Telling Malaysian tales the 360° way

Maxis is celebrating Malaysia “from all angles” with the release of unique and entertaining short films in its 360° film series.

What sets these shorts apart is the way they are filmed, using innovative 360° camera. This allows viewers to move their phones 360° in every which way to see in all directions of a particular scene. Just type in the keyword “Rojak 360 Maxis” on YouTube to watch these shorts.

The project is a collaboration between Maxis 4G and several local storytellers tasked with capturing a slice of Malaysian life. One more short will be made available for viewing on Malaysia Day.

In a press conference to launch the shorts, Bernard Lee head of marketing communications of Maxis said: “We’ve learned that films can touch and inspire people. With our phones, films can be more inclusive and involving than ever before. After all, every one of us have an entire cinema in our pockets.

“The Rojak 360° project is our way of marrying classic storytelling, 360° video technology and the unmatched video streaming experience on Maxis 4G.”

The three films are Lost & Found, by The Ming Thing, Rojak Cow Cow by Veedu Productions and Cham Cham by RED People.

Brothers Ho Ming Han, 27, and Ho Ming Yue, 24, who make up The Ming Thing – a well-known name among YouTube users – wanted to include Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak to showcase the “togetherness” of Malaysia.

In the span of six minutes, the duo captures different sceneries including an island in Sabah and the foot of Mount Kinabalu.

Ming Han explained: “This is the first time I have shot with a 360° camera. There were challenges to get the 360° angle but the camera was amazing. You can see the ocean and the skies, I am so happy with the result.”

Rojak Cow Cow is one of the films featured in Rojak 360 films that allows YouTube viewers to see Malaysia from all angles.

Filmmakers Denes Kumar and Vimala Perumal who make up the Veedu Productions agreed that there were many aspects to consider before actual filming. The husband-and-wife team recalled that they had so many technical meetings before filming the almost 12-minute short.

Vimala said: “It was like making a stage play than a film, as there had to be a flow without many cuts. Also I had to hide in a corner far away from the location so I would not be in the frame.”

Vimala said Rojak Cow Cow was inspired by a story told by her father, about a new neighbour who brought a cow up a flight of stairs to the flat for the blessing ceremony of a new house.

Meanwhile, Ong Shi Hau of the YouTube entertainment channel RED People, decided to shoot his piece at Batu Caves, highlighting folks who speak more than two languages. “I couldn’t do any close-ups for Cham Cham; everything had to be long shots,” said Ong.

On Malaysia Day, viewers can check out Gading Merah by writer/director Junad Md Nor, who previously did Ikal Mayang’s Odah. In a press release, Junad commented on her project with Maxis: “Gading Merah emphasises the importance of solidarity and unity.”

Prashant Pathmanaban, industry head Google Malaysia said: “YouTube first launched support for 360° video 18 months ago, and it’s been fantastic to see it being embraced by Malaysian creators and brands like Maxis to tell inspiring and awesome Malaysia Day stories through virtual reality.

“What’s especially exciting about this new mode of storytelling is that it removes the physical constraints we’re so used to in two dimensions and lets creativity and experimentation soar even higher.”

For more on Maxis Rojak 360°, visit http://ift.tt/2bhZgAi.

Source : Star2.com