#MACC had its media screening yesterday in a cinema! What an overwhelming journey. Mid last year, Astro came to me looking for quick 15 min programs but I ended up pitching them 6 episodes of an English comedy series & the #MACCManiaX Goodbye Tour comedy special.
'English content' is something of a weird topic in Malaysia. Kopitiam— made 20 years ago is often the most remembered. Soon after, 'American English content' which was made with 1000x the budget came in by the barrels. Our 'English content' was relegated to 'local English content' and was afforded much less in terms of financing, press coverage, or simply just development time. But this can change.
The demand for local English content have persisted over the years because being able to relate to a character in a show in a meaningful way like: "They speak like me!" "She's just like my Mum!" is important for any society. Young (and old) content creators found home on the internet while the TV-sphere remained not dissimilar than it was 20 years ago. But this can change.
I acknowledge the trust that Astro had placed in me, a first time filmmaker creating his own 'local English content' for the modern day. They financed the show & organized a media screening. For this I am grateful. Let's be honest, this was a counter-intuitive move on their part. I'm hardly the most famous comedian, or have the most followers, or even enjoy social media engagement. I'm a reclusive creative bum LOL. I just had an idea.
MACC was that idea. I'm proud of what I've done with the series but I'm proudest that this exists & is available on a local network. My hope is that this show ignites & reignites the passion of fellow writers/directors to continue pitching your stories on local networks. If my show is good, talk about it. If it isn't very good, do better than me. This is how an industry is built!
'MACC' PREMIERES TONIGHT! 8.30pm. Hello Channel 702, or Astro On Demand (it's free). Find any way you can to watch it. Critique it! Talk about it! WE can change this!
PS: Out of all these pictures, my fav is the one of my mum & I on a cinema screen, I sent it to her. She thinks she's Mulan now.
MACC Phoon Chi Ho Douglas Lim Dr Jason Leong
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