Duyung Collaboration Of Local Producers & Top Stars

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Author: teropong | November 3, 2007 - 9:59 pm

LOCAL mainstream filmmakers are not only increasing the output of films for cinema release but are also finding ways to increase their box office collection.

This was recently revealed by Grand Brilliance general manager, Ahmad Puad Onah, during the launch of Duyung, which sees, for the first time, a collaboration among KRU Films, Grand Brilliance Sdn Bhd (GBSB) and LineClear Motion Pictures.

“I am proud to announce that the film, Otai (a collaboration between GBSB and LinceClear), has already reaped RM3mil at the box office and we are targeting a box office of RM10mil with Duyung,” said Ahmad.

And it is this collaborative effort among film producers said Ahmad that can make all the difference at the box office.

“Previously, Cicak-Man (the first film production by KRU Films) made RM6mil at the box office and with Otai garnering RM3mil, we are confident of the RM10mil target.

“It has already been proven that with Otai attracted loyal audiences from both production houses.

“Now, with Duyung and the added input from KRU Films, we have the potential to attract their particular audience as well.

“As such, we are estimating a target audience of at least one million to watch Duyung,” said Ahmad.

The filmmakers of Duyung, however, are not just counting on their respective collaborative efforts and fans to draw the crowd.

The film, for one, has some of the country’s top-draw actors in lead roles, namely comedian Saiful Apek and Maya Karin as well as one of the most successful commercial directors helming it, Associate Professor A. Razak Mohaideen, whose credits include the Anak Mami films and Nana Tanjung.

Duyung’s executive producer, Norman Abdul Halim, has described the film as a ”fantasy/romantic comedy” and its target audience ranges from children to adults.

“This film is light-hearted in nature and it is filled with songs and a colourful cast,” said Norman, who even went on to say that it has “a happy ending”.

The film also stars Yasmin Hani, Awie, Yassin, Rosnah Mat Aris, Hafidzuddin Fazli and Abu Bakar Omar.

The story concerns Jimmy, played by Saiful, who is considered an outsider in the fishing village where he lives because of his environmental and nature-loving attitude. He somewhat disdains the fishing as an occupation as he is a vegetarian.

Under the influence of his mother, Jimmy believes the myth that if the environment is well looked after, a mermaid will appear. that happens in the form of Maya. The appearance of the mermaid, however, does not sit well with the villagers.

Jimmy is also caught in a love triangle as he tries to win the affections of Aspalela (Hani), the beautiful village girl who is also sought after by fisherman Kordi (Awie). The film boasts scenic and breathtaking locations as most of it was shot at Sipadan Island, Sabah, in May of this year.

No doubt the filmmakers of Duyung have looked into every aspect to turn the film into a commercial venture. Its formulated approach is not unlike the process undertaken by Hollywood where big box office films are concerned.

The film is suitable for all ages so it has the potential of attracting a huge audience by not alienating any particular age group. Its feel-good story line, with elements of fantasy, comedy and romance, together with its environmental message and songs make it highly accessible to local film fans.

The film boasts some of the industry’s top talents and if nothing else, there is Maya in a tight mermaid suit.

So are all these ingredients enough to meet the RM10mil box office target? Well, only time will tell when the film opens in cinemas early next year.

What is more significant here is that the local producers are banding together, creatively and commercially, and are taking the initiative to raise the standards of film-making as well as box office returns.

And even more encouraging is the realistic attitude of the filmmakers themselves.

“Our film industry is not like Hollywood where we can spend an exorbitant amount of money to make grand epic films or even terrific CG animated films.

“But we are able to make good movies with what we have and tell stories that reflect a sense of community within our society,” said Ahmad.

Duyung is presented by DiGi and produced by KRU Films, Grand Brilliance Sdn Bhd and Line Clear Motion Pictures.

source : thestar

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