p r e s s
David Kwok's Tiny animated ambitions on BBC News (BUSINESS)
Original Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22088371
Singapore: 10th April 2013
Our special series on entrepreneurs continues with a look at the 3D animation studio, Tiny Island Productions, set up by Singaporean David Kwok.
After working as an engineer for many years, he abandoned his government job, starting at the bottom to carve out a new career in cartoons and animation.
Since he set up his company in 2007, it has grown from four staff to 120, servicing clients in the US and Europe, and includes an animation school. He tells the BBC his passion lies behind his success.
Nanoveu enters into an MOU with Tiny Island Productions to collaborate on the development of 3D content for its Eyefly3D™ branded series of filters for
smartphones and tablets.
Singapore, April 2nd 2013 – Nanoveu Pte Ltd announced today that it has entered into an MOU with Tiny Island Productions Pte Ltd to collaborate on bringing more glasses-free 3D content to mobile phones and tablets through Nanoveu’s new patent pending Nano based thin film protector, EyeFly3D.
Using half a million perfectly shaped lenses engineered onto its surface the lenticular film dramatically improves the brightness, clarity, and resolution of 3D images on most devices. It gives you undistorted 2D and 3D images when viewed in both landscape and portrait mode, a challenge for other manufacturing processes.
Our patent pending nanotechnology allows us to tailor and manufacture films quickly for most modern day high resolution Smart Devices – unlike some competing technologies.
“In the past, 3D content has been relegated to large screen TVs and cinemas and had to be viewed with special 3D glasses. EyeFly3D is a game changer as it allows just about anyone with a smartphone to view 3D glasses-free on their personal device,” said David Kwok, CEO of Tiny Island Productions. “ We see this as a platform for leading content owners and distributors to showcase their work. There were over 419 million smartphones sold worldwide in 2012 and 428 million in 2011 according to Gartner. Each phone represents a potential customer for our 3D content. We’re very excited to see our new stereoscopic-3D CG animated series 'Dream Defenders' via the EyeFly filter. ” remarks David.
Nanoveu's EyeFly3D product provides a way for movie studios, game developers, and any content owner to showcase their 3D content as it was intended. This collaboration sets the tone on how Nanoveu will work with content owners worldwide as it develops software to allow the transition of 2D content into 3D through a set of tools that it is currently developing. This will mean that there will be more specially built 3D content to complement that already available 3D content available at YouTube, ESPN3D, Disney3D and other websites.
“For 3D content owners, think of the current landscape as owning a Ferrari with only a tiny cobbled road to drive on. This piece of plastic is akin to opening an Autobahn to allow the fastest cars to perform at their best. 3D content now has an inexpensive medium to showcase its true impact” said Alfred Chong, CEO of Nanoveu. “This collaboration creates a way for content owners to realize the potential of 3D.”
To learn more about Nanoveu, please visit www.nanoveu.com or www.EyeFly3D.com
For media enquiries, please contact:
Adeline Chu
Head of Marketing
Nanoveu Pte Ltd.
3 Pickering Street, 02-17
Singapore 046680
Tel +65 6557 0155
Mobile +65 9843 6222
Email adeline.chu@nanoveu.com
David Kwok
CEO
Tiny Island Productions Pte Ltd.
141 Redhill Road, Block H & E, #01-24, Singapore 158828
Tel +65 96933870
Email davidk@tinyisland.net
PROFILES
About Tiny Island Productions Pte Ltd
Tiny Island Productions is Singapore’s leading Stereoscopic 3D CG animation production company. Established in 2002 and based in cosmopolitan Singapore, the company creates, manages and markets quality content for the global CG animation market. The company is producing a slate of CG animated television and film projects, available in Stereoscopic-3D, in collaboration with international partners from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.
Most recently, the company’s stereoscopic-3D CG animated original series “Dream Defenders” has been sold to 3Net, the 24/7 3D Network from Sony, Discovery and Imax, in the United States. The company had also previously worked with international distributor Dreamworks Classic and Thai-based producing company, Shellhut Entertainment, on a CG animated series, Shelldon, that was aired on major networks including NBC USA and France 5. Other earlier deals inked include a development deal with Los-Angeles based Saban Entertainment Group (SEG), with SEG providing development resources for a CG animated series. The studio has also just completed the production for the all new Ben 10 CGI Telemovie: Destroy All Aliens in both standard and stereoscopic 3d format. The show won 2 major awards. Gold for Promax Asia and Best 3d Programs for Asia Television Awards.
About Nanoveu Pte Ltd
Nanoveu is a leading provider of thin film based nano structures that can shape our vision when viewed through modern day, high resolution smart devices. Using a patent pending process of manufacturing, Nanoveu’s breakthrough is in delivering distortion free 2D/3D videos, photos and games on smartphones and tablets. Nanoveu markets its glasses-free 3D line of products under the EyeFly3D brand. Its security product, Veuflex offers unprecedented patterning combinations through sub-pixel manipulation and a visual key that cannot be detected by the naked eye. Nanoveu is a key enabler for a new generation of low cost alternative to privacy films, 2-Factor authentication replacement, glasses-free 3D on smart devices and visual encryption. Please visit www.nanoveu.com and www.EyeFly3D.com for more information.
The Ben 10 – Destroy All Aliens that we have worked on picked up the inaugural award for Best 3D Animated Programme at the Asian Television Awards. Meanwhile, at the PromaxBDA Asia Awards, the film also won Gold in the Best Movie Campaign category.
By Dan Sarto | Monday, December 10, 2012 (AWN News)
http://www.awn.com/news/awards/ben-10-sweeps-competition-asia
Singapore -- At two prestigious award ceremonies in Singapore on December 6, Ben 10 once again proved why it is Asia’s favourite kids’ franchise. Ben 10 – Destroy All Aliens, Cartoon Network’s first-ever CG animated movie featuring the alien-morphing hero, picked up the inaugural award for Best 3D Animated Programme at the Asian Television Awards. Meanwhile, at the PromaxBDA Asia Awards, the film won Gold in the Best Movie Campaign category.
A cross-Pacific collaboration between Cartoon Network Asia and Cartoon Network in the United States, Ben 10 – Destroy All Aliens premiered globally in March and achieved impressive ratings. Sunny Saha, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Turner International Asia Pacific, said, “These award wins again show Ben 10’s global appeal. With the successful debut of the CG movie, along with the franchise’s latest series, Ben 10: Omniverse, it’s been another epic year for Ben Tennyson and his awesome alien forms. Last week’s results also demonstrate the high level of animation talent on show in Asia and the talent available here.”
Asia has been an important platform for the franchise’s recent successes. For Ben 10 – Destroy All Aliens, Singapore-based animation studio Tiny Island were instrumental and Silas Hickey, the project’s executive producer, is based in Hong Kong.
14th TBS DigiCon6 Awards Presentation - 24th October 2012
Dream Defenders Opening Title came in 2nd Place in the Open Category
Our CEO receiving the 2nd Prize from GM of Lucasfilm Singapore / Chairman of DigiCon6 Singapore Organising Committee, Mr Xavier Nicolas.
In Good Company: Tiny Island Productions creates Singapore's first Stereoscopic 3d Animated Series for the US, and worlds' TV screens
- By Tania Lim (MDA Issue 14, Oct 2012)
http://www.mda.gov.sg/NEWSANDEVENTS/Newsletters/2012/14/Pages/story6.aspx#
CEO David Kwok explains how Tiny Island's new show is breaking into new markets beyond just TV, and is bringing a brand of 360-storytelling to new heights.
“Dream Defenders Adventure”, Singapore’s first 3D Stereoscopic animated series has landed in North America. Created by Tiny Island Productions, a Singapore indie animation company, the show has become a top children show telecast on 3net, a US-based 3D TV channel which is a joint venture between Discovery, IMAX and SONY.
But Tiny Island’s CEO David Kwok says that the show is not just for TV, it’s going fully 360 beyond TV to games and other new digital platforms. The spin-off for the show is already available on Nintendo 3D US website for download.
Based out of Redhill Road, this independent 3D animation company, which has grown from 10 to 120 staff in just over six years, has already put Singapore on the world map for digital animation. It is easily one of the leading local animation companies here. Earlier last year, Tiny Island worked on Cartoon Network channel’s animated telefeature “Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens”, and started creating their own stereoscopic 3D animated TV series, “Dream Defenders Adventure”, which CEO David Kwok says is kind of like “Inception for kids”.
“Inception for Kids” and more
The series revolves around how a pair of twins, Zane and Zoey, who find a super computer by chance when they move into a new home, and enters the dreams of many people to fight Momoks, nightmare monsters. The twins prevent them from having nightmares by destroying the Momoks created by evil Queen, Icela, in these dream worlds.
“It’s not just a TV show, not just “Inception” for kids. It’s also family entertainment with strong family values. It’s also about two kids who fight like all siblings do but when it comes to a crisis, they realise how important family is to them and how their busy parents really do care and worry about them which they find out when they enter into their parents’ dream worlds,” elaborates David.
Game change: Dream Defenders showing the way
Made to a tune of US$5.2million and partly funded by MDA, David says he has bigger plans for the 3D stereoscopic animated “Dream Defenders Adventure”. He firmly believes that going 360 is the only way for the local animation industry to grow, and that involves building their own brands.
He explains: “We are venturing into new markets. With a highly competitive TV market here, you can no longer just do a show, thinking you are going to try to sell it to a TV station.
The game plan has changed. You really need to have a ‘360’ approach… Like when we do ‘Dream Defenders’, besides the TV show, we look into many new digital platforms. From 3D phones to 3D tablets to 3D goggles where it makes you feel like you are alone in a virtual 3D cinema. The last three episodes are made into a 3D feature-length film known as “Dream Defenders: the Origins” and we are adding in more cool stuff to tap into the DCP (Digital Cinema Projection) market as well.”Recognising how fast and media-savvy consumers are these days, David Kwok says his company is creating ‘future proof’ content. Constantly innovating is the company strategy. David elaborates: “That means our content is designed in such a way we can use on traditional, 4 by 3, 16by9, HD, stereoscopic and even future auto-stereoscopic 3D platform where 3D glasses are not needed. All along our strength is 3D production so now I’m partnering with a lot more people.”
“For “Dream Defenders”, you can download from Nintendo website to watch on Nintendo 3D player (without 3D glasses). And because I’m also talking to R&D manufacturers who do 3D tablets. So we are planning to do a 3D e-book - when you touch the screen, the characters will fly out of the screen when readers view the book without 3D glasses. We also have a deal with Touch Music Publishing Pte Ltd, and wrote a song that has a music video adding another dimension to the characters. Plus the HD content can be exported to digital cinema projection. All these things will again cross-promote the series so we are covering a lot of new media and do a lot of branding so we can roll out the merchandise later.”
Heading West, with a vision for pan-Asian collaborative content
Having just come back from Los Angeles a month ago, David thinks that now is the time for Singapore companies to work even more collaboratively as the West is now looking to Asia. “I think there’s growing interest in Asia from North America and Europe. Partly because of current economic downturn in the West, they are looking for collaborations – in terms of more partners, outsourcing, co-investment, and in other ways.”
Being in the animation sector for over 14 years now, David Kwok believes the creative sector has changed and evolved: “There’s a lot more opportunities because Asian capabilities in terms of production have gone up, financial support here is getting stronger and the Internet has made the world a seamless place to be.”
Indeed, David hopes that this global trend will open up new markets for made-by-Singapore content and has his own dreams as well as to how it could look.
“One vision I have is that one day the studios in Asia can form an alliance, then together we can combine funding from various Asian countries, from investors and funding agencies, and perhaps do a joint pitch for projects…It’s no longer about competition against companies in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, but it’s about collective and collaborative efforts with studios in Asia. In the West, they have great ideas, and content which Asia can collaborate with, so that’s all exciting. Perhaps we can combine and create content with creativity from the whole Asia region. I think we can find great synergy amongst us.”
Latest: Music collaboration on Dream Defenders Adventure
Check out their newly launched Music Video which is a song collaboration between Tiny Island Productions and Touch Music Publishing Pte Ltd, a leading independent music publisher in Asia that promotes local songwriters.
Ushering in “new chapter between our music and animation industry”, this song is “a special dedication towards all who has worked so hard towards a common dream, which is to put Singapore on the world map,” adds David.
Hope you like the music video and share the song with your friends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVHOlLs1AZ4
To find out more, catch the trailers for “Dream Defenders Adventure”, http://www.youtube.com/user/MDAsingapore https://www.facebook.com/DreamDefendersAdventure
Dream Defenders is now part of the Dreamworks Classic TV Catalogue
(MIPCOM 2012) -
11th October 2012
The New Dream Defenders Music Video - A Dream Waiting for You.
3rd October 2012
With the creation of this new music video, it marks a new chapter between our music and animation industry. This is a special collaboration between Touch Music Publishing Pte Ltd and Tiny Island Productions. And more plans are on its way. Stay tuned.
Performed - by Lee Hua Chang
Composed - and Written by Lee Hua Chang
Produced - by Lee Hua Chang
OP - Touch Music Publishing Pte Ltd
Arrangement by Wilson Tan
Mix & Mastering by Zennon Goh
Animation by - Tiny Island Productions
Edited by - Rygan Ding
S'pore animation studio produces new Ben 10 movie
By Qiuyi Tan CNA | Posted: 25 September 2011 1935 hrs
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1155465/1/.html
SINGAPORE: Hit American cartoon Ben 10 has landed on our shores, through one home-grown animation studio Tiny Island.
It's producing a new television movie slated to premiere next year on Cartoon Network.
Tiny Island is producing both the regular and 3D versions of the movie Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens.
But it's Dream Defenders, Tiny Island's debut cartoon that caught
the world's attention and helped clinch the deal with Cartoon Network.
"When we work with Western partners, they want to make sure you
have the track record before they work with you. I think it takes time
but we'll get there," said David Kwok, CEO of Tiny Island
Productions.
Less than a decade old, Singapore's animation sector is estimated
to contribute S$100 million in revenue by 2015, expanding at a
compound annual growth rate of 16 per cent, according to a 2008 study
by Deloitte Touch Tohmatsu.
It's set its sights on the high end and high quality segment of the international market - and 3D content is one focus.
One complaint about 3D TV is that you have to wear clunky 3D
glasses to see the effects. But Kwok said the technology for 3D
without glasses already exists, and we can expect the system to be
ready on the market in as soon as three years' time.
Singapore's animation industry has grown in the past two years,
spurred on by international companies like Lucasfilm setting up shop
here.
Today, there are more than 40 animation and special effects companies in Singapore, up from less than 10 in 2003.
It's a high-tech but labour-intensive industry.
An animator sets the characters' facial expressions for every
single frame of the cartoon, as well as the colour and texture of
every piece of furniture in the room where the scene is set.
"When we bring them all up together, that's the toughest part - to
gel everything up to see that it comes out natural and nice on the
screen," said Mohamad Mahathir Abdul Halim, Technical Department Head,
Tiny island Productions.
Building a talent pool with the right skill set to feed an animation ecosystem remains a work-in-progress.
"We don't just import talents here and run the show. We train and
prepare the talents to stand on their own feet. I think that's what
Singapore needs," said Kwok.
And the best training ground for such talent will be the chance to work on high end projects like the Ben 10 movie.
- CNA /ls
Tiny Island’s Dream Defenders to air on 3net on 25th September, 2011
http://www.axapac.com/news/singapore/tiny-island-s-dream-defenders-air-3net-25th-september-2011
By FARHATNAZ ANSARI | 13 September, 2011 - 10:21
3net has acquired 3D version broadcast rights, licensing and
merchandising rights to Tiny Island’s Dream Defenders for the US
territory. Dream Defenders’ will debut as part of a primetime special on
Sunday September 25 that will lead up to the launch of the weekend
programming block of 3net, named Three Dee Kids, on October 1.
Talking to Animation Xpress Asia Pacific
about the deal between Tiny Island and 3net, David Kwok, CEO, Tiny
Island Productions said, “The 3D stereo version of Dream Defenders was
introduced to good market reviews at MIPCOM 2010. 3net was
actively sourcing for premium 3D stereo animated content for the
launch of its 3D kids block on its 24/7 3D channel, so it was an
excellent buyer and seller match’.
Zane and Zoey, twins and rivals are the “Dream Defenders”
(26x30min eps) - the last line of defense between the Real World and
the nightmare creatures of the Dreamworlds. Controlled by the evil
Icela, ruler of Dreamworld, the nightmares have come to life and are
threatening to break through and take control. Only Zane and Zoey, and
their supercomputer Zeus, stand in Icela's way.
The series is based on original concepts by Tiny Island
Productions and produced at the Singapore based studio. The writing
team is supervised by industry veterans Eric and Julia Lewald, who
have been showrunners together or individually on 14 series, including
X-Men: The Animated Series and Young Hercules.
Besides the continued worldwide distribution for the series,
ongoing plans for Dream Defenders include a special theatrical
feature, global licensing and merchandising rollout. Currently
discussions are underway with film producers in the US for the
production of 2 feature films.
All New Dream Defenders Opening Title
10th September 2011
DREAM DEFENDERS in a US prime-time special presentation Sunday, September 25
-- Lineup Includes Exclusive 3D Animated Series, Live-Action Programs, Family-Friendly Sony Theatrical Titles and More -- (August 24, 2011)
http://press.discovery.com/us/3n/press-releases/2011/first-ever-3D-kids-block-on3net-1497-1497/(Culver City, Calif.) – 3net, the joint venture 24/7 3D Network from Sony, Discovery and IMAX, will expand its dynamic lineup of compelling, native 3D television content with the debut of the world’s first dedicated kids 3D programming block, it was announced today by Tom Cosgrove, President & CEO, 3net. The network’s foray into children’s television will be bolstered by more than 30 hours of exclusive, native family-friendly 3D content at launch, and 3net will celebrate this groundbreaking initiative with the world premiere of the all-new animated 3D series BOLTS & BLIP and DREAM DEFENDERS in a prime-time special presentation Sunday, September 25 (8PM ET/PT).
“The announcement of a dedicated programming block for kids 7-12
and their families marks another important step forward in our mission
to provide compelling, diverse and original 3D television content to
the broadest audience of consumers possible,” said Cosgrove. “It
further underscores 3net’s on-going commitment to building upon our
leadership position in the dynamic and ever-growing in-home 3D
entertainment space.”
In addition to the animated 3D children’s series announced today,
3net will also debut the world 3D TV exclusive premieres of hit Sony
Pictures 3D family films, as well as the live-action original series
FEEDING TIME, the 3net exclusive PUPPY BOWL, all-new short-form
kids-oriented content and more. 3net will announce future exclusive
theatrical titles as well as additional live-action and animated
series in the coming months, which will further enhance the
initiative. The “3net Three Dee Kids” Saturday and Sunday lineup
will premiere in its weekend time on Saturday, October 1 (10AM
ET/PT).
Prime Time Debut Series Information:
BOLTS & BLIP:
BFFs Bolts & Blip are just your average everyday robots who
desperately want to become cool battle-bots and play in the coveted
Lunar League of Robotic Sports. When the pair finally get their wish,
they realize they are in over their heads, and soon discover what they
are really made of as they battle against formidable foes such as the
Tread Heads, Blood-Bots, Galaxy All-Stars, and the eccentrically evil
Dr. Blood. The 26 episode, half-hour series is produced by
ToonBox Entertainment in partnership with South Korea’s Red Rover Co.
Ltd.
DREAM DEFENDERS:
DREAM DEFENDERS features Zane and Zoey, twins and rivals who serve
as the last line of defense between the Real World and the nightmare
creatures of the Dreamworld. Controlled by the evil Icela, ruler
of Dreamworld, the nightmares have come to life and are threatening
to break through and take control. Only Zane and Zoey, and their
supercomputer Zeus, stand in Icela's way. The 26 episode,
half-hour series is produced by Tiny Island Productions.
About 3net:
3net, the joint venture of Sony Corporation, Discovery
Communications and IMAX Corporation brings together three of the world's
leading media, technology and entertainment companies to provide the
nation’s first and only fully programmed, 24/7 3D network. The
three partners deliver an extraordinary collection of award-winning 3D
content, technology and production expertise, television distribution
and operational strength to the project, with a mission to bring
viewers the highest quality and most immersive in-home 3D viewing
experience possible. The channel will feature the most extensive
library of 3D content in the world by the end of 2011, featuring
genres that are most appealing in 3D, including natural history,
documentary, action/adventure, travel, history, kids and family,
hyper-reality, lifestyle and cuisine, concerts, movies, scripted
series and more. 3net is currently available on DIRECTV channel
107. For more information, please visit www.3net.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Singapore’s Tiny Island Productions to Work On Cartoon Network Asia’s First
CG-Animated Television Movie: BEN 10: Destroy All Aliens
Non-stereoscopic and stereoscopic-3D versions of first CGI Ben 10 feature to be produced by Singapore studio.
Singapore, (23rd August, 2011) – Tiny Island Productions, Singapore’s leading Stereoscopic 3D CG animation
production company, today announced that they are working with
renowned American director Victor Cook and Silas Hickey, Creative
Director for Animation, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc.,
on the production of both non-stereoscopic and stereoscopic-3D
versions of Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens, a 66 minute television movie
written by
Marty Isenberg, slated for premiere in 2012 on Cartoon Network globally.
The first sneak peek of Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens was revealed to fans at San Diego’s Comic-Con 2011 last month.
“The opportunity to work on a project based on such a famous Cartoon Network franchise such
as Ben 10 has been
an amazing and challenging experience for our production team,”
commented David Kwok, CEO of Tiny Island Productions. “Using computer
graphics to bring visual effects and characters to life enhances the
highly action-adventure driven nature of the Ben 10 property. The
addition of stereoscopic-3D depth will create another new experience
for fans of the well-loved franchise.”
“Tiny Island Productions is one of Asia’s leading animation studios
and it has been great working alongside such talented CG animation
experts who have become an extension of the Cartoon Network Asia team,”
said Hickey.
“Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens continues the Cartoon Network promise to
animate kids’ lives and is set to bring this successful franchise to
an awesome new level.”
Ben 10, created by Man of Action (Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau, Steve Seagle), has been a Cartoon Network
hit internationally, spawning a highly successful global merchandise
line. The property was first launched as a 2D television series in
2006 and has continued to expand into multiple series and features.
About Tiny Island Productions (Pte. Ltd.)
Tiny Island Productions is Singapore’s leading Stereoscopic 3D CG animation production company.
Established in 2002 and based in cosmopolitan Singapore, the company creates, manages and markets
quality content for the global CG animation market. The company is producing a slate of CG animated
television and film projects, available in Stereo-3D, in collaboration with international partners from Japan,
Thailand and Hong Kong. The company had also previously worked with international distributor Classic
Media and Thai-based producing company, Shellhut Entertainment, on a CG animated series, Shelldon
that was aired on major networks including NBC USA and France 5. One of its latest deals is Tiny Island's
stereoscopic-3D CG Animated series 'Dream Defenders' to make American debut on 3net. Joint Venture 24/
7 3D Network from Sony, Discovery and IMAX. Other earlier deals inked include a development deal with
Los-Angeles based Saban Entertainment Group (SEG), with SEG providing development resources for a CG
animated series.
###
For further information please contact:
Tiny Island Productions – contact@tinyisland.net
Other sources
http://www.axapac.com/news/singapore/singapore-s-tiny-island-work-cartoon-network-asia-s-ben-10-cg-feature
http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/singapores-tiny-island-to-work-on-ben-10-tv-movie/
http://www.worldscreen.com/articles/display/31090
http://www.awn.com/news/cg/singapore-s-tiny-island-work-ben-10-destroy-all-aliens
http://www.cartoonbrew.com/biz/singapore%E2%80%99s-tiny-island-to-work-on-ben-10-destroy-all-aliens.html
http://toonbarn.com/2011/08/tiny-island-helps-ben-10-destroy-aliens-cartoon-network-3d/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tiny Island's stereoscopic-3D CG Animated series 'Dream Defenders' to
make American debut on 3net
Joint Venture 24/7 3D Network from Sony, Discovery and IMAX granted license to 3D
broadcast and home video, publishing and merchandising rights in the US
Singapore, (April 27, 2011) — Tiny Island Productions, Singapore’s leading Stereoscopic-3D CG animation production company and 3net, the 24/7 3D Network from Sony, Discovery and Imax announced today a deal which grants 3net 3D broadcast, home video, publishing and merchandising rights in the United States.
David Kwok, CEO, Tiny Island Productions, commented: “We are honored to have the opportunity to work with 3net to launch the stereoscopic version of our series in the US.”
Tom Cosgrove, President & CEO of 3net, commented: “This marks an important step in furthering our commitment to bring ground-breaking, family-friendly 3D content to our audience.”
Zane and Zoey, twins and rivals are the “Dream Defenders” (26x30min eps) - the last line of defense between the Real World and the nightmare creatures of the Dreamworlds. Controlled by the evil Icela, ruler of Dreamworld, the nightmares have come to life and are threatening to break through and take control. Only Zane and Zoey, and their supercomputer Zeus, stand in Icela's way.
The series is based on original concepts by Tiny Island Productions and produced at the Singapore - based studio. The writing team is supervised by industry veterans Eric and Julia Lewald, who have been showrunners together or individually on 14 series, including X-Men: The Animated Series and Young Hercules. The series will debut on 3net in October 2011.
About Tiny Island Productions (Pte. Ltd.)
Tiny Island Productions is Singapore’s leading Stereoscopic 3D CG animation production company.
Established in 2002 and based in cosmopolitan Singapore, the company creates, manages and
markets quality content for the global CG animation market. The company is producing a slate of
CG animated television and film projects, available in Stereo-3D, in collaboration with international
partners from Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong. The company had also previously worked with
international distributor Classic Media and Thai-based producing company, Shellhut Entertainment, on
a CG animated series, Shelldon, that was aired on major networks including NBC USA and France 5.
Other earlier deals inked include a development deal with Los-Angeles based Saban Entertainment
Group (SEG), with SEG providing development resources for a CG animated series.
About 3net
3net, the joint venture of Sony Corporation, Discovery Communications and IMAX Corporation brings
together three of the world's leading media, technology and entertainment companies to provide the
nation’s first and only fully programmed, 24/7 3D network. The three partners deliver an extraordinary
collection of award-winning 3D content, technology and production expertise, television distribution
and operational strength to the project, with a mission to bring viewers the highest quality and most
immersive in-home 3D viewing experience possible. The channel will feature the most extensive
library of 3D content in the world by the end of 2011, featuring genres that are most appealing in 3D,
including natural history, documentary, action/adventure, travel, history, hyper-reality, lifestyle and
cuisine, concerts, movies, scripted series and more. For more information, please visit www.3net.com.
###
For further information please contact:
Tiny Island Productions – contact@tinyisland.net
3net – Rod Riegel, 310-244-8907, rod_riegel@3net.com
Tiny Island’s David Kwok talks about Singapore’s 1st 3D stereoscopic series, ‘Dream Defenders
By AMRITA VALECHA | 9 March, 2011
http://www.axapac.com/news/singapore/tiny-island-s-david-kwok-talks-about-singapore-s-1st-3d-stereoscopic-series-dream-def
Tiny Island Productions and Classic Media, has recently announced the
launch of Singapore's first Stereoscopic TV show “Dream Defenders” a
new CG-animated action-comedy series for 6-9 year olds. Tiny Island
will distribute the series in North America and Asia whilst Classic
Media will manage distribution across all media including consumer
products in all other territories Worldwide. Excited about the release
of the show in 2012, David Kwok, Tiny Island shares his experience of working on ‘Dream Defenders’ with AnimationXpress Asia Pacific’s Amrita Valecha.
When did Tiny Island start working on Dream Defenders?
The entire process of concept creation, pitching and raising
finances for the show took 2 years, with production starting last
year. The journey has been very challenging and fruitful as we have
developed new marketing strategies and production techniques through
the process.
What made you change the name of the series from ZZZ Force to Dream Defenders?
The original concept we created was titled ZZZ Force. A team of
writers from LA was later hired to develop the concept further for a
television series, and based on title suggestions from them and in
consultation with our distributor Classic Media, it was agreed that
the title Dream Defenders would be used instead.
How did the deal with Classic Media happen?
We were looking for a major international distribution partner and
had previously worked with the sales/distribution team from
Entertainment Rights/Classic Media closely on other projects.
They had an excellent sales record and so we felt comfortable and
confident working with the sales/distribution team again.
What is the exact deal between Tiny Island and Classic Media?
Classic Media has distribution rights for all territories except for
Asia and North America, and also provides consultative creative
advice in exchange for an executive producer credit.
Could you tell us a bit about the series? What message does it have for the kids?
The series is about a pair of twins - Zane and Zoey, who are on a
mission to destroy nightmare monsters that are terrorising the
Dreamworlds of the people around them. The wicked Icela, ruler of the
Dreamworlds and her henchmen, are behind the nightmare monsters, in a
bid to find a way to cross over into our world.
What made you do the series in stereo?
The action-comedic genre as well as the high production quality made
the show excellent content for production also in stereo
format. Also, our market research had showed that there is a
demand for high quality stereo content for both the broadcast and home
entertainment markets.
What was the most challenging part for developing the series?
The most challenging part for developing the series is to ensure that the content has multi-platform potential.
What is the budget of the series?
The production budget of the series is US$5.2 million.
When will the series come on air? Have you signed any deals with broadcasters?
The series is tentatively scheduled to come on air in 2012. We are
in currently in discussions with broadcasters in the US and Asia.
What has been the involvement of MDA?
MDA is a co-investor in the series.
Your anticipation from the series
So far, we have quite a fair bit of enquiries from buyers from US
and Europe, Asia. Some of it is reaching the final stage of the deal.
We are hoping to make some announcement in the 2nd quarters of 2011.
3D animation puts S'pore on world map
Channel News Asia
By Hoe Yeen Nie | Posted: 26 December 2010
SINGAPORE: A small production company from Singapore is making ripples around the world with its animation project "Dream Defenders".
The show, which is targeted at six to nine year olds, is also Singapore's first animation series in stereoscopic 3D.
In "Dream Defenders", the heroes Zoey and Zane move between dreams and reality, fighting off, literally, your worst nightmares.
It features cool gadgets, scary villains, and above all, a lesson in conquering your fears.
Tiny Island Productions managing director David Kwok said: "The monsters here in Dreamworld are made from the fears and worries you bring with you. No worries, no monsters"!
"Dream Defenders" is made in both stereoscopic 3D, which requires special viewing glasses, and flat animation, which is what is seen on screens.
With few such titles on the market, creators Tiny Island Productions says going 3D helped them stand out.
The show had been in the works for a year, and it was at the MIPTV trade show in Cannes in April that Tiny Island realised many buyers were looking for content in stereoscopic 3D.
Production of the 26-episode series started in June, and they have completed their first episode, with four more on the way.
"Though we are very strong in creating content, the 3D opportunities (and) 3D market really give us a much higher advantage, because of the strong demand in the West: in US, in Europe as well as in Asia," Mr Kwok said.
Their work impressed a major US network so much that it commissioned Tiny Island to work on one of its projects.
Creating a good product with a strong cast and storyline is important of course, but as with most animation shows, merchandising is where the money is, with expected returns of about two to three times the initial investment.
So from the look of the characters to the gadgets they carry, it's all designed to be as marketable as possible to toy companies.
Beyond creating content, Mr Kwok has also set up a school, CG Protege, to train budding animation artists across the range of specialisations - from 3D animation, and visual effects, to modelling and texturing.
CG Protege was established four years ago to fill the talent shortage needed to kickstart the animation industry, Mr Kwok said.
Since then, graduates have moved on to work for Tiny Island as well as other animation studios in Singapore.
Courses are supported by both the Media Development Authority (MDA) and the Workforce Development Agency.
"Dream Defenders" costs an estimated US$5.2 million and is co-financed by MDA.
Beyond television, MDA is setting its sights on feature films next.
Media Development Authority chief operating officer Kenneth Tan said: "Animation is a high strategic priority for our media industry.
"We want our content to travel, we want to leverage on the best technology and people and creativity that we have, and modern-day animation thrives on that.
"Beyond any doubt, I think modern-day 3D is here to stay, and we expect also more and more animation properties coming out of Singapore, to have second, third, fourth, fifth to nth life across multiple platforms, into games, publications, both hard copy as well as electronic, television, long form as well as feature films".
MDA has created a S$10 million fund for stereoscopic 3D productions, with S$2 million set aside for feature films.
In its 2009/2010 annual report, MDA reported that the media sector contributed S$5.5 billion of value-added and S$22.4 billion in revenue to the Singapore economy in 2008, employing some 63,000 workers.
In the period between 1997 and 2009, the compounded annual growth rate was 6.8 per cent, higher than the 5.9 per cent growth for the overall economy.
-CNA/wk
Animation Industry Finds a Home in Singapore
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/technology/15iht-animate.html
By SONIA KOLESNIKOV-JESSOP (New York Times)Published: November 14, 2010
Dream Defenders was showcased at the Mipcom
television and animation trade show, above, in Cannes, France. The
series is Singapore’s first stereoscopic 3-D offering.
SINGAPORE — “Made in Singapore” is becoming a more common tagline for computer-generated animation.
While this industry in Singapore is less than 10 years old and still very much in its infancy, it has turned an important corner in the past couple years, executives and analysts say.
Christopher Chia, who until two weeks ago was chief executive of the Media Development Authority in Singapore, said he saw local production moving up the value chain.
“In the early years, our industry could be characterized as a fee-for-service industry,” said Mr. Chia, who is now a senior adviser to the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts. “Somebody out there would commission a part of a show and companies here would execute.”
“But increasingly, our companies are either co-owning or owning the intellectual properties,” he said. “At the same time, they’re working with the bigger boys around the world to co-produce or co-market the content.”
That is the case with Dream Defenders, developed and produced by Tiny Island Productions of Singapore and introduced in October at the Mipcom trade show in Cannes. When completed, the 26-episode show will be the first three-dimensional series from Singapore.
Many of the changes in the Singaporean animation landscape can be attributed to the arrival of Lucasfilm, which opened the doors of its digital studio in Singapore in 2005. The presence of the big Hollywood name acted like a magnet, attracting more companies and creating employment opportunities.
“When Lucasfilm opened a studio in Singapore, Classic Media identified it as a talent center that demanded close scrutiny from us,” said Doug Schwalbe, executive vice president of production and program sales for Classic Media.
With a staff of 400, Lucasfilm has outgrown its current facility. It recently announced it would start building a state-of-the-art facility in Fusionopolis, a business park close to Mediapolis, with the goal of moving in to the facility in 2012.
“We did a lot of hand-holding and nurturing at the beginning, helping take companies to the market,” Mr. Chia said.
To date, the authority has co-financed more than 30 animation projects, but with new entrants coming to the Singapore market, more nurturing is needed. Mr Chia acknowledged that most of the success of the local industry had been in television and that it still needed a big success with an animation feature film for others in the industry to really take notice.
Tiny Island Productions has announced plans to co-produce a 3-D, computer-generated animation film based on the television series Shelldon, about the underwater adventures of a seashell, scheduled for release in 2012. Its partner is the entertainment production company Shellhut Entertainment, based in Thailand.
David Kwok, managing director of Tiny Island Productions, said he believed the local industry had made tremendous progress in the past few years, and disagreed with critics who say that Singaporean studios continue to perform lower-end jobs.
“We’re not a low-cost country, like China or India, where you can tap on talent to do very manual, low-end jobs,” he said. “In fact, a lot of the talent here are doing high-end work, the same type of work you would do in Los Angeles.”
Mr. Kwok conceded that in terms of preproduction work like script writing, “we’re not quite there yet.”
His company is using writers based in Los Angeles for the Dream Defenders series, which depicts the twins Zane and Zoey as the last line of defense between the real world and the nightmare creatures of the Dreamworlds.
“But there is no reason why we cannot do it one day,” Mr. Kwok said. “I think it just takes time.”
Come preview Singapore’s first Stereoscopic 3D animation show,
‘Dream Defenders’ at Asia Television Forum 2010
http://mda.gov.sg/NEWSANDEVENTS/PRESSRELEASE/2010/Pages/06122010.aspx
Singapore, 6 December 2010 – Gear up for a 3D experience when you visit the Singapore Pavilion at this year’s Asia Television Forum (ATF), the region’s leading international market for buying, selling, financing, distribution and co-production of television content. Organised by Reed Exhibitions and hosted by the Media Development Authority (MDA), the annual ATF takes place from 8 to 10 December 2010 at Suntec City Convention Centre. It is now into its 11th year.
Visitors to the Singapore Pavilion can expect an array of 3D content and capabilities showcased by local companies. From the latest developments in pre and post production 3D technology to viewing Singapore’s first Stereoscopic 3D animation production, Dream Defenders, visitors will also be able to network directly with the companies involved at the event.
These latest developments in stereoscopic 3D reinforce MDA’s continued focus on raising the bar in the area of 3D. As a result, today, Singapore is one of the first territories in the world with one-stop, end-to-end production and postproduction capabilities in stereoscopic 3D.
“This year’s Singapore pavilion sees an exciting array of content on display which will appeal to both local and international media players. It is also a testament of how far our local companies have come from the days of doing back-end production to now producing full-fledged animation content for distribution and sale at an international market, like ATF,” said Ms Cassandra Tay, Director, Communications and Community & International Relations, MDA.
The Singapore Pavilion will see a total of 15 companies participating. Please refer to Annex A for the list of participating companies.
Over 2,600 participants from over 50 countries – representing movers and shakers in the media industry, from broadcasters to film buyers to cinema operators are expected to attend ATF 2010. This year’s event sees China, Finland and Japan each having their own country pavilion for the first time.
The ATF Singapore Pavilion will be located at Booth C02, Hall 402 Level 4 Suntec Convention Centre.
About 680 guest from the industry attended. The guest are from Canada, US, Europe and Asia.
Tiny Island launches Singapore's first stereoscopic-3D CG
Animated series 'Dream Defenders' at MIPCOM 2010
London, (September 30, 2010) — Tiny Island Productions, Singapore’s leading
Stereoscopic-3D CG animation production company and Classic Media, the global
media company with a portfolio of some of the world’s top family entertainment
brands, today announced the launch of “Dream Defenders” a new CG-animated
action-comedy series for 6-9 year olds at this year's MIPCOM market. Tiny Island will
distribute the series in North America and Asia whilst Classic Media will manage
distribution across all media including consumer products in all other territories
Worldwide.
Zane and Zoey, twins and rivals are the “Dream Defenders” (26x30min
eps) - the last line of defence between the Real World and the
nightmare creatures of the Dreamworlds. Controlled by the evil Icela,
ruler of Dreamworld, the nightmares have come to life and are
threatening to break through and take control. Only Zane and Zoey,
and their supercomputer Zeus, stand in Icela's way... Only Zane and Zoey
are the Dream Defenders. What if you could kick your nightmare’s
butt’s?…
Based on original concepts by Tiny Island Productions, this
production with Classic Media will be produced at the Singapore-based
studio, with a writing team based out of Los Angeles. Due for
delivery in late 2011, the series will be available in both nonstereo
3D and stereo-3D formats.
Visitors to the Singapore Pavilion at MIPCOM 2010 will experience a Stereoscopic -
3D market preview of the show.
David Kwok, Managing Director, Tiny Island Productions, commented:
“We are very excited to announce the launch of our new series as part
of the line up for this MIP. Audiences can look forward to
spectacular action and adventures set in fantasy or hyper-reality
dream worlds. It's going to be very different visually from other shows
out there right now on the TV screens with cool and sleek gadgets and
interesting character designs. Characters are smart and funny, with
situational comedy weaved into the more intense parts of the
stories”.
Chloe Van den Berg, Executive Vice President – International,
Classic Media, commented; “We are thrilled to unveil Dream Defenders
to buyers at MIPCOM and to be working with such premium production
partners as Tiny Island. Dream Defenders is an innovative new show,
bringing state of the art animation to the small screen in a new
action-comedy series for kids worldwide".
The show is co-financed by Tiny Island Productions and the Media
Development Authority of Singapore, at a total production budget of
US$5.2 million and is available for worldwide acquisition and
licensing.
About Tiny Island Productions (Pte. Ltd.)
Tiny Island Productions is Singapore’s leading Stereoscopic 3D CG
animation production company. Established in 2002 and based in
cosmopolitan Singapore, the company creates, manages and markets
quality content for the global CG animation market. The company is
producing a slate of CG animated television and film projects,
available in Stereo-3D, in collaboration with international partners
from Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong. The company had also previously
worked with international distributor Classic Media and Thai-based
producing company, Shellhut Entertainment, on a CG animated series,
Shelldon, that was aired on major networks including NBC USA and
France 5. Other earlier deals inked include a development deal with
Los-Angeles based Saban Entertainment Group (SEG), with SEG providing
development resources for a CG animated series.
http://www.tinyisland.net
ABOUT CLASSIC MEDIA, LLC
Classic Media, one of the world’s largest independent
entertainment companies, is a leader in reinventing the classics of
yesterday and creating the entertainment classics of tomorrow. The
Company owns and manages a globally-recognized portfolio of
well-known family and pop-culture entertainment brands, including Casper
the Friendly Ghost®, Where’s Waldo?®, Lassie®, Gold Key Comics, The
Lone Ranger®, and new global brands Tinga Tinga Tales® and Guess with
Jess®. Big Idea, a member of the Classic Media family, is the
leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s programming,
including the best-selling animated series, VeggieTales®. More than
3,600 hours of Classic Media programming is distributed in more than
170 territories worldwide and showcased in multiple formats, including
TV, film, home video, consumer products, publishing, digital, and
music. Visit us at http://www.classicmedia.tv.
###
For further information please contact:
Classic Media - Nicola Duarte, Director, PR & Marketing –
nicola.duarte@classicmedia.tv
+44 7500 944604
Tiny Island - contact@tinyisland.net
Distribution contact:
North America/Asia - sharontan@tinyisland.net
All other territories Worldwide - chloe.vandenberg@classicmedia.tv
Other sources
http://www.cgw.com/Press-Center/Web-Exclusives/2010/Tiny-Island-launches-Singapores-first-stereoscop.aspx
http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/tiny-island-classic-dream-up-3d-defenders/
http://www.awn.com/news/television/tiny-island-launches-singapores-first-3-d-cg-series
http://www.axapac.com/news/axapac386.htm
http://www.c21media.net/resources/detail.asp?article=57580&%3Barea=79
http://www.prlog.org/10932057-launch-of-singapores-first-stereoscopic-3d-cg-animated-series-at-mipcom-2010.html
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1083858/1/.html
Shellhut Entertainment and Tiny Island Productions Announce Co-production
on 3-D Stereoscopic CG Animated Film
April 12, 2010 – Thai-based
entertainment producing company Shellhut Entertainment Co., Ltd and
Singapore-based animated film and television production company Tiny
Island Productions (Pte.Ltd.) today announce their plans to co-produce a
3-D stereoscopic CG animated film, targeted for release in 2012.
The 90 minute feature is based on the 26 x 22 minute television series “Shelldon”, created by Shellhut Entertainment. Season One of the series was released in 2009 and has been aired by major broadcasters such as NBC USA and France 5, with television and home entertainment distribution deals signed across more than 100 countries.
Both
co-production partners will cooperate to adapt the television property
to the big screen and to identify international distribution and
licensing partners. With its richly imaginative sets and introduction
of new characters, the film is targeted to appeal to the broader family
entertainment audience. Plans are also underway to bring in additional
creative partners from Japan, China and USA.
(Seated:) CEO of Shellhut Entertainment and Managing Director of Tiny Island Productions
(Standing:) Representative from SIPA (Thailand) and Acting Minister of MICA / CEO MDA
Finances for the film have been secured, with a total production budget of US$20 million. Film production will be undertaken at Tiny Island Production's studio in Singapore. A demonstration of the studio's 3-D stereoscopic production capabilities will be on display at the Singapore Pavilion during MIPTV 2010. 3-D auto-stereoscopic content adapted from Season One episodes of “Shelldon” and developed by Tiny Island Productions in partnership with Alioscopy Singapore, a provider of patented glasses-free 3-D solutions, will be on display during the event held in Cannes from 12 April 2010 to 16 April 2010. The Singapore studio is also in talks with co-financiers and partners with an exciting line-up of feature projects for a planned slate of films over the next few years.
Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive
Officer of the Media Develoment Authority said: “Shelldon is a good
example of a winning property that has the potential to win over new
audiences on more than one platform – in this case from Television to
the big screen - and in an exciting new area of stereoscopic 3D that
Singapore is championing. We congratulate both Tiny Island and Shellhut
on their new partnership and look forward to seeing Shelldon on the
big screen."
Ms Lena Ng, Director of Infocomm & Media, International
Enterprise Singapore said 'Stereoscopic 3D is rapidly gaining global
mindshare and international market presence, we are glad to see our
home-grown Singapore company, Tiny Island Productions ready to take on
the global stereoscopic 3D market together with their Thai partner,
Shellhut Entertainment. IE Singapore will continue to facilitate Tiny
Island's expansion plan in Japan, Europe and Latin America."
Press contact:
contact@tinyisland.net
About Tiny Island Productions (Pte. Ltd.)
Tiny Island Productions is a production and producing/consultancy
company that creates, manages and markets quality content for the
global CG animation market. Established in 2002 and based in
cosmopolitan Singapore, the management, creative team and panel of
advisers are experienced in spearheading productions from
conceptualization to final production across multi-platforms. The
company has worked with UK distributor Entertainment Rights/Classic
Media and Thai-based producing company Shellhut Entertainment on a CG
animated television series, Shelldon, that has aired on major networks
including NBC USA and France 5. The company had also earlier inked a
development deal with Los-Angeles based Saban Entertainment Group
(SEG), with SEG providing development resources for a CG animated
series.
About Shellhut Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Shellhut Entertainment Co., Ltd. was established in 2005 to
finance, develop and deliver world-class animation. Working with a
well-established international network of pre-production, production,
and post-production partners, Shellhut has formed a global network to
develop unique animation-based intellectual properties that are
internationally appealing to kids and the young at heart. The company
plans to build on the export success of their debut cartoon TV series
“Shelldon” to launch more projects and are working with co-financiers,
executives and distributors to further expand its network.
About the Media Development Authority of Singapore
Formed in 2003, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
plays a vital role in transforming Singapore into a Trusted Global
Capital for New Asia Media. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote
industry growth I film, television, radio, publishing, music, games,
animation and Interactive Digital Media. At the same time, in ensuring
clear and consistent regulatory policies and guidelines, MDA helps to
foster a pro-business environment for industry players and increase
media choices for consumers. For more information, visit
http://www.mda.gov.sg
and
http://www.smf.sg
About International Enterprise Singapore
International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is an agency under the
Ministry of Trade and Industry spearheading the development of
Singapore’s external economic wing. Our mission is to promote the
overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and international trade.
With a global network in over 30 locations and our 3C framework of
assistance – Connections, Competency, Capital, we offer services to
help enterprises export, develop business capabilities, find overseas
partners and enter new markets. At the same time, we work to position
Singapore as a base for foreign businesses to expand into the region
in partnership with Singapore-based companies.
Other sources
http://www.animationxpress.com/asiapacific/anxapac245.htm
http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/11418
http://www.filmbiz.asia/news/shelldon-film-in-the-works
http://www.smf.sg/newsflash/14Apr2010/14apr2010_item2.html
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/world/news/e3i2bf7a2a5a7ec6db28b1dbbb2295759e1
Glasses-Free 3d TV on display at MIPTV
http://www.reedmidem.com/mipblog/index.php/2010/04/13/159-glasses-free-3d-on-display-at-miptv
A star attraction of the MDA Singapore stand (07.19) is the glasses-free 3D demo, which uses content created by Singapore's Tiny Island Productions to display dazzling stereoscopic images. As Tiny Island's David Kwok explains, the system, developed by French firm Alioscopy, displays content shot on eight cameras to create images whose perspective changes when moving laterally in front od the screen. Called auto-stereoscopic 3D ('auto' for the glasses-free bit), the technology is still in its early stages; but Kwok promises more content by MIPCOM. If, of course, everyone can agree on a common standard first; and Kwok hopes, on a glasses-free format. So progress remains to be made, but one thing is certain: glasses are now no longer a prerequisite for 3D. Exciting times...
3-D Auto-Stereoscopic And Computer Animated
Content By Tiny Island Productions And CG Protege Pte. Ltd. On Display
At The PIXAR: 20 Years Of Animation Exhibition
April 1, 2010 – Exciting new 3-D auto-stereoscopic
content featuring a patented glasses-free 3-D technology will be on
display as part of the world-renowned 'Pixar: 20 Years of Animation'
exhibition held from 2 April 2010 to 27 June 2010 at the Singapore
Science Centre. The 3-D autostereoscopic content, created by
Singapore-based computer animation production studio Tiny Island
Productions in partnership with Alioscopy Singapore, a provider of
glasses-free 3-D solutions, features digitally-projected images
floating out of the screen that are highly visually captive.
In its partnership with Alioscopy Singapore, Tiny Island Productions
produces 3-D autostereoscopic content for Alioscopy's 3-D displays.
Tiny Island Productions is also partnering training institution CG
Protege Pte. Ltd. to provide training to potential content creators for
Alioscopy's 3-D displays. Specialized training will be made available
to advanced level trainees at the institution who are interested in
creating content for Alioscopy's 3-D displays. Other computer animated
film and television productions and projects by both Tiny Island
Productions and CG Protege Pte. Ltd. will also be on display during the
12-week long exhibition. Exhibits include movie and series trailers,
character maquettes, designs and artwork.
Press contact:
contact@tinyisland.net
contact@cgprotege.com
About Tiny Island Productions (Pte. Ltd.)
Tiny Island Productions is a production and producing/consultancy company that creates, manages and
markets quality content for the global CG animation market. Established in 2002 and based in cosmopolitan
Singapore, the management, creative team and panel of advisers are experienced in spearheading
productions from conceptualization to final production across multi-platforms. The company has worked with
UK distributor Entertainment Rights/Classic Media and Thai-based producing company Shellhut
Entertainment on a CG animated television series, Shelldon, that has been aired on NBC USA and France 5.
The company had also earlier inked a development deal with Los-Angeles based Saban Entertainment
Group (SEG), with SEG providing development resources for a CG animated series.
About CG Protege Pte. Ltd.
CG Protege is a quality provider of accredited training programmes recognised by the Workforce
Development Agency of Singapore. Training is administered by Tiny Island Productions and a team of
industry veterans and trainers who have a successful track record in grooming and preparing artists to join
the pool of production-ready talents. Past trainees have found positions working on television and film
projects for both local and international animation and visual effects studios, including Double Negative
Visual Effects (UK & Singapore), Weta Productions (New Zealand), SAMG Studios (Korea), Polygon Studios
(Japan), Lucasfilm Animation (Singapore), Big Communications, Scrawl Studios, Lights & Shadows,,
Mikoishi Studios, Real U Singapore, Sparky Animation and ST Electronics (Digital Media).
'Shelldon' Intl deliveries slated for July, Tiny Island gets aggressive with zzzForce
The Animation Xpress - Asia Pacific Edition - 22nd June 2009
By AMRITA VALECHA
http://www.animationxpress.com/asiapacific/anxapac15.htm
BANGKOK & SINGAPORE: CGI series Shelldon (26 x 22 mins - TG 4-8) is in the final stages of completion and is set to be delivered to International Networks all over by end of July '09. The information was shared with AnimationXpress Asia Pacific by its producers Shellhut Entertainment (Thailand) and Tiny Island Productions (Singapore).
 |
"We have only a few episodes left before delivery to all broadcasters next month" stated Shellhut Entertainment MD Dr Jirayuth Chusanachoti
Even as its final episodes near completion, the show has already aired two seasons in Thailand on Channel 3 premiering last year in October, with season two completing by end of July.
Internationally, the show is being distributed by Classic Media and will be on air across several International TV networks including NBC, Telemundo, ION TV and France 5 amongst others by Q4 '09.
While Shellhut Entertainment is the financer as well as
the executive and producing company, most of the pre production and
production is being taken care of by Tiny Island Production.
He further shared, "Each episode has been produced at the cost of USD 150 K while the Total Budget of this project (only production costs) is approx. USD 3.9M"
David Kwok, MD, Tiny Island Production shared, "Shelldon entertains young children and educates them about the many forms of life under the sea. The story is about Shelldon, an ordinary boy of Yoka Star Shell adopted by a family of Tridacnidae settled in Shell Land. Despite his best efforts to stay out of trouble, it usually finds him anyway."
With deliveries on Shelldon in final stages, Tiny Island Productions has embarked working on new properties including its own 3D series IP, Zzzforce. Targeted at 6-12 years, the action-comedic series (available for HD) is 26 X 22 minutes and has been budgeted at USD 8 Million. The studio will start work on pre-production by August, followed by production at the end of the year. Zzzforce is expected to be completed by mid 2011. The studio has released a 1 minute teaser for the same and presented it at MIPTV and MIPCOM last year.
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"The concept has received very good reviews at MIPTV and MIPCOM. Our North American and European representatives are in talks with broadcasters and we are planning to showcase it at MIPCOM this year too. The Pilot episode should be ready by KidScreen Summit. Tiny Island Productions will be funding the series. Finances for the show is in place with the support of our pool of financers." Shared David Kwok.
To start the series, a small team will work on the pre-production. Once the production starts, the studio has plans to work with 50 artists and eventually ramp up to 100 artists next year once production moved into full swing.
In Brief: |
Dream Team
Zzz-Force An action-comedic high-end CGI animated series, Zzz-Force, that features a pair of sister and brother twins who have the unique ability to visit the dreams of others, is set for official debut at MIPCOM 2008. Aided by Z.E.U.S, a sentient super-computer life form, the twins Zan and Zeke, transform from average 12-year olds into dream monster control extraordinaires at nightfall. With their ability to capture and remove night terrors, Zan & Zeke have made it their mission to keep dream-time a safe and pleasant place for sleepers the world over. With action set in fantasy dreamworlds, every episode in the 26 episodes x 22 minute series promises a mix of adventure and comedy, with story elements and characters that add excitement and appeal, including high-tech gadgetry, quirky villains and investigative techniques. The concept debuted at MIPTV, and talks are ongoing with potential partners from North America and Europe. Early development work on the series has commenced, with teaser out on the Zzz-Force website at www.zzzforce.com.
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Meeting Animation Industry Leaders
from around the world
29th May 2008
A visit to Tiny Island Productions. List of Delegates includes:
William Baumann (President & COO - Porchlight Entertainment USA)
Daniel Scharf (Senior VP, Business & Legal Affairs, Associate General Counsel
- Jim Henson Company USA)
Kevin Gillis (Executive Producer - Breakthrough Entertainment Canada)
Steven Denure (Executive Producer - Decode Entertainment Canada)
Ulrik Fremont (Marathon Media France)
UK distributor Entertainment Rights takes Thai toon to town:
C21 Media - 31st March 2008
http://www.c21media.net/news/detail.asp?area=79&article=40797
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UK distributor
Entertainment Rights has picked up TV, home entertainment, L&M, music and
digital rights to a new toon from Thailand's Shellhut Entertainment. |
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From Drawing Board To Market:
MIPCOM 2007 Cannes, 8th October
2007 - Tiny Island Productions has completed early production on a
television series based on original concepts and characters created by Shellhut
Entertainment, a Thailand-based affiliate of the merchandising company Shellhut
Co., Ltd.
This announcement follows the pre-sales market release of a film teaser and 3 episodes of the series for distribution at MIPCOM 2007. Shelldon follows the creative vision of Shellhut Entertainment's executive producer and director Jirayuth Chusanachoti and production advisors from Thailand, UK, and the US, working with the preproduction and CG production team at the Singapore-based production and producing company, Tiny Island Productions. Headed by David Kwok, an animation veteran in the Singapore animation industry, Tiny Island worked on the series' story development, character redesigning, scripting and CG production. The blend of colourful sets and characters with witty scripting and good character animation makes for excellent edutainment, aimed at children aged 8 years and below. The theme song for the series also features the beautiful singing voice of international broadway star Lea Salonga, with voice acting and music services provided by Global Content Center in Manila, Philippines.
The stories revolve around the adventures that the lead character (Shelldon) and his friends go through, in their quest to make the world a better and greener place. It is set in a small reef community called Shell Land, a friendly town that welcomes passing travelers like fish, seashells and others, who live on the beach or in the sea. With quirky humor and endearing, unique characters in all shapes and sizes, this animation also deals with universal issues and concerns that viewers can relate to, such as growing up, getting along with family and neighbors and surviving in an ever-changing world.
Saban Entertainment Group entered into a development deal
with Singapore-based Tiny Island Animation:
C21 Media - 7th Oct 2006
http://www.c21media.net/resources/detail.asp?area=79&article=32553
In creating Saban Entertainment Group, Saban and Andryc have also
teamed up with Tiny Island Animation, a Singapore-based animation studio led by
David Kwok, a veteran leader of the Singapore animation industry.
Saban
Entertainment Group will provide development resources to Tiny Island, which
focuses on producing CGI entertainment for international television audiences. A
comedic CGI animated series is currently in development and is expected to make
its debut in 2007.
Explaining the launch of Saban Entertainment Group,
Andryc said: "In today's new media environment, we plan to capitalise on
cutting-edge interactive technologies to engage the youth market. Our audience
will discover and experience unique characters and story content through the
media outlet they prefer, be it broadcast, cable, VoD, broadband/internet,
direct-to-home-video, videogames or mobile devices."
The new venture
will focus on identifying and creating unique, original intellectual properties
and brands capable of being distributed across numerous multi-media platforms
and connecting with audiences across a variety of entertainment genres, with a
particular focus on new media.
About
Saban Capital Group, Inc.
Saban Capital Group, Inc.
("SCG") is a private investment firm
specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries. Based in
Los Angeles, SCG was established in
2001 by Haim Saban, founder of Fox Family Worldwide, a global television
broadcasting, production, distribution and merchandising company owned in
partnership with The News Corporation until its sale to The Walt Disney Company
in October 2001. SCG makes both
controlling and minority investments in public and private companies, and adds
strategic value from both a financing and operating perspective through its
established relationships and industry operating experience. In addition, SCG
owns and operates an independent music-publishing company, Saban Music Group.
Other sources
Hollywood Reporter -
3rd Oct, 2006
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003190530
As part of the new virtual studio, Saban Entertainment Group also
has struck a development deal with Tiny Island Animation, a Singapore-based
studio led by animation veteran David Kwok that focuses on producing
computer-generated content for international TV audiences. Saban Entertainment
Group said it will provide development resources to Tiny Island, with a comedic
CGI-animated series already in development. It is expected to debut next
year.
AWN - - 3rd Oct,
2006
http://news.awn.com/index.php?ltype=cat&category1=MIPCOM&newsitem_no=18086
The Saban Entertainment Group venture also has inked an agreement
to work with Singapore-based animation studio Tiny Island Animation to develop
computer-generated projects.
Animation
Magazine - 4th October, 2006
http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/5980
As part of its virtual studio initiative, Saban Entertainment
Group has also entered into a development deal with Singapore-based Tiny Island
Animation, led by Singapore animation industry veteran David Kwok. SEG will
provide development resources as the two entities develop an unnamed comedic
CG-animated series that is scheduled to make its debut in
2007.