BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

DIGITAL animation is seeing a sudden surge of interest from local talents, said an industry expert yesterday.

The number of entries submitted for the second AITI Next Innovation and Multimedia Award for Sustainable ICT Industry (ANIMASI)-IMMERSE 3D Animation Challenge notes the increase in locally produced animations.

In his opening remarks during the prize presentation and awards ceremony at the Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), Deputy Chief Executive of AITI Hj Osman Hj Ladis said the competition had attracted participation from a broad spectrum of animators ranging from young and fresh talents to more seasoned industry players.

“It is hoped this competition will help us identify local potential that can be further nurtured through collaboration with international players in digital multimedia co-production in future,” Hj Osman said.

Themed Nakhoda Manis or Brunei Folklore, the competition took place in September 2013, and was open to Brunei citizens and permanent residents under two categories: the Open Category and the Professional (Industry) Category.

Winners from the Open Category were announced and awarded during the Think BIG Innovate Forum last November.

The Professional (Industry) Category was specifically opened for local ICT businesses and production houses, who needed to produce a five minute 3D animation clip in line with the competition’s criteria. Winners received generous cash prizes, and were shortlisted for grants from AITI that would help to further develop their work.

Ambuyart Animations emerged as the grand prize winner of $10,000 with its interpretation of the Nakhoda Manis video.

Mohammad Denny Azriman Hj Madni, 34, owner of Ambuyart Animations, said the unique selling points of his productions stem from the humour element, his experience and interest in cartoons and comics.

Meanwhile, second prize winner Cinematicpro Services won a cash prize of $7,000 with their video entitled “Tales From The Globe – Nakhoda Manis”.

Hj Kairul Azhar Hj Rosli, 33, said because of the time constraint, he opted to produce his piece in the form of a movie trailer.

Hj Khairul Azhar also emerged champion at last year’s animation challenge.

His win was a stepping stone towards opening his own production house.

“It’s a good platform for people who are interested in animation,” he said.

Third prize winner, Soft Pixels received $3,000.

Khairul Alias, 28, and Johar Aston, 27, part of the trio that make up Soft Pixels, said animators should be open minded and explore skills as a team.

“Joining the challenge is [both] entertaining and educational,” said Khairul.

Lava Media, first-timers to the competition, took home the consolation prize.

The ANIMASI-IMMERSE 3D Animation Challenge 2013 was organised by AITI in collaboration with iCentre’s IMMERSE Challenge.

Present as guest of honour was Minister of Communications Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar.

Also present during the ceremony were Permanent Secretary of Communications Abdul Mutalib Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yusof, and Deputy Permanent Secretary of Communications Hj Idris Hj Mohd Ali.

The Brunei Times