Animasia & Zhongnan Animation to co-produce 2D series, 'My Brother is Monkey King'

Animasia Studio Sdn Bhd, an MSC Malaysia Company secures a major co-production arrangement with one of China’s largest animation producer Zhejiang Zhongnan Animation (also known as ZN Animation). The MOU exchange was recently concluded at the 7th China International Cartoon & Animation Festical (CICAF) and was witnessed by His Excellency Mr Ye Ming , The Deputy Mayor of Hangzhou City and President of CICAF.

The co-production of this 2D High Definition animated series will be titled “My Brother is Monkey King” where the first season comprises of 52 episodes x 11 minutes. The USD 5.2 million productions are conceptualized by Animasia Studio where the development of the story and design  will be carried out in its Kuala Lumpur studio. Both studios will  share resources and expertise to execute the production of the series.

Zhejiang Zhongnan Animation being one of the largest and successful Chinese animation companies has produced over 10 major animation titles in China and has a strong TV exposure over CCTV China. In addition, the company  has developed many successful licensing and merchandising network in the Chinese market and has established a growing toy development division to cater to the increasing demand for strong children brands in China. “Zhejiang Zhongnan Animation Co., Ltd paid great attention to this co-production project, “My Brother Is the Monkey King”, producing in collaboration with Animasia Studio, and highly supported by the Chinese Government  which they have announced this good news during the 7th China International Cartoon & Animation Festival (CICAF). Being one of China's largest Animation company that produces our own contents and have reached nearly 70 countries worldwide, this collaboration will further boost the core strengths of both companies and will definitely achieve satisfactory results!” said Jane Wu, Executive Vice President of Zhejiang Zhongnan AnimationGroup.

Animasia Studio Sdn Bhd was recently certified with ISO9001:2008 and the company is  one of the main studios in Malaysia with a strong staff force of 140 animators. The studio has produced numerous top rated animated contents such as “Bola Kampung”, “Supa Strikas”, “ABC Monsters” and have exported these series to major channels such as Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Al- Jazeera etc. “Zhongnan is well-known for its extensive network, strong animation force and having a good relationship with Chinese broadcasters. Our partnership with Zhongnan has given us an opportunity to enter the Chinese market with greater confidence” said Raye Lee, CEO of Animasia Studio.

“This co-production venture is one of the milestones which we are looking for as a sign of the maturity and confidence of our Malaysian companies to go global. To this end, we are very proud of Animasia’s achievement as they have been one of the few companies which we know even from years ago that has a capacity to venture beyond the Malaysian shores. Animasia has been focusing on its capabilities not only technically but in manpower development, market access and storytelling – the qualities needed to provide a strong foundation to bring Malaysian stories and services to the world. This co-production with one of China’s largest animation producer, Zhongnan Animation will provide Animasia with yet another breakthrough in reaching global standards,” said En Kamil Othman, vice president of Creative Multimedia Department, Multimedia Development Corporation.