Hey guys, how are you'll? Okie, I attended a function in Finas yesterday and wrote this article. Please read it and for those who are interested, please e-mail this people k...
Chance to show documentaries to the world
03 Oct 2006
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KUALA LUMPUR: Local documentary makers have two reasons to work even harder now.
A total of US$400,000 (about RM1.5 million) is being offered to fund the production of two high-definition documentaries.
As a bonus, the documentaries will be aired in 27 languages over the National Geographic Channel in 164 countries.
At the signing of a memorandum of understanding yesterday, National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) urged local filmmakers to submit proposals for the NGCI-Finas HD Documentary Fund 2006.
"There aren’t many documentaries on Malaysia when this country has much to show, so this would be a great challenge," NGCI executive vice-president of production, Bryan Smith, said.
The project is open to local production companies registered with Finas.
The stringent selection criteria will ensure that only two of the most resourceful and deserving producers with dramatic topics, strong central characters and great storytelling skills will get the money.
Each of them will be expected to produce an hour-long documentary, shot using high-definition equipment, which would showcase Malaysia to the world.
"High-definition" or "HD" is the emerging industry standard for clearer pictures on television.
Smith said the chosen producers would have to follow strict guidelines, including the selection of themes for their documentaries.
The proposals, which must be submitted by Nov 15, should be based on preferred themes such as the modern world, science and technology, wildlife or an in-depth look at topics such as space launch or the secret service.
Proposals must also include a detailed budget, estimated production schedule, the biography of members of the production team and VHS or DVD sample of previous work.
"National Geographic and Finas will play the role of advisers. Besides funding, we coach them on proper filmmaking techniques, development of story idea and pitching tactics," said Smith.
He added that short-listed filmmakers would be notified in early December. They will attend a two-day workshop on Dec 12 and 13 where they will pitch their projects to a panel comprising NGCI senior producers.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, who witnessed the signing of the MoU, said it was a dream come true to have high quality documentaries on Malaysia shown to a worldwide audience.
"NGCI is a global leader in making high quality documentaries. This partnership enables our local producers to gain invaluable knowledge and compete globally," he said, adding that one of the documentaries should be completed by Aug 31, in time for the Golden Jubilee celebration of the country’s independence.
Rais said the ministry was planning to create a scheme to buy proposals from local filmmakers and help produce more quality documentaries.
"The Government has allocated RM6 million this year for the production of local movies and documentaries but it has not been utilised."
For details on the NGCI-Finas HD Documentary Fund 2006, send e-mail to mok@ngcasia.com.
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So if any of your respective prod houses are registered with Finas, you'll should really try out. I've included what the National Geographic People are looking for and what they NOT looking for. Below was their AD
'Malaysia To the World'
NGCI-FINAS HD Documentary Fund 2006
WANTED: National Geographic filmmakers from Malaysia...
Send us your proposals by 15 NOV 2006
National Geographic Channel International and Finas will be commissioning 2 onehour documentaries shot in high definition with budgets up to USD200,000 per program.
Submission Guidelines: The Contest is open to all Malaysian production companies. The films must be primarily shot in Malaysia.
What are we looking for?: Dramatic stories, strong central characters and innovative storytelling. Programs that make you THINK AGAIN.
Preffered themes:
1. Building a modern world: from skyscrapers to super highways to the world busiest port, how dies our modern world work? Look behind the world's engineering and architectural marvels
2. Science and Technology: From gene hunters to cyber criminals, from medical miracle workers to earthquake chasers, take us behind the scenes of the scientific breakhthroughs that will define our world and change our future.
3. Inside: We've gone inside a space launch, inside a secret servioce and behind the scenes of a rolling stones concert. Where can you take us next? With exclusive access to places and events, take us behind the scenes to show is the people, technology, infrastructure and logistics that really make them run
4. Wildlife: Give us a new vision of thye action and drama in the animal kingdom. Show us cutting edge filming techniques and technology that reveal extraordinary stories and behaviour in nature's hidden worlds.
WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR?
1. Broad subject surveys
2. Educational Programmes
3. Soft Travelogues and lifestyle programmes
4. Children's Programme
5. Art House Films
wWHO IS ELIGIBLE? : ALL Malaysian Production Companies registedred with FINAS. At least 50% of production personnel must be MALAYSIANS or Permanent residents.
WHAT IS THE SUBMISSION PROCESS: Send in an original proposal by Nov 15. Each submission must include
1. Program proposal with one oage executive summary
2. detailed budget
3. estimated production schedule and delivery date
4. production team biography
5. VHS OR DVD Sample of previous work
6. Pitch/character reel (if available)
7. Signed waiver for submission of new ideas (release form is attached)
PLEASE MAIL PROPOSALS TO:
"Malaysia to the World"
National Geographic Channel
c/o Star Regional Pte Ltd
No.7, Jalan Semangat, Section 14, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
For Enquiries please contact: Ms. Mok Choy Lin, Supervising Producer through email mok@ngcasia.com
SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP IN KL FROM DEC 12-13.
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