This school holidays, watch the animation series and more on Astro First channel, writes Syahirah Mokhtazar
SCHOOL is out, so it’s time for the young ones to chill and relax.
What better way than to binge on some favourite TV series.
Sure, it may not be the most beneficial way to spend time but hey, it’s fun and we all deserve a break. Just get comfy on the couch and indulge in a watch-a-thon.
Fans of popular animation series Upin & Ipin are in for a treat for the school holidays. Astro and Les Copaque Production have joined forces to launch Upin & Ipin Bersama Kawan Kawan, a round-the-clock channel dedicated to showcasing a string of animation series produced by the famous animation studio.
COMPLETELY LOCAL
Bringing something exciting for the kids, and kids-at-heart, Upin & Ipin Bersama Kawan Kawan is touted as the first animation channel to deliver locally-produced content.
Available on Astro First (channel 480), it broadcasts a compilation of new and old Upin & Ipin episodes divided into three segments: Jejak Upin & Ipin, Upin & Ipin Sahabat Selamanya, and Upin & Ipin Pejuang Hebat.
Animation series Pada Zaman Dahulu and DaDuDiDo are also scheduled through the school holidays.
Pada Zaman Dahulu adapts the adventures of a curious, smart baby deer.
DaDuDiDo has previously been made available via YouTube.
This will be the first time the dialogue-free animation series is broadcast on TV.
“We also have Kembara Warisan Detektif Upin & Ipin, a never-before- seen game-like show we produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
“The show promotes local traditional games, food and culture through 3D animation, live-action and motion graphics,” says Les Copaque managing director Burhanuddin Md. Radzi.
STRONGER AFTER A DECADE
The misadventures of Upin & Ipin, the cheeky 5-year-old twins, have tugged at the heartstrings of both young and old viewers, creating a phenomenon since the series’ debut in 2007.
The launch of Upin & Ipin Bersama Kawan Kawan comes hot-on-the heels of the release of the animation studio’s latest movie, Upin & Ipin Jeng Jeng Jeng, which premiered last week.
“This is our 10th year in the local animation industry. We always had an aim to produce our own intellectual property and now we have a variety of IPs in different genres.
“When we first started, our idea to produce Upin & Ipin was not well-received among producers. Animation was a risky venture then.
“But now, we are the producer of the biggest IP ever made in Malaysia.
He adds: “We are not only known in Malaysia, but in the region as well. Ask anyone who lives in Southeast Asia, and theywouldrecognise Upin & Ipin, especially those in Indonesia.”
GOING GLOBAL
“I am so proud that we are capable of producing animation content on par with international standards using local talent. But of course, we’d like to go global.”
Upin & Ipin Bersama Kawan Kawan will be made available on Astro First channel 480 throughout the school holidays starting Thursday.
For only RM15.90 (including GST), customers will gain access to watch the channel for 72 hours straight from the time of purchase.
To mark the launch of Upin & Ipin Bersama Kawan Kawan, there is limited edition Upin & Ipin merchandise available at www.isooka.com