Kuala Lumpur, 14 November 2006 – National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) today announced the commissioning of two, one-hour high-definition (HD) documentary programmes. The closed door master workshop and commissioning event was held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Over 80 proposals were received from Malaysian filmmakers as of the closing date 15 November 2006. An initial list of six outstanding Malaysian filmmakers were shortlisted to attend a full-day master workshop conducted by NGCI senior producers.

Of the six production companies, Novista Sdn Bhd and Cosmo Vision Production Sdn, together with VHQ Post (M) Sdn Bhd, clinched the award to produce a one-hour documentary programme each. The programmmes will to be shot in high-definition format with budgets of up to USD 200,000 (MYR 750,000) per documentary programme.

Mr Bryan Smith, Executive Vice-President of Productions of National Geographic Channels International, based in Asia, said, “We would like to extend our congratulations to the nominees and winners of NGCI-FINAS High-Definition Documentary Fund 2006, Malaysia to the World. The quality of the nominated and winning proposals are commendably high, and we are delighted to have enabled the formative development of a new era of Malaysian filmmaking.”

“The partnership between NGCI and FINAS has given a boost to the local documentary filmmaking industry. This initiative with NGCI will provide the opportunity for our Malaysian filmmaking talents to learn from National Geographic Channel so as to raise the bar of the filmmaking here in Malaysia. With National Geographic Channel, now we are able to produce high-definition documentary programmes on par excellence for the global audience for the first time”, commented Mr Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim, Director-General of FINAS.

“We are grateful to NGCI and FINAS for giving Malaysian filmmakers this opportunity. It is truly something we only dream about. It is such an honour to learn from NGCI and have the National Geographic channel’s stamp of quality on our Malaysian-made documentary programmes. We hope that this initiative will be extended to benefit more Malaysian production companies in time to come” said Mr Harun Rahman, Director of Novista Sdn Bhd, on being one of the two production companies that clinched the award.

Added Mr Iqbal Putra, Associate Producer of Cosmo Vision Production Sdn Bhd, “This NGCI-FINAS initiative is a great opportunity to all Malaysian producers. This is especially true for a small-town producer like me. It has given me the opportunity and platform to showcase our capabilities and creativity to the global audience.”

“I am indeed very pleased that Malaysian production companies are now working on high-definition documentary programmes. Our collaboration with Cosmo Vision Production Sdn Bhd will complement the skills, experiences and knowledge to have new insights and more compelling stories that will inspire the global audience”, said John Drury of VHQ Post (M) Sdn Bhd.

Production will commence in January 2007 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. Completed documentaries programmes will be showcased on National Geographic Channel’s global distribution network of up to 290 million homes (including day-part households) in 164 countries and in 27 languages.

About MALAYSIA TO THE WORLD

“Malaysia to the World” is a USD 400,000 (MYR 1.5 million) high-definition (HD) documentary production fund. The fund is established jointly between National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) in association with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage to showcase Malaysia to the world and to cultivate local filmmakers.

Launched on 2 October 2006, the initial round of production fund aims to provide a boost for Malaysian filmmakers to produce two of one-hour (2 x one-hour) documentaries par excellence with reputable global production companies. Under the supervision of National Geographic Channel’s veteran producers, all projects under this fund will meet the hallmark standards of National Geographic Channel: great storytelling, breathtaking and engaging visuals, smart, innovative and cutting-edge topics and treatments.

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. NGCI is a business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television (NGT), FOX Entertainment Group and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). In the UK and Europe, BSkyB is a shareholder in the Channel. NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education.

Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S. which is a joint venture of NGT and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in over 290 million homes (including day-part households) in 164 countries and 27 languages.

About National Film Development Corporation of 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.

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@ngcasia.com

National Geographic Channels International (Washington DC)

Cherry Yates
Tel: +1 202 912 6689
Email: cyates@ngs.org

National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS)

Mustazha Mustafa
Production Facilities Director
Tel: +603 4108 5722
Email: mustazha@finas.gov.my