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2 July 2008, Kuala Lumpur - National Geographic Channels
International and National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia
(FINAS) today announce the commissioning of two new one-hour high-definition
(HD) documentaries.
The closed door master workshop and commissioning event was held
in Kuala Lumpur following an exhaustive two-month pitch process
that saw Malaysian production companies vying for the privilege.
Attended by Malaysian filmmakers and producers, the workshop was
conducted by National Geographic Channel's senior producers who
shared skills required to produce documentaries of National Geographic
standard, for an international audience.
This year, 10 proposals were shortlisted and after a round of pitching,GS
Productions Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Creative Nation and Novista
Sdn Bhd, have been selected to produce a one-hour high definition
documentary each. The documentaries will be produced with budgets
of up to MYR 1.28 million (USD400,000) for both documentaries under
a joint grant managed by National Geographic Channels International
and FINAS.
Mr Bryan Smith, Executive Vice-President of Productions of National
Geographic Channels International, based in Asia, said, "We
were extremely pleased to be able to work with Malaysian filmmakers
again following the highly successful documentaries produced under
the Malaysia to the World project. The quality of the nominated
and winning proposals we receive this time around are more diverse
and thought-provoking than the year before and we are delighted
to continue to enable the formative development of a new era of
Malaysian filmmaking."
"The partnership between National Geographic Channels International
and FINAS continues to boost the efforts of local documentary filmmakers.
This on-going and innovative initiative has provided our local filmmakers
the opportunity to enhance both their personal standing and showcase
the country through documentaries like Becoming A King and Smart
Tunnel. Malaysia To The World 2 affords a similar opportunity for
Malaysian filmmaking talents to learn from the National Geographic
Channel and through this, broaden the pool of world class talent
who are able to produce high-definition documentaries by Malaysians
for a global audience", said Mr Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim, Director-General
of FINAS.
Production of the two documentaries will commence immediately under
the guidance of National Geographic Channels International senior
producers. All productions under this initiative will meet the hallmark
standards of National Geographic Channel's compelling storytelling,
breathtaking and engaging visuals, smart, innovative and cutting-edge
topics and treatments.
"We're extremely proud and honored to have been selected to
showcase a great part of our Malaysian heritage to the world,"
said Creative Nation's Director of Photography, Khairun Lamb of
the as yet classified production.
Justin Ong, Producer at GS Productions echoed this saying that
"we hope this will be a step towards more great Malaysian stories
being told by Malaysians."
Lara Ariffin, Executive Producer at Novista, a previous winner
of the grant and producer of the high definition documentary Smart
Tunnel, added, "Novista is extremely honored to have been selected
once again to produce another world class National Geographic Channel
documentary. This initiative is an amazing opportunity for Malaysian
filmmakers to share their stories with the world."
Completed documentaries will be showcased on National Geographic
Channel's global distribution network of 270 million homes (including
day-part households) in 166 countries and in 34 languages. Locally
it will also be showcased on ASTRO Channel 553.
About National Geographic Channels International
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) invites viewers
to re-think the way they see television - and the world - with smart,
innovative programming. A business enterprise owned by National
Geographic Television (NGT) and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes
to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration,
conservation and education through its five channels: National Geographic
Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Adventure
and Nat Geo Music.
Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S. which
is a joint venture of NGT and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available
in 270 million homes in 166 countries and 34 languages.
In Malaysia, National Geographic Channel is available exclusively
on Astro Channel 553.
About National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Perbadanan
Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia)
Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia (FINAS) was established
in 1981 to encourage, to preserve and to facilitate filmmaking industry
in Malaysia. FINAS has since set up numerous facilities to promote
the industry, including a credit facility scheme which enables young
and untiring film-makers to test their potential.
A further incentive to local film-makers is that they are invited
to make television programmes either in film format or video format.
There are now more than 300 film companies registered with FINAS.
To promote documentary makers in Malaysia, FINAS encourages documentary
production with Malaysian cultural, historical and socio-economic
themes.
Media Enquiries
For more information, please contact:
National Geographic Channel Asia (Singapore)
Basil Chua / Angie Tan
Tel: +65 6325 3848 / +65 6325 3821
Email: basilc@ngcasia.com
/ angiet@ngcasial.com
National Geographic Channels International (Washington DC)
Cherry Yates/ Victoria Kirker
Tel: +1 202 912 6689/ +1 202 912 3204
Email: cyates@ngs.org
/ vkirker@ngs.org
National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS)
Subaidah Md. Jop
Tel +603 4108 5722
Issued in Malaysia by:
Arcis Communications Sdn Bhd
Stephen P Francis/ Michele Malini Mahendra
Tel: +603 7805 7133
Email: stephen@arciscommunications.com
Email: michele@arciscommunications.com
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