Computer Animation (Short Film) - Langham Place Launch (Menfond Electronic Art and Computer Design).
• Best Computer Animation (Feature Film) Mcdull, Prince de la Bun (Bliss Pictures)
• Best Computer / TV Entertainment Software Little Fighter Online (U1 Technology Co.)
• Best Mobile Entertainment Software - Girl (Artificial Life).
  

Open Category

• Best Computer Animation Midnight Story (Antonio Wong Hoi Chung).
• Best Computer / TV Entertainment Software - Auroral Snare - (Robert Tang, Steven Yuen, Vincent Lam and Teresa Tse).
• Best Mobile Entertainment Software Real Time Lip-sync and Facial Animation System (Hong Yan).
  

Honours also went to Outstanding Student, Outstanding Start-up Company and the Cyberport Award.