Malaysian-Chinese Co-Pro Deal Signed for New 2D Series

CANNES: Animasia Studio, an MSC Malaysia company, has entered into a $5.2 million co-production agreement with Chinese animation outfit Zhejiang Zhongnan Animation (ZN Animation) for the creation of a new 2D HD series, My Brother is Monkey King.

The first season will be comprised of 52 11-minute episodes. The production is conceptualized by Animasia Studio, where development of the story and design will be carried out by both outfits. The studios will share resources and expertise throughout the project. The series is inspired by the famous Chinese mythology story Journey to the West. The action comedy is set in a modern city school, telling the story of a brother and sister who hold secret identities with super powers. Dawn is the princess of Planet M and is accompanied by her mischievous and relentless brother cum bodyguard Mike. Mike must work to fend off the evil and greedy lord Carl who wants to take Dawn in order to boost his own powers.

Adam Ham, the executive Director of GCMA who is currently facilitating the Malaysian Pavilion at Marche du Film (Cannes), said, “I am pleased that Cannes brought together opportunities between Malaysia and China. Malaysia, with approximately 30 percent Chinese population is no doubt an ideal partner for future co-productions.”

“Zhejiang Zhongnan Animation Co., Ltd paid great attention to this co-production project, My Brother Is the Monkey King, producing in collaboration with Animasia Studio, and highly supported by the Chinese Government which they have announced this good news during the 7th China International Cartoon & Animation Festival (CICAF),” said Jane Wu, the executive VP of Zhejiang Zhongnan Animation Group. “Being one of China’s largest Animation company that produces our own contents and have reached nearly 70 countries worldwide, this collaboration will further boost the core strengths of both companies and will definitely achieve satisfactory results!”

“This co-production venture is one of the milestones which we are looking for as a sign of the maturity and confidence of our Malaysian companies to go global,” added Kamil Othman, the VP of Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC). “To this end, we are very proud of Animasia’s achievement as they have been one of the few companies which we know even from years ago that has a capacity to venture beyond the Malaysian shores. Animasia has been focusing on its capabilities not only technically but in manpower development, market access and storytelling—the qualities needed to provide a strong foundation to bring Malaysian stories and services to the world. This co-production with one of China’s largest animation producer, Zhongnan Animation will provide Animasia with yet another breakthrough in reaching global standards.”