Commemorating Malaysia’s 60th National Day, Panasonic Malaysia has partnered with HATCH, a YouTube channel under Media Prima’s Studio8, to present “HACTION! Shot on Lumix GH5. HACTION! is a short film competition that brings together six Malaysian filmmakers to relive the journey of Malaysia’s achievements and national pride over the last six decades.
Capitalising on Studio8’s strong track record of creating Malaysian original content that pushed the boundaries of storytelling, HACTION! aims to inspire filmmakers to produce their unique take of Malaysia’s achievement and pride. The collaboration, featuring the new Panasonic LUMIX GH5 camera, was announced during the product launch in Malaysia earlier this year.
Hiroyuki Muto, Deputy Managing Director of Panasonic Malaysia said, “With over 40 years of local presence in Malaysia, Panasonic is committed to the development of innovative digital cameras to provide a new photo culture in the digital era. Our partnership with Media Prima is a significant platform to be part of the journey in celebrating Malaysia’s 60th National Day by helping to develop local filmmakers and content creators, providing them with the opportunity to showcase the quality of Malaysian original content, powered by LUMIX GH5”.
Through this partnership, Panasonic is confident it will help to strengthen the brand’s presence in the digital single lens mirrorless cameras (DSLM) market and appeal to the wider millennial audiences.
Ahmad Izham Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Primeworks Studios, who was one of the judges at the HACTION! screening said, “Creative content has always been a key component in building brand relevance amongst audiences, and it still plays an important role especially for today’s millennial audiences. Tapping on our country’s decades of independence and diverse culture, there are a lot of inspiring stories that can be relived through this competition”.
6 Decades, 6 Stories, 6 Filmmakers
With over 60 years of achievements, Malaysia has grown to be a worldwide example that showcases ethnic diversity, multiculturalism, and home to varied cuisines, culture and languages. To celebrate Malaysia’s 60th Independence, HACTION! brings together six Malaysian filmmakers to capture Malaysia’s best moments through the lenses of their cameras.
Muto shared, “The digital camera has revolutionized photography, making it accessible to more people and creating more talents. As the industry reinvents progressively, mirrorless cameras is now a growing trend in Malaysia, with video production gaining its popularity and the standard for cinematography is getting higher as well.”
“We saw this partnership as a good platform to nurture our local filmmakers in creating visually and engaging stories, while showcasing the capabilities of the LUMIX GH5,” added Muto.
Hailing from the circles of independent production community, HACTION! shortlisted filmmakers representing different styles and genres where most of the works produced have been recognised from local and international industry leaders.
Each filmmaker were tasked to produce a maximum of 5-minutes video that highlights the beauty of Malaysia and the six decades of unity, peace and harmony. All six filmmakers were equipped with a Panasonic LUMIX GH5 for audio and visual recording, a fund of RM4,000 for production and 30-days to complete the filming and submission of their short film.
Comprising of well-known industry thought leaders, the panel of judges consist of Ahmad Izham Omar, CEO of Primeworks Studios, Mr. Hiroyuki Muto, Deputy Managing Director of Panasonic Malaysia, and Low Ngai Yuen, renowned film director and actress as the guest judge. Each short film was judged based on 70% of judges’ vote including storytelling, editing and post production, and cinematography. The remaining 30% were contributed by public voting which was opened from 1-21 August 2017.
The winning short film received a complete set of the Panasonic LUMIX GH5, accessories and cash prize of RM8,000. The HACTION! series is available for viewing on Hatch (www.youtube.com/wehatchyou) a YouTube channel under Media Prima’s Studio8 that is created to entertain and inspire the urban millennial audience.
About Panasonic Malaysia
Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd is a sales, service and marketing company for the Panasonic brand of electrical and electronic products ranging from audio visuals, home appliances, air conditioners, indoor air quality, solar business, digital & video cameras, professional broadcasting equipment, system solutions, telecommunications, health & beauty care, batteries and lightings. All Panasonic products are available through our authorised dealers nationwide. For more information on Panasonic brand and products, visit our website at www.panasonic.com.my or call our Customer Care Centre at 03-7953 7600.
About Media Prima
Media Prima Berhad (“Media Prima” or “The Group”) is the leading fully-integrated media company in Malaysia.
With a complete repertoire of media-related businesses including in Television, Print, Radio, Out-of-Home, as well as Content and Digital Media, Media Prima, which is listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia, is also one of Malaysia’s Top 100 largest listed companies by revenue.
In addition to having equity interests in Malaysia’s leading free-to-air television stations namely TV3, 8TV, ntv7 and TV9, the Group also owns more than 98 percent of The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (NSTP), Malaysia’s largest publisher with three national newspapers; New Straits Times, BH and Harian Metro.
Through its digital media subsidiary, Media Prima Digital embraces technical innovation, digital solutions and creative strategies. It offers a holistic digital consultancy which encompasses creative solutions, diversified platform services and e-commerce expertise. Media Prima Labs meanwhile, is a unit under Media Prima Digital to further extend the Group’s unique intellectual properties into the expanse of tech innovation and games.
tonton is Malaysia’s #1 video streaming portal offering FREE, advertising supported content (AVOD) with over 5.6 million registered users and a growth of 22,000 registrants on a weekly basis. Its vision is to be the #1 SVOD and home of best content for Malaysians whereas its mission is to be the no. 1 online video site, a must have service for every Malaysian and Malaysian home, to be available everywhere and to prevent piracy.
Meanwhile, Media Prima CJ O Shopping Sdn. Bhd. is a media commerce company, which operates home shopping business in Malaysia called CJ WOW SHOP through various platforms such as television, electronics commerce and mobile commerce.
In Radio, the Group is represented by four very popular radio stations namely Fly FM, Hot FM, one FM and Kool FM. Media Prima is also a market leader in Out-of-Home Advertising, represented by Big Tree Outdoor Sdn. Bhd., The Right Channel Sdn. Bhd., Kurnia Outdoor Sdn. Bhd., Gotcha and UPD Sdn. Bhd.
The Group also owns a content creation subsidiary, Primeworks Studios Sdn Bhd. It is today Malaysia’s largest production company, producing TV content and feature films since 1984 and 1994 respectively.