Setelah dua kali liputan mengenai projek animasi tempatan yang diwarwarkan oleh Kerajaan Terengganu untuk menjadikan negeri tersebut sebagai “Lembah Silikon” dalam akhbar-akhbar tempatan, kami ingin berkongsi maklumat dengan pembaca mengenai artikel yang ditulis oleh Encik Rosli Zakaria dari NSTP.

27 Mar 2007
Rosli Zakaria

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KUALA TERENGGANU: The country’s first three-dimensional (3-D) animated movie is ready for public screening next month.

Aptly called Sulong, which means “first born”, the movie was produced in Terengganu by Rocket Fish Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between the state government and US-based Rocket Fish Studios.

It tells the story of a man called Sulong.
Sulong is expected to pave the way for many more animated movies by Rocket Fish.
“This is the beginning of Malaysia’s participation in an industry that is worth billions of dollars. Terengganu will become another animation hub in the world,” said Rocket Fish chief executive officer Terry Thoren.
“It is also a platform for local scriptwriters and creative artists to make a name for themselves. A quality production will have a potential more valuable than oil and gas,” said the animation guru.
He compared Malaysia’s involvement in the animated movie industry to that of Japan some years ago when it took the initial step to learn about animation from the United States. Today, Japan is a major player.
“The Japanese listened, learned and created. They were also able to sell their services to other countries. In 10 years, Malaysia may follow in Japan’s footsteps.
“We have laid the first brick for a bridge that will enhance co-operation between US and Malaysian animators,” Thoren said after signing a memorandum of understanding with the state government for the setting up of an animation training facility and studio in Kuala Terengganu.
The training centre, about 1,800 sq metres, will be located in Jalan Kamaruddin.
A bigger area covering 5,400 sq metres will be identified soon for the setting up of a studio.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the first batch of 647 trainees, who would later become trainers, would leave for Hollywood in July. The animation centre is expected to be ready by October.

(Sumber dari: NSTP 27 Mac 2007)