THE most important criteria Sarawakians need for long-term success in the entertainment industry are a positive attitude, hunger for learning and improvement and a strong passion to create.
FINAL WORD: Dol gives final instructions to the cultural troupe before the start of the filming session.
thesundaypost learnt this recently when it went on location with a local production crew from Kenyalang Dreamworks Sdn Bhd (formerly known as First Film And Video Production Sdn Bhd) for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making a music video for a national TV programme.
This shoot is unique because most of the production crew are from Sarawak and the programme will exclusively feature local music artistes and groups.
Kenyalang Dreamworks – the company producing the project – is one of a handful of fully Sarawakian owned production and post-production company active in the industry, at a time when most of the Malaysian content available on television broadcasting channels are scripted, produced and filmed by West Malaysian or foreign production houses and crews, even documentaries, dramas and films filmed in Sarawak or about Sarawak.
Thanks to its natural landscape and diverse culture, Sarawak has long attracted foreign film and documentary makers to its shores. Most locals still remember when Hollywood revealed Sarawak to an international audience through the movie The Sleeping Dictionary. Scores of locals, including ethnic tribesmen and women from Sarawak’s interior ,were roped in to act as supporting actors and actresses, extras, and crew.
In recent years, the local television, radio and broadcasting industry has been casting an increasingly attentive eye on Sarawak, whether it’s about producing content about Sarawak or giving more opportunities for Sarawakian companies to produce content. A number of local companies, including Kenyalang Dreamworks, have reaped some of the benefits.
Chance to shine
Director Dol Baser has been involved in the local filming industry for over 20 years. He worked a series of odd-jobs before landing a job as a production assistant. He worked his way up to the director’s seat the old-fashioned way – through hard work and perseverance.
Dol acknowledged he was very fortunate to have met renowned Malaysian director Aziz M Osman who took him under his wing. The latter generously mentored Dol, giving him opportunities to gain experience as an assistant director as well as motivating him to be disciplined and give his best to his craft.
The opportunity to direct music videos featuring Sarawakian artists was a homecoming of sorts for Kuching-born Dol, currently based in KL.
He said even though East Malaysia is relatively less exposed to the local film and broadcasting industry, he knows of many East Malaysians who have established successful careers as make-up artists and production crew in West Malaysia.
“They work in West Malaysia because it’s difficult to get experience here (in East Malaysia),” Dol added.
“If someone lacks experience, the worst thing they can do is learn from people who themselves lack the necessary skills and experience. But over there, there are many professionals, so if we learn from them, we can also increase our skills and abilities. So when these people return to East Malaysia, it’s easy to see the difference.”
Potential to grow
Dol is optimistic that many East Malaysians in the industry would be open to returning to their home state to work once they have gained enough professional experience and if the right opportunities arise.
He also pointed out that individuals should be hired based on their abilities, experience and professionalism, not where they are from.
Producer Malcolm Layang Jimbun – who is also the managing director of Kenyalang Dreamworks – shares similar views.
He said biased perceptions still exist in the industry whereby East Malaysian-based companies are seen as less experienced and capable of handling large-scale filming projects such as dramas, telemovies, and films – even when the subject matter is East Malaysia itself.
He pointed out that involving local companies and people in Sarawak-based projects may actually make the production process smoother. Locals are already familiar with the state and its culture and are able to translate this rich, tacit understanding into the filming process.
He feels East Malaysians are just as talented as their West Malaysian counterparts and more opportunities should be given to Sarawakian companies through which they can develop their experience and expertise to prove themselves in the industry.
“In terms of technology, we’re catching up. In terms of resources, we are not lacking. In terms of personnel, we need to develop the young generation to have all the skills available.
Malcolm added that broadcasting content featuring East Malaysian artists is important not only for the development of local production capabilities but also for the development of local music artists.
“Our artists are talented. They just lack the exposure and publicity,” he said.
Have no fear
For director Dol, he feels Sarawakians should be more bold to grab available opportunities. Like Malcolm, he feels there is an abundance of local talent which needs to be developed to take East Malaysia to higher and more sophisticated levels of film-making.
His advice to young people thinking of getting into the industry is to take every opportunity to learn and not be afraid to use their own ideas and talents.
He also urged aspiring film-makers and video directors to go for professional courses and learn how to create visual stories and experiences.
“We have many talented people but they lack exposure. The disadvantage is we’re afraid to show our talent and make mistakes. So we tend to put ourselves down. But actually, we have a lot of talent.”
“If you have the interest, go all out and do your best. Use your ideas and your talent. Think of ways to get hired. Don’t be afraid to learn. Just do it.”