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Kuala Lumpur, September 2, 2008 - Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, a division of leading global real-world media company Discovery Communications, today announced that it is partnering with the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) and the Ministry of Culture, Arts & Heritage of Malaysia for the second time to commission Eye On Malaysia , an initiative designed to bring Malaysian stories to the world and to help develop factual programme storytelling skills among Malaysian filmmakers. Minister of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage YB Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal gave the keynote address at the event.
The Eye on Malaysia initiative – which is open to the entire filmmaking community including “first time filmmakers” or novices – aims to harness the talent of local filmmakers and with the guidance of award-winning producers from Discovery Channel, provide the necessary creative and production skills to bring the filmmakers’ unique visions and ideas to life. Eye on Malaysia will result in a television series comprising five half hour documentaries that will premiere on Discovery Channel next year, reaching more than 154 million households in Asia-Pacific.
Kevin Dickie, senior vice president and general manager Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “We are delighted to once more collaborate with FINAS and the Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts & Heritage, to provide local filmmakers – professionals and novices alike – with the opportunity to develop their skills and showcase their talent. Eye on Malaysia will help consolidate expertise in the local film and television industry and take documentary filmmaking in Malaysia to the next level. This initiative further reinforces Discovery’s commitment to supporting the local filmmaking industry and enables talented Malaysian filmmakers to gain recognition on an international platform.”
“Eye On Malaysia is our second collaboration with Discovery Networks, following the success of First Time Filmmakers in 2007. It is an important part of our ongoing efforts to support the growth of documentary filmmaking in our production community and industry. With Eye On Malaysia , we take our efforts even further by using this platform as an opportunity to showcase Malaysia to the world. Our partnership with an internationally renowned media company like Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific is a strategic one, chosen to develop the best talents and production values in line with our objective of taking the Malaysian film industry successfully into the global arena", said Encik Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim, Director-General of FINAS.
Eye on Malaysia follows from the success of First Time Filmmakers (FTFM) Malaysia – the first joint initiative between Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, FINAS, and the Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts & Heritage which was launched in 2006. One of the documentaries from the FTFM Malaysia initiative ( Making The Cut by Ahmad Yazid Puad) won the “Best Documentary Film” award at the recent Malaysian Film Festival. Two other documentaries from the series were also nominated in the same category.
For Eye On Malaysia, t he organisers are looking for documentaries that take Discovery Channel’s international audience on a journey into the heart and soul of Malaysia. The topics can be from any part of Malaysia’s rich story, be it culture, heritage, arts or other areas of human activity and achievement – told through the eyes of strong, inspiring and engaging characters, groups, organizations, places, buildings and even events . The key requirement is that they must tell some part of the story of this unique Asian nation that is fascinating and meaningful to viewers in Malaysia and the world beyond.
Interested applicants are invited to submit an original story outline or treatment for a half hour documentary. Filmmakers have from today until 5 pm on Monday October 13, 2008 to submit their story outline or treatment and proposed production budget for a half hour documentary that explores issues or events relating to the theme. At least twelve shortlisted applicants will be chosen to attend a two-day workshop in Kuala Lumpur that will be held in early November 2008. The final five successful filmmakers will be commissioned to produce a single 30-minute documentary based on their proposals. They will be supervised and supported by producers from Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific. Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has appointed Reel Networks as the supervising producer for the Eye On Malaysia initiative.
Please click here for more information about entry requirements.
About Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel, the flagship network of Discovery Communications, is devoted to creating the highest quality non-fiction programming in the world and remains one of the most dynamic networks on television. First launched in 1985, Discovery Channel now reaches more than 154 million households in Asia-Pacific. Globally, Discovery Channel is one of the world’s most widely distributed television brands, reaching 349 million households in more than 170 countries and territories in 35 languages. It offers viewers an engaging line-up of high-quality non-fiction entertainment from blue-chip nature, science & technology, ancient and contemporary history, adventure, cultural and topical documentaries. For more information, visit www.discoverychannel.co.uk/sea/.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications is the world’s number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Science and Discovery HD, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. In Asia-Pacific, seven Discovery brands reach 441 million cumulative subscribers in 32 countries with programming customized in nine languages. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding Co. (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder.
About National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS)
National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) was established in 1981 to encourage, preserve and facilitate the filmmaking industry in Malaysia. FINAS has since set up numerous facilities to promote the industry, including a credit facility scheme which enables young and determined film-makers to harness their potential. Local film-makers are also invited by FINAS to co-produce television programmes in either film or video format. FINAS is currently active in supporting documentary production among Malaysian film-makers. Documentaries with Malaysian cultural, historical and socio-economic themes are always encouraged. There are now more than 300 film and television production companies registered with FINAS.
