About Me
On Sunday 12 April 2015
There's been many articles regarding this matter and most of them tackles from a producer's perspective; of how this phenomenon is changing the industry and adding more revenue to big companies. Even though this is very important (And exciting, if you ask me), I'd like to tackle from a fan's perspective as it is more engaging; to remind myself that it's all about the audience.
World Building, to put it simply, is telling stories of characters (Through multiple protagonists) in one single universe. The best examples are DC comics and Marvel; before their recent movie franchises. In fact, it is because of these two companies that this phenomenon has become popular and favored among big movie companies. They've simply used their formula of marketing and storytelling with their comics and adapted it in the movie making business. It has even been used in Video games; another growing industry in recent years. In this article though, we'll be focusing more on Malaysia's IP's and you'd be surprised how local talents have creatively utilize this (Despite the negativity the industry is receiving from fans). More importantly, they were mostly done out of the spirit as fans, not as greedy and clueless producers.
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| The Cheesy-ness of this title card was intended...to reflect to franchise itself :p |
Though it was never confirmed if the director or even the producers had World Building in mind, the storytelling and marketing method was still similar as the characters from the first two would go on separate adventures (Facing other famous supernatural creatures) in Zombi Kilang Biskut and Husin, Mon dan Jin Pakai Toncit. It was even more apparent in Werewolf dari Bangladesh as it didn't starred the main character from past films. Instead it was another famous comedic character, Usop Wilcha, who met a werewolf from Bangladesh.
This is not the best example of World Building in Malaysia but I say it's worth mentioning as it is one of few successful (At least, financially) efforts in the local movie industry. It still caters to typical sequels; still relying on the same characters but with outrages genres that's inconsistent.
With excellent marketing and skillful storytelling, Les' Copaque has grown to be one of the most influential production company in Malaysia. You wanna know how big their Upin and Ipin has become? Imagine growing up in an Asian country but surrounded with Western characters like Mickey Mouse or Power Puff Girls on pre-school murals. As a kid, that's something normal at the time. Now, schools everywhere are filled with Upin Ipin and Boiboiboy murals! When you've reached to kid's hearts, that's when you know you've created something more than just an Intellectual Property.
While I think I should write more on Upin Ipin's skillful storytelling method that surpasses most live action films (Debatable, I know), I'll try my best to focus more on their World Building methods. Starting from the twins, the company has now expanded to two more shows; Pada Zaman Dahulu and the recent Puteri. But in between these stories, Les' Copaque has adapted the Easter Egg method (Mostly used in Pixar films, Marvel and Video Games) to (not only promote their shows) hint possible and subtle connections between shows. This is something that most film productions or producers in Malaysia don't understand, a method that diminishes the line between marketing and storytelling; making it more seamless and exciting. Yes, while the method has been criticized by some for it's hard selling ways, the method has been proved to be effective if done in the right amount and with heavy care towards the story. In fact, storytelling-wise, the Les' Copaque Universe (That should be a wikipedia page by itself there!) has hinted the possible existence of Ultraman! Malaysia's very own Ultraman and not a fan made one!
Being brutally honest, this could have been another huge marketing stunt but with half ass execution of the end product. Despite how far Malaysia has come with the marketing and event itself, never settle for less as you know Malaysia can do better. I'm passionately happy to say that Upin, Ipin adn Ultraman Ribut was awesome! Nodding to the very well established fans of the series in Malaysia while maintaining their credibility with their own stories.
To be more precise with Les' Copaque Universe, here's a quick explanation of possible facts based on the easter eggs.
Pada Zaman Dahulu is the story of Sang Kancil and his witty and mischievous adventures; told through Tok Aki as he gives advice to his two grandchildren, Ara and Aris. In the above still, Sang Kancil exists as a comic book and a TV show within Upin Ipin's universe.
However, in Ultraman Ribut special, it is hinted that Ara (And possibly the other human characters of Pada Zaman Dahulu) exists in Upin Ipin's world as well. To ad more speculation though, the ending of Ultraman Ribut's special ended with the twins dreaming of the event instead. However, they woke up by having the transformation device on their wrists. Confusing, no? But exciting nonetheless!
Even though Upin Ipin has grown to an establishment that's highly loved and creative, it's not enough as Malaysia needs more IP's and production companies that's up to date. Things are looking bright in the Animation Industry as Boiboiboy is releasing their first movie this year. Not to mention, their future projects in theme parks and collaboration with a Japanese company; Takara Tomy toys. It's unsure about the live action industry though as you can see, the example above isn't exactly the best. Malaysia is very far behind in marketing and, sadly, even storytelling. What's best to do now--next to producing more IP's--is supporting it hence the writing of this article.
Here's hoping for better days ahead; In Shaa Allah.
