A stunning view of our beloved Kuala Lumpur captured in AirPixel 8K Kuala Lumpur Drone Film, Negaraku. —Andy Tan/Film Edge
How evocative art is enhanced with tech
ALTHOUGH social impacts vary with some being more straightforward than others, corporate social responsibility efforts like EcoWorld’s #AnakAnakMalaysia (AAM) campaign can have ripple effects amongst Malaysians.
If you missed it, the latest iteration of AAM ran with the theme of #GenerasiSensasi and celebrated Malaysia as a land of unique cultures where our ability to relate, appreciate and embrace our differences defines us.
Having just turned 65 last month, our buzzing resurgence to life in the post Covid-19 pandemic stands as a testament of Malaysian resilience.
Driven by his experiences with #AnakAnakMalaysia, Film Edge founder, 37-year-old Andy Tan said he was compelled to use Film Edge as a vehicle to not only pursue his passion, but to also educate future filmmakers.
Tan said that he was fueled by the experiences he had growing up as an orphan to give them encouragement and show them that they can build the life they want even though it may not always be easy.
The humanity of Kuala Lumpur
The premiere of AirPixel with Canon on Malaysia Day in 2022.
During the height of the pandemic in 2021, Tan decided to shoot a short film on Kuala Lumpur using drones. But it was not just any kind of film - it was to be shot in 8K, something not done before in Malaysia.
The project, titled AirPixel Kuala Lumpur Drone Film: Negaraku, came to fruition after many trials, tribulations and a few crashes.
Despite multiple set backs during the filming of AirPixel 8K Kuala Lumpur Drone Film, Negaraku, Tan felt it important to persevere to set an example for the younger talents in his company.
“This video showcases the humanity of Malaysia. There is no narration or words to beautify what you see on screen so the reaction that people have towards it is unfiltered and honest.
Tan attributes the film’s success not only to his young team, but many other Malaysians who came together to offer assistance, even though they did not know each other.
“We got help from Canon who lent us one of only two new cameras they had launched in Malaysia. They risked their reputation and gave us the freedom to complete our artistic vision.
“The people that helped us never expected anything in return; they just wanted to see us complete the AirPixel project.
“Aonic (formerly Poladrone) also lent us RM60,000 worth of drone equipment (DJI m600 Pro) for us to continue the project when we had technical failures and drone crashes.
“We also had support from the Malaysia Sports Aviation Federation who gave us much needed guidance and assistance and they even backed us up whenever we needed endorsements,” Tan said.
Film Edge was also presented with a national award by the Malaysia Book Of Records for the First True 8K Drone Aerial Video In Malaysia and South-East Asia.
A behind-the-scenes documentary is also up on Film Edge’s Youtube channel which highlights the ups and downs of the filming process.
Priming the next generation
The ripple effect for Tan and Film Edge continues after their 8K journey.
The team was also given the opportunity to work with Tunku Abdul Rahman University College students to give them hands-on experience with some of the filming techniques and equipment.
“Through our interactions with the students, we realise they have the creativity and we should give them the freedom to voice their opinions because they might just hit on the next big idea.
“We’ve already seen how creative the younger generation can be through mediums like TikTok and Instagram - we play a supportive role in helping them achieve their creative goals,” said Tan.
Tan expressed that this has been the most fulfilling aspect of Film Edge’s journey so far.
“It’s the satisfaction of seeing our small team of five coming together and making it the best classroom experience for the students. This has been the highlight of my career so far,” he states.
And what of the reactions to AirPixel 8K Kuala Lumpur Drone Film: Negaraku?
“It shows that KL will always be a place to call home, even for those who have moved abroad.”
Check out the beauty of KL on their channel at https://youtu.be/F_SkhP78ngI.
