KUALA LUMPUR, 30 July
2009 - A
Malaysian animation production company, Centraline Animation Sdn Bhd
(Centraline) and Korean media content producer, ToonZip have announced the
joint-production of a 3D adventure comedy animation series at the Seoul
International Cartoon & Animation Festival Promotion Plan (SPP) last
Thursday.
Entitled Robot ARPO, the 52-episode animation
series depicts the story of a fearsome combat robot that has been turned into
domestic helper by a wacky earthling family, reflecting how robots have become
more prevalent in our daily lives as technology continues to evolve in rapid
rate.
"Centraline is pleased to
be working with ToonZip, one of the most promising animation companies in Korea,"
Centraline's Chairman Damien Leong said. "For a Malaysian-based animation entity, the collaboration
with ToonZip represents an invaluable opportunity for us. It allows us to lead a new wave of
Malaysian animation talents and showcase to the world what we are capable of
achieving and how far the Malaysian animation industry has evolved," he
added.
Commenting on the
collaboration, Kamil Othman, Vice President of Multimedia Development
Corporation (MDec) reiterates the view of co-production is the most practical
way to go for the digital animation industry today. "Collaborations between
creative companies will always result in synergies which may be difficult to
achieve by any company doing it alone" he said. "I am proud to say that the
co-production between Centraline and ToonZip, as well as other collaborations being
established, will continue and sustain the growth of Malaysia's library of exportable
content to the world", said Kamil.
"ToonZip and Centraline complement each
other in expertise and network to ensure the production of a high-quality
end-product that can appeal and penetrate multiple regions. Centraline's
existing reach into China is especially vital to this synergistic collaboration
because it allows the Robot ARPO project to tap into one of the fastest-growing
animation regions in the world," ToonZip's CEO, Nam Kyu. Kang said.
Based in
Korea, ToonZip is involved in the production of a diverse range of media
content from digital animations to online games. Since its establishment, ToonZip has won several accolades,
participated in various worldwide animation events and recipients of grants and
work collaborations from among renowned animation companies.
With the inherent distribution
network of Centraline and ToonZip and their partners, the Robot ARPO production
team collectively boasts a distribution footprint encompassing Asia, Europe and
the United States; setting the platform for worldwide distribution and
merchandizing opportunities.
Centraline's and
ToonZip's expertise and network are further complemented by the involvement of multiple-award
winner Jeffrey Scott, who has written numerous children's classics such as Pocoyo, Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles and
Jim Henson's Muppet Babies. Upon its
completion, Robot ARPO will be one of the first Asian-produced animations
penned by the illustrious writer, whose reputation has become synonymous with
quality children's content amongst international broadcasters and
distributors.
Centraline's Chief
Operation Officer Pauling Wang said, "Robot ARPO is an ambitious animation project
that not only combines the best animation talents from Korea and Malaysia; but
also features truly memorable storyline and concepts created by one of the most
recognised children's content writer of our times - Jeffrey Scott. Needless to say, we are hugely
confident that Robot ARPO will generate interest across the region and the
world".
"Even at planning stages,
Robot ARPO has established strong interest amongst international broadcasters
and distributors at major media exhibitions," added Kang.
"The strong interest has given us the
headway to ensure that the project is ready to make in-route into multiple
territories upon completion". Wang said.
-
End -
