One Cool Group Limited

One Cool Group Limited is a Hong Kong-headquartered film and entertainment company founded in 2013 by actor Louis Koo, specializing in film financing, production, post-production, distribution, promotion, and artist management, while also venturing into animation, computer graphics, and AI-driven visual effects.^[1] The company operates with a team of over 300 professionals and maintains offices in mainland China, Thailand, and South Korea to support its regional and international projects.^[1] Its diversified portfolio includes collaborations with major studios, such as Sony Pictures Animation on the films Vivo (2021) and the Oscar-nominated The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021), as well as investments in U.S. independent cinema.^[1] One Cool Group emphasizes innovation and creativity, guided by its motto "Thrive through Creativity. Strive for Diversity," positioning it as a leading player in Asia's evolving film industry.^[1]

History

Founding and early development

One Cool Group Limited was established in 2013 by Hong Kong actor and producer Louis Koo as a local film production entity dedicated to sustaining the city's cinematic tradition.^[1][2] The company initially concentrated on film production and financing within Hong Kong, with a mission to support both independent and commercial projects that highlighted local stories and emerging talent amid a challenging market landscape.^[3][4] In its formative years, One Cool Group recruited a core team of experienced professionals to build operational capacity. Key hires included Tang Wai But, who joined in 2014 as managing director with over 30 years in the industry, including work on acclaimed films like Infernal Affairs, and Jacqueline Liu as production director.^[3] This initial team grew steadily, enabling the company to handle end-to-end production processes and scale from a small outfit to a more structured operation before pursuing wider diversification.^[3] Early projects exemplified the company's commitment to nurturing Hong Kong cinema despite hurdles such as high production costs and a limited domestic audience. One Cool financed and produced films like Wild City (2013), a crime thriller marking an early commercial venture, and 12 Golden Ducks (2015), a comedy that drew strong local box office performance.^[2] By 2017, it took on distribution and promotional roles for In Your Dreams, a debut feature directed by Tam Wai Ching about forbidden love, produced by Carina Lau, which premiered at international festivals and addressed taboo themes in the local context.^[5] These efforts often relied on support from the Hong Kong Film Development Fund to mitigate financial risks in a market dominated by mainland Chinese imports.^[3]

Expansion and key milestones

In 2018, One Cool Group Limited achieved a significant milestone with the release of Men on the Dragon, a sports comedy film that marked the company's entry into the genre and garnered local box office success in Hong Kong, earning nominations for 11 Hong Kong Film Awards.^[6][7] The company expanded internationally by opening affiliated offices in mainland China, Thailand, and South Korea, alongside its Hong Kong headquarters, which facilitated greater regional collaboration in film production and post-production.^[1] This growth supported a rapid increase in workforce, reaching over 300 professionals by the early 2020s, enabling the handling of larger-scale projects across Asia.^[1] One Cool Group has introduced artificial intelligence techniques in its computer graphics division, enhancing efficiency in animation and visual effects workflows.^[1] That same year, the company formed a key partnership with Sony Pictures Animation, contributing to productions such as Vivo and the Oscar-nominated The Mitchells vs. the Machines, which broadened its footprint in global animated features.^[2][8] Around 2023, One Cool established a subsidiary in Malaysia to further expand into Southeast Asia. In March 2024, the company announced a slate of five new films at the Hong Kong Filmart, highlighting its ongoing diversification.^[4][9] As of 2025, One Cool Group has continued its diversification through investments in U.S. independent films and further expansion of its global animation portfolio, including ongoing collaborations like the upcoming The Angry Birds Movie 3.^[2][8] These developments underscore the company's shift toward international co-productions and technological integration in the film industry.^[1]

Organizational structure

Locations and offices

One Cool Group Limited maintains its headquarters in Hong Kong, located at Unit 01-09, 32/F, Shui On Centre, 6-8 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, which serves as the central hub for executive decisions, core production activities, and houses over 300 film professionals.^[10][1][11] The company operates affiliated regional offices in mainland China to support market expansion into the vast Chinese entertainment sector, in Thailand for post-production services and regional filming operations, in South Korea to foster partnerships in Asian distribution networks, and in Malaysia for Southeast Asian film production and collaborations.^[1][12][13] Infrastructure includes fully digital post-production facilities in both Hong Kong and Bangkok, equipped to handle 2D and 3D feature films as well as television series, enabling efficient servicing of local and global markets.^[14][15] These locations were strategically selected to leverage diverse talent pools across Asia, optimize operational costs through regional advantages, and enable seamless cross-border collaborations in film financing, production, and distribution.^[1][3]

Subsidiaries and divisions

One Cool Group Limited operates through several specialized subsidiaries that support its diversified operations in film financing, production, post-production, distribution, and artist management. These entities are interconnected to facilitate seamless workflows, with production outputs flowing into post-production processes and subsequently to distribution channels. One Cool Film Production Limited serves as the core entity for film financing, development, and production, having been established under the group since 2013 to lead Hong Kong-based projects and international collaborations.^[12][16] One Cool Film SBN. Bhd., established in 2023 in Malaysia, focuses on film production and regional operations in Southeast Asia.^[12][13] One Cool Pictures Limited, founded in 2016, functions as the group's sales arm, handling film distribution, international sales, marketing, and advertising to promote projects across Asian and global markets.^[17] One Cool Artist Management Limited (OCAM), established in 2017, manages talent representation, casting, and artist development for actors and musicians, providing a platform for creative talents in film, television, and music while integrating them into group productions.^[18] Post-production is managed through divisions such as One Cool Film Cut Company Limited and One Cool CUT Limited. One Cool Film Cut, founded in 2018, specializes in editing, color grading, visual effects, and title design for films and TV series, led by experienced professionals to support high-quality outputs.^[19] One Cool CUT focuses on offline editing, online special effects, computer graphics, and CG post-production, serving both commercial and film clients to enhance visual and auditory elements.^[20] One Cool Production Co., Ltd., operational since 2013 in Hong Kong and Bangkok, complements these by offering digital post-production services including color grading, VFX, audio mixing, and DCP mastering, ensuring integrated pipelines from production to final delivery.^[14] These subsidiaries collaborate closely; for instance, talents from One Cool Artist Management are cast in films developed by One Cool Film Production, which then proceed to post-production at One Cool Film Cut, One Cool CUT, and One Cool Production before distribution via One Cool Pictures, optimizing the group's end-to-end film ecosystem.^[1]

Business operations

Film production and financing

One Cool Group Limited plays a pivotal role in the development and funding of live-action films, overseeing the transition from conceptual scripting to the completion of principal photography. The company conducts in-house script development, drawing on its integrated operations to identify and refine story ideas tailored for Asian markets. Casting is facilitated through its artist management division, which provides access to a roster of established and emerging talent, ensuring alignment with project visions. Principal photography typically occurs on-location across Asia, leveraging regional infrastructure to capture authentic settings while minimizing logistical costs.^[1] The financing model employed by One Cool emphasizes equity investments in independent projects and strategic co-productions with local and international partners, allowing for shared risk and broader market reach. This approach enables the company to support mid-budget films without sole financial exposure, often partnering with entities like Media Asia Films for enhanced resources. By diversifying beyond traditional revenue streams, One Cool mitigates dependencies on single markets, fostering sustainable growth in a volatile industry.^[3] A prominent example is the 2024 action film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, produced by One Cool Film Production Limited in collaboration with Media Asia Films and others, with a budget of HK$300 million (approximately US$38.5 million). The project, shot primarily in Hong Kong, grossed over US$111 million worldwide, demonstrating strong returns through co-production efficiencies and revenue sharing among partners. Similarly, Behind the Shadows (2025), One Cool's inaugural Malaysian production, was filmed entirely in Kuala Lumpur and co-produced with Tianjin Maoyan Media, highlighting the company's expansion into Southeast Asia with a focus on character-driven thrillers; the film grossed US$8.9 million worldwide as of November 2025, building on initial figures of US$634,164 in June 2025 and underscoring market penetration in regional territories.^{[21][22][23][24][25]} One Cool addresses key challenges in Hong Kong's competitive film landscape, including market saturation and stringent regulatory hurdles in mainland China, such as content approval quotas and political oversight that limit co-production approvals. By prioritizing Southeast Asian locations and international partnerships, the company navigates these constraints, ensuring production continuity. Following principal photography, projects are handed off to in-house post-production teams for editing and effects integration.^[26][27][1]

Post-production services

One Cool Group's post-production services encompass a range of technical finishing processes, including editing, visual effects, sound design, color grading, and digital mastering, primarily handled through subsidiaries such as One Cool Production, One Cool CUT, One Cool Film Cut, and One Cool Sound. The computer graphics arm utilizes pioneering artificial intelligence techniques for visual effects and enhancements.^{[1][14][20][19][28]} These services support the completion of feature films, television series, and commercials by integrating advanced digital workflows for enhanced efficiency and quality.^[14] Editing is facilitated through One Cool CUT and One Cool Film Cut, which provide offline editing, online special effects, computer graphics (CG) post-production, and sequence design for opening titles and end credits.^[20][19] Sound design and audio post-production, managed by One Cool Sound, include sound editing, mixing in stereo or up to 5.1 surround, and effects creation to deliver immersive aural experiences.^[28] Visual effects and computer graphics involve compositing, 2D/3D enhancements, clean-up, and retouching using tools like Nuke and After Effects, while color grading employs DaVinci Resolve for precise adjustments supporting SD to 4K resolutions.^[14][19] Additional offerings include DCP mastering with secure encryption for theatrical distribution and fast turnaround for regional adaptations.^[14] The company's facilities feature fully digital pipelines in Hong Kong and Thailand, equipped with networked storage, specialized suites for color grading and editing (using Autodesk Smoke and Flame Premium), and studios for audio recording and mixing, enabling support for both 2D and 3D formats in films and television.^[14][15] These locations, including sites in Kwun Tong and Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, as well as Bangkok, facilitate one-stop post-production services for local and global markets.^[20][19][28] Innovations in the workflow emphasize high-quality digital finishing and efficient versioning, though specific AI techniques are not publicly detailed in company resources.^[14][19] Notable examples include post-production contributions to the period action film Back to the Past (2025), involving CG and VFX for time-travel sequences, and Out of the Shadow (2024), where editing, color grading, and visual effects enhanced the narrative of a former crime fighter's story.^[29][19]

Distribution and promotion

One Cool Group Limited manages the distribution and promotion of its films primarily through its dedicated sales arm, One Cool Pictures Limited, which was established in 2016 to handle international sales, marketing, and advertising services.^[17] This entity focuses on bringing films to diverse audiences by leveraging industry specialists and integrating promotional efforts across theatrical, digital, and international channels.^[17] The company's distribution channels emphasize theatrical releases in key Asian markets, such as Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, alongside international sales and digital platform placements like Netflix.^[3] For instance, the 2018 sports comedy Men On The Dragon, distributed theatrically in Hong Kong, achieved local box office success with earnings of HK$15.7 million, marking it as the sixth-highest-grossing Hong Kong film of the year.^[3] Internationally, One Cool Pictures facilitated sales for the animated feature Vivo (2021), a collaboration with Sony Pictures Animation that secured a global release on Netflix, reaching audiences in over 190 countries.^[30][1] Promotion strategies include targeted advertising campaigns managed through affiliated entities like One Cool Punch Advertising, participation in major film markets such as Hong Kong's FilMart—where the company hosts promotional events—and screenings at festivals to build buzz.^[31][32] Men On The Dragon, for example, garnered 11 nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards and screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival, enhancing its visibility across Chinese-speaking communities.^[3][33] Cross-promotions with managed artists further amplify reach, tying film releases to broader entertainment ecosystems.^[1] One Cool Group's market focus remains on Asia, with strong penetration in Hong Kong, mainland China, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, while international deals like Vivo support expansion into the US and Europe.^[1][3] This approach prioritizes regional theatrical dominance alongside global digital accessibility to maximize revenue and cultural impact.^[17]

Artist management

One Cool Artist Management, a division of One Cool Group Limited, was established in 2017 to represent and develop talents in the entertainment industry.^[18] The division offers comprehensive services, including management of actors, directors, and crew members; casting support for the company's in-house film and television projects; career guidance; and negotiation of contracts to advance professional opportunities.^[18][34] Its portfolio emphasizes Hong Kong and Asian talents, with key representations including actors Philip Keung, Ken Law, Brian Lee (known as JBS), Edward Chui, Fish Liew, Michelle Saram, Bryant Mak, Jennifer Yu, Yanny Chan, and Miko Peng, among others.^[18][35][36] These artists are integrated into One Cool Group's production ecosystem, enabling seamless collaboration on films, television series, stage dramas, and other media projects.^[18] Notable achievements include successful talent placements that have led to award nominations and critical recognition; for instance, Philip Keung received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 37th Hong Kong Film Awards for his performances in Shock Wave (2017) and Concerto of the Bully (2018).^[37] Fish Liew starred in the 2021 biographical drama Anita, contributing to its ensemble cast alongside prominent Hong Kong performers.^[38]

Notable projects and filmography

Live-action feature films

One Cool Group Limited has been involved in the production and financing of several live-action feature films, primarily focused on Hong Kong and mainland China markets, spanning genres such as action, drama, and thriller that resonate with local audiences through themes of social issues, personal redemption, and historical fantasy.^[39] These projects often feature prominent Hong Kong stars like Louis Koo and emphasize collaborations with regional talent to appeal to Asian viewers. Key examples include high-profile co-productions that have achieved significant box office success in the region. Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (2024), a co-production led by One Cool Film Production, is an action thriller directed by Soi Cheang, starring Louis Koo as Cyclone, a gang leader protecting troubled youth Chan Lok-kwun (Terrance Lau) who flees into the chaotic Kowloon Walled City and learns brotherhood amid escalating gang wars. The film grossed HK$142 million in Hong Kong, becoming the territory's highest-grossing local release ever with 1.59 million admissions, and earned more than US$20 million in mainland China while topping mainland China's box office during its opening weekend with strong action sequences drawing pan-Asian audiences.^[40][41][42] It received nine awards at the 2025 Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best Film, highlighting its impact on reviving Hong Kong action cinema.^[43] The Dream, the Bubble and the Shadow (2025), produced by One Cool with Soi Cheang and Pang Yuk-Lam, follows a down-on-his-luck magician (Louis Koo) who hides on an island and befriends a young boy, exploring themes of self-discovery and illusion in a suspenseful drama directed by Wilson Yip. This Hong Kong production emphasizes introspective storytelling tailored for Asian viewers grappling with personal and societal pressures.^[44][45] Beyond the Sin (2025), financed by One Cool, is an action thriller directed by Kwok Man-Ki starring Louis Koo as a former police inspector whose daughter is brutally murdered, driving him to seek vengeance against a desperate criminal in a tale of grief and justice set across Macau and Hong Kong. The film earned approximately US$1.87 million internationally upon release, reflecting modest but targeted appeal in the Chinese market for revenge-driven narratives.^[46][47][48] Vital Sign (2023), a full production by One Cool directed by Cheuk Wan-chi, depicts veteran paramedic Wong Wai (Louis Koo) clashing with ambitious young partner Jerry Ma (Neo Yau) while contemplating emigration amid Hong Kong's social upheavals, blending dramedy with insights into frontline workers' lives. Premiering at festivals like NYAFF and TIFF, it connected with local audiences on themes of emigration and resilience but achieved limited theatrical box office due to its festival focus.^[49][50][51] Out of the Shadow (2024), produced by One Cool and directed by Ricky Ko, centers on masked vigilante Chu Po (Kay Tse), a karate expert fighting injustice in Hong Kong's [Shek O](/page/Shek O) district until her family's hidden past disrupts her mission, combining action with family drama. This mid-budget release targeted Hong Kong's action-comedy fans but saw modest box office performance in the competitive Asian market.^[52][53] Back to the Past (2026), a major production co-financed by One Cool with China's Huace Pictures and directed by Jack Lai, adapts the TVB series A Step into the Past, following unjustly imprisoned modern man Ken (Raymond Lam) who time-travels to the Qin Dynasty to usurp the throne and reclaim his life, featuring elaborate historical action sequences. It aims at pan-Asian historical fantasy audiences but box office results remain pending post-release.^[29][54][5] Remember What I Forgot (2025), produced by One Cool and directed by Keian Chui in his debut, is a nostalgic comedy-drama about film fanatic Kim (Philip Keung), a mysterious enthusiast preserving Hong Kong cinema memories amid personal loss, starring Fish Liew and Dada Chan. Released in January 2025, it evoked cultural nostalgia for local viewers but garnered limited box office data, focusing instead on festival acclaim for its heartfelt tribute to the industry.^[55][56] In Broad Daylight (2023), produced by One Cool and directed by Lawrence Kan, follows undercover journalist Ling Hiu-kay (Jennifer Yu) posing as a granddaughter to expose systemic abuse and corruption in a Hong Kong care home for the disabled, inspired by real scandals and highlighting press freedom challenges. The film led nominations at the 2024 Hong Kong Film Awards with 16 nominations and achieved solid regional reception for its social commentary, though specific Hong Kong box office figures were not widely reported.^[57][58] Behind the Shadows (2025), produced by One Cool, is an action thriller directed by Jonathan Li and Choy Man-yu, starring Louis Koo, Chrissie Chau, and Liu Kuan-ting. The film explores themes of mystery and confrontation in a Hong Kong setting, contributing to the company's portfolio of high-stakes thrillers with regional appeal. These films underscore One Cool's strategy of blending high-stakes action with socially relevant dramas and comedies, contributing to the revitalization of Hong Kong cinema in Asian markets through targeted financing and production roles that prioritize local stories and talent.^[59]

Animation and international collaborations

One Cool Group Limited has expanded into animation through its subsidiary One Cool Animation and computer graphics division, focusing on co-productions and visual effects contributions to international projects. The company financed and provided post-production support for Sony Pictures Animation's The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021), a computer-animated science fiction comedy directed by Michael Rianda, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.^[60][1] Similarly, One Cool invested in Vivo (2021), a musical adventure produced by Sony Pictures Animation and distributed by Netflix, where the company handled financing and visual effects elements using its CGI expertise.^[60][1] In 2022, One Cool Animation took a lead production role in Marmaduke, a Netflix-exclusive animated comedy based on the comic strip, directed by Mark Dippé, marking the division's first fully produced feature. The film featured the company's contributions to animation and post-production, emphasizing character design and visual storytelling for family audiences.^[61][62] These projects highlight One Cool's integration of post-production services, including VFX supervision and CGI enhancement, to support narrative-driven animation.^[63] Beyond specific titles, One Cool has pursued broader international collaborations, including investments in U.S. independent films and partnerships with major studios like Sony Pictures Animation. As of 2025, the company's computer graphics arm has advanced into AI-driven animation techniques, enhancing efficiency in VFX creation and character animation for global projects.^[1] This expansion underscores One Cool's diversification into technology-enhanced animation workflows.^[60] The impact of these efforts is evident in the global reach of One Cool's animated contributions, with releases on platforms like Netflix achieving widespread streaming viewership and critical recognition, such as the Oscar nod for The Mitchells vs. the Machines. These collaborations have positioned the company as a bridge between Asian production capabilities and Hollywood animation, fostering cross-cultural storytelling.^[1][60]