KUALA LUMPUR: Media Prima Bhd’s subsidiary Primeworks Studios Sdn Bhd (PSSB) has inked partnership with three local animation companies to develop new animation projects.
The three companies are Blindspots Studios, 'Alif & Sofia' Giggle Garage, and Fridgies and The R&D Studio, mainly for animated series of learning, comedy animations and animations.
PSSB corporate general manager Yanti Ishak said the initiative is the first series of pilot projects collaborations with the country's animation creators which would reinforce its intellectual property (IP) and
enhance the company's animation business.
“Three introductory episodes of this animation are expected to be completed next month, which will be marketed at the World Audio Visual Festival (MIPCOM) 2018.
“We are proud to support the creators of Malaysia's animation IPs in their quest to create entertaining and engaging content. We are also pleased to be able to contribute ideas on the commercial aspect of this animated lineup around the world,” he said during a press conference after attending the Kre8tif Content Conference and Festival! 2018 today.
Also present were vice president of creative content department from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Hasnul Hadi Samsudin.
Yanti also urged interested parties to work with Primeworks Studios in the field of publishing, broadcasting, international distribution, licensing and merchandise.
Meanwhile, Hasnul Hadi said the country's creative industry market recorded about RM7 billion last year, with the animation sector growing at the fastest pace for export.
“The value of the country's animated exports reached RM132 million and we are delighted to see the achievement of this local animation company.
“We work with this company to ensure global-generated ideas to penetrate wider overseas markets such as Indonesia and Thailand,” he said.
Hasnul Hadi also announced three more local animation companies including Animasia Studio, the animator for
Chuck Chicken with Australian Koala Popcorn to produce Chuck Chicken Popcorn.
The other two collaborations are Foodie4U Malaysia and Kidzworld SL Spain, for the production of biscuits and sweet foods under Chuck Chicken theme and MCM Studio Entertainment to develop theme parks in Johor.
“LemonSky Animation, the animation maker AstroLOLogy, also signed international licensing and distribution cooperation with LOTTA China and Imira Entertainment Spain and YouTube through WildBrain, USA and YoBoHo New Media, India.
“Wau Animation, which produces animations of Agent Ali and PrimeWorks Studios, also announced the film Agent Ali to be screened in late 2019, after the success in the Southeast Asian countries.
The second season of the animation is expected to be broadcasted in Indonesia this year,” he added.