REEL TIME: Upin & Ipin heading for space

2009/11/07

By Meor Shariman

AFTER winning the hearts of young Malaysians in Geng Pengembaraan Bermula, Upin & Ipin are now set to go on a space adventure.

The success of animated feature film Geng Pengembaraan Bermula has its producer Les’Copaque Productions aiming higher — Upin & Ipin Angkasa.

Geng Pengembaraan Bermula which was released in February col - lected RM6.2 million, making it the ye a r ’s highest grossing film.

It is the most successful Malaysian animated feature film.

“In Geng Pengembaraan Bermula, Upin and Ipin are only supporting character s,” said Les’Copaque managing director Burhanuddin Md Radzi.

“In Upin & Ipin Angkasa, the film is about them.” Work on the movie has already star ted.

Upin and Ipin are the most popular animated characters in Malaysia and its animated series on TV9 is the highest rated Malaysian car toon series, commanding an average of one million viewers.

“We are very excited about Upin & Ipin Angkasa. Pre-publicity about the film has started,” said Burhanuddin.

Teaser posters for the film have been distributed to shops selling Upin & Ipin DVDs. Fans can also view the film’s teaser trailer at www. upinipinangkasa. com While the plot is being kept under wraps, the story will focus on the duo’s journey as astronauts.

The film is only expected to be re - leased in 2011.

“This is because we need time to ensure the quality is as good if not better than Geng Pengembaraan Bermula,” said Burhanuddin.

Teaser poste of ‘Upin & Ipin Angkasa

In the meantime, fans can catch Upin & Ipin daily on TV9 from Nov 23.

New Upin & Ipin episodes are shown every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with repeats on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Fans get an Upin & Ipin marathon every Sunday.

On the company’s first feature film, Zaiton Sameon The Movie, Burhanuddin said: “It is going to happen as soon as we get the right scr ipt.” Burhanuddin has read scripts from four scriptwriters and rejected them.

“We are making a biopic of someone who is still alive, thus we want to do it right.” Burhanuddin said the film will reveal many things not known about the controversial singer.

“Most people know about the tragedy that ended her singing career.

We want to delve deeper into what happens after that.” Burhanuddin said he was now looking for the right director for the film which will feature singer Nurul Huda Abdul Wahab as Zaiton.

“What I can reveal now is that it will involve a female director."