Professional Animators Experience Good Times with OLDTOWN White Coffee

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 3, 2013

OLDTOWN White Coffee, Malaysia’s largest white coffee café chain recently facilitated a knowledge-sharing session with over 30 professionals in the Malaysian animation industry, in conjunction with The Animaction Challenge, at its flagship outlet in Paradigm Mall.

The professional engagement brought together three industry stalwarts – who incidentally are the judges of The Animaction Challenge – under one roof, to share their expertise and discuss work-related challenges with the participants. The engagement also gave the audience the opportunity to interact and exchange views with the judges and one another, to better hone their animation skills and craft.

According to Dawn Liew, General Manager, Business Development Division, Kopitiam Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, “The concept of OLDTOWN White Coffee is built on the heritage of small town charm which today, has become an iconic representation of Malaysia’s colourful past. This led us to embark on the search for Malaysia’s next big icon that would best represent the elements of Malaysia on an international platform, just as how OLDTOWN White Coffee has done. By giving participants the opportunity to interact with the judges, we hope it will address their queries regarding the Animaction Challenge, and give them a better idea on what they should consider for their entries.”

Judges for The Animaction Challenge include industry heavyweight, Kamil Othman, Vice President of Creative Multimedia at MDeC; the creative genius behind Hollywood feature film Life of Pi, Low Jianwei, Lighting Technical Director at Rhythm & Hues; and the mastermind behind our nation’s most famous animated icon, BoBoiBoy, Mohd. Safwan Karim, Operations Director and Co-Founder of Animonsta Studios.

During the interactive session, the judges also shared what they were looking for in the competition. “The icon must tell a story and because it is a Malaysian icon, the story has to incorporate Malaysian roots and elements,” said Kamil Othman. Low Jianwei stressed that visual effects play a role and make a huge impact; hence the animation has to be visually appealing. Safwan Karim emphasised on the importance of knowing your target audience and getting their feedback whether or not the icon appeals to them. “With Boboiboy, I showed my initial sketches to my nieces, nephews and got their opinion on how to make it more endearing.”

In closing, Dawn enthused, “Apart from winning cash and production grants worth up to RM89,000, the Animaction Challenge also offers a platform for professionals to express and showcase their creativity alongside the potential to partner with OLDTOWN White Coffee to extend the lifecycle of the winning icon. In addition, your work will be reviewed by the likes of MDeC and this would open the door to many other possibilities from grant allocation to investor bids. The extent to where this icon will take their owners is endless and OLDTOWN White Coffee is paving the way to make dreams happen. All you have to do is seize The Animaction Challenge and submit an iconic entry!”

The Animaction Challenge is a design and animation contest to identify, cultivate and support budding talents within the Malaysian creative arts industry. The challenge comprises two categories, 2D Character Design and 3D Animation which aims to provide a living platform for aspiring designers and animators to showcase their creative ability. This first-ever contest by OLDTOWN White Coffee runs from 8 July 2013 to 8 October 2013 and invites both, undergraduates as well as professionals aged 18 and above, to design and create Malaysia’s next big icon. Interested individuals and teams may visit www.animactionchallenge.com.my and the OLDTOWN White Coffee Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OldTownWhiteCoffeeMalaysia for more information and timely updates.