Dexter Studios (CEO: Kim Wook, Kang Jong-ik), a company specializing in visual effects (VFX) and content, is investing in artificial intelligence (AI) company dob Studio (CEO: Oh Je-wook) to throw its hat into developing virtual human technology.
ⓒdob Studio
Dexter Studios announced on the 7th that it is investing KRW 1 billion in dob Studio. In addition to Dexter Studios, VCs affiliated with other conglomerates are also looking to invest in dob Studio.
dob Studio is an AI technology development startup that created a virtual human named ‘Rui.’ Rui is earning positive reviews in the metaverse and avatar industry in that it eliminates what is known as the ‘uncanny valley’ by synthesizing a virtual face created by AI-based deep learning technology with a real portrait (video) of a person.
Earlier, on the 23rd of last month, Dexter Studios signed a strategic MOU to ‘promote the metaverse joint project and cooperate on the production of virtual faces and relevant synthesizing technology’ with dob Studio. Using this strategic partnership, both companies have been exploring ways to research, develop, and commercialize virtual face creation and synthesis technology.
With its decision to invest in dob Studio, Dexter Studios plans to continue its full-fledged collaboration with the AI company on the joint research and development of virtual human production methods, and further apply virtual human technology in content production and advertising.
This new partnership between Dexter Studios, which has been recognized for its VFX technology in various genres such as movies, TV shows, and games, and dob Studio, which is known for its highly sophisticated virtual face creation technology, is expected to generate synergies and diversify the portfolio of both companies moving forward.
An official with Dexter Studios said, “We decided to make a strategic investment in dob Studio, which has been able to create highly advanced virtual humans. With our new partnership, we will create new characters and content together with dob Studio, and explore ways to best utilize them.”
Meanwhile, Dexter Studios is an all-in-one comprehensive content company engaged in content planning, shooting, production, and post-production processes. Most recently, in July, it released its fifth feature film, “Escape from Mogadishu.” As of the 29th, Escape from Mogadishu has sold more than 3 million tickets at the box office, which is the most among all movies released so far this year.
