Filed under: The Malaysian Insider, directing, documentary, film, internet, journalism, writing | Tags: documentary, ethics, interview, media, solo journalism, The Malaysian Insider, video journalism, zan azlee
Responsible filmmaking
FEB 6 — When you make films that deal with real events and people, there are always sensitivities that are of concern. The responsibility that comes with being a non-fiction filmmaker is tremendous. So tremendous that I almost quit years ago when I was criticised for not being a responsible filmmaker.
I made a documentary film about people who travel in public busses entitled ‘The Black, White & Grey’. It was a documentary centred around the chats I conducted with random people in a bus. One of the passenger I spoke to was a teacher who spoke to me about his private life (ie: sex life). Then he tried to hit on me!
[Click here to read the rest of the article]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: allah, fat bidin tv, fatbidin.tv, father lawrence, khalid samad, malaysia, p1, pas, web video, wimax, zan azlee
Oooo… yeahh… check out the new episodes on FATBIDIN.TV this week! If it doesn’t get you drooling… then… you’re not drooling!
WE THE PEOPLE… Chats with Khalid Samad, Shah Alam MP, PAS (about that whole ‘Allah’ debacle!)
THE P1 NET SHOW
Episode 9 – P1 wins an APICTA award
P1 wins!
Filed under: The Malaysian Insider, documentary, internet, journalism, writing | Tags: documentary, interview, solo journalism, The Malaysian Insider, video journalism, zan azlee
Here’s my latest column at The Malaysian Insider. I think I’m running out of ideas…
The art of the interview
JAN 29 — I interview people frequently in the course of my work. I interview them for the news videos that I do and I interview them for my documentaries. The people I talk to range from government ministers, criminals, sports personalities, celebrities, and everyday common folk. It’s a process that I really enjoy doing.
[Click to read the rest of the article]
Filed under: I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, directing, documentary, fatbidin.tv, film, internet, journalism, new media, video blog | Tags: malaysia, zan azlee, documentary, islam, pattani, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, thailand, terrorism, muslim, film, heading to the border, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, web video, fat bidin tv, fatbidin.tv, Fat Bidin Presents..., insurgency, malay, solo journalism, video journalism, allah, herald, father lawrence, christian
Yes! New episodes on FATBIDIN.TV! Also… WE THE PEOPLE… returns with a banging new episode after a long break!
FAT BIDIN PRESENTS…
THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY
Part 11 of 15
What are the Malay kids learning in Thai schools?? And what’s this about teachers being shot??
WE THE PEOPLE… … Chats with Father Lawrence Andrew, Editor of the Herald (about that whole ‘Allah’ debacle!)
Filed under: The Malaysian Insider, journalism, writing | Tags: The Malaysian Insider, zan azlee
Alright! My latest column at The Malaysian Insider! Self-righteous lah konnonnya! Hahaha! Below is an excerpt.
Passing on the torch
JAN 22 — “Hey Zan!”
“Yeah!”
“You’re always telling us stories about your work and adventures. Seems like a cool job you have.”
“Yeah man! I love it!”
“Then why do you work as a lecturer, too?”
“Because I like to share my experiences.”
“Don’t lie! It’s because you have no money, right? Haha!”
“Err… that too! Haha!”
That’s how a typical conversation would go between me and any one of my students. If you’ve been following my writing here so far, you would know that aside from a being a journalist and documentary filmmaker, I also teach at a local university. Unbelievable, my mother would say (“How do those kids turn out when they graduate?!”), but true. I teach subjects that are related to journalism, New Media and documentary film.
[Click to read the rest of the article]
Filed under: I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, P1 W1MAX, The Malaysian Insider, directing, documentary, fatbidin.tv, internet, journalism, new media, video blog, vj movement, writing | Tags: allah, church burning, documentary, Fat Bidin Presents..., fat bidin tv, fatbidin.tv, feminism, film, herald, hotel, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, malay, malaysia, media, muslim, p1 wimax, pattani, terrorism, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, The Malaysian Insider, vj movement, web video, wiggy, zan azlee
Fellow Fatbidinians! It’s been a hectic week! My eyes are bulging out of their sockets! But good news! I’ve recently been contracted as a video journalist for a Dutch news agency called VJ Movement. What’s cool about this organisation is that they focus on solo-video journalism! My kinda style!
My first video news story for them is about the whole ‘Allah’ debacle and the church burnings happening in Malaysia. Embarrassing I tell you! Click on the picture below to view my video news story.
I also have new episodes on FATBIDIN.TV!
FAT BIDIN PRESENTS…
THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY
Part 10 of 15
Madrasahs that train terrorists??
THE P1 NET SHOW
Episode 8 – W1GGY outdoor test
The W1GGY tested outdoors at a ‘random’ location!
Filed under: I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, P1 W1MAX, directing, fatbidin.tv, film, internet, journalism, new media, video blog | Tags: bomb, CS hotel, documentary, Fat Bidin Presents..., fat bidin tv, fatbidin.tv, feminism, film, hotel, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, malay, malaysia, media, muslim, pattani, terrorism, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, web video, zan azlee
I know! The updates on FATBIDIN.TV have been sporadic. You try to be me then if you think its so easy! Anyway… new episodes!
FAT BIDIN PRESENTS…
THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY
Part 9 of 15
Hotels that get bombed!
THE P1 NET SHOW
Episode 7 – Christmas Media Night
These Internet guys know how to party!
Filed under: The Malaysian Insider, broadcast, directing, journalism, writing | Tags: the biggest loser asia, The Malaysian Insider, video journalism, zan azlee
I’m wrapped on The Biggest Loser Asia! Phew! Now for some real food after eating crap for 2 months!
I’ve written a new article for my column at The Malaysian Insider. Below is an excerpt.
My camera is bigger than yours!
JAN 4 — He picks up the Sony Z1 video camera and it fits nicely in one hand. He pretends to put in on his shoulders as if it’s a big shoulder mount camera, then laughs.
“This thing is a toy mate!” he says to me chuckling.
He is an experienced Australian director of photography I’ve recently had the opportunity to work with and a very cool guy indeed. Used to having big cameras on big budget shoots, he had to get the small handheld Z1 because it was a fast shoot in another country which we had to fly in and out of within 24 hours, and with a very small crew.
“This is the kind of camera that I normally use for my own productions,” I said, my feelings already hurt.
He chuckles again and starts exploring the camera dials and buttons.
“I’m sure it produces pretty good images,” he smiles (I took it as a smirk!).
Filed under: The Malaysian Insider, broadcast, directing, film, internet, journalism, new media, writing | Tags: the biggest loser asia, The Malaysian Insider, video journalism, zan azlee
Okay… since working on The Biggest Loser Asia… I’ve decided to explore tapeless video recording for my future projects. Hence, the topic for my latest article in The Malaysian Insider.
Shooting videos in tapeless format
DEC 22 — When making documentaries and various videos, I like to believe that I’m always keeping abreast with the latest technology. I started in a time when digital video (DV) was hot on everyone’s lips. It was amazing how cheap camcorders can record amazing quality on RM10 one-hour tapes. It totally democratised media and also the way people made videos. [Click to read the rest of the article]
By the way… The Biggest Loser Asia wraps today!! Damn… it’s like waking up to the same day for the last 2 months in A’Farmosa! Talk about Groundhogs Day! Can’t wait to fly out to Saigon for some Vietnamese beef noodles this weekend with the wifey!
Filed under: I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, directing, documentary, fatbidin.tv, film, internet, new media, video blog | Tags: documentary, Fat Bidin Presents..., fat bidin tv, fatbidin.tv, feminism, film, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, krue se mosque, malay, malaysia, media, muallafs, muslim, pattani, terrorism, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, web video, zan azlee
Even more new episodes on FATBIDIN.TV!
FAT BIDIN PRESENTS…
THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY
Part 8 of 15
Muallafs in Thailand!
And stupid me forgot to post Part 7 of 15 here!
Part 7 of 15
Good little girl who memorizes all her essential prayers!
Go and watch lah! Please?!?
Filed under: The Malaysian Insider, internet, journalism, lecture, new media, writing | Tags: solo journalism, The Malaysian Insider, video journalism, zan azlee
Here’s my latest column in The Malaysian Insider. Let’s all get rich!!!
Eking out a living solo-journalism style
DEC 15 — Can you make a living by making videos as a solo-journalist? How do you survive? Is it enough?
I’ve been asked these questions many times and my answer has been the same all his while. Yes, of course you can make a living making videos. Then the next few follow questions are usually how, where and how much.
And my answer is always the same too, which is, it is definitely enough. [Click to read the rest of the article]
Filed under: The Malaysian Insider, internet, journalism, new media, writing | Tags: mobile phone, solo journalism, The Malaysian Insider, video journalism, zan azlee
I’m on a roll with this solo-journalism thing! Read my latest column in The Malaysian Insider today!
Get your phones out and start shooting the news!
DEC 9 — If the merits of solo-journalism were my cause last week, I’ll deal with an offshoot this week; the mobile phone camera as a device to record news stories. Now try to remember when you last saw very grainy and shaky video news footage on television. I bet you can’t (but I do remember the hot issue about CCTV footage of a politician in a hotel room with an unidentified woman who was not his wife!) [Click to read the whole article]
Filed under: I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, P1 W1MAX, directing, documentary, fatbidin.tv, film, internet, journalism, new media, video blog | Tags: documentary, Fat Bidin Presents..., fat bidin tv, fatbidin.tv, feminism, film, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, krue se mosque, malay, malaysia, media, muslim, pattani, terrorism, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, web video, zan azlee
New episodes on FATBIDIN.TV!
FAT BIDIN PRESENTS…
THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY
Part 6 of 15
There’s an abandoned village (many actually!) where all the villagers have left and gone to Malaysia
THE P1 NET SHOW
Episode 6 – Unboxing of the P1 DV230 (Part 1 & 2)
Know what a P1 DV230 is? It’s all explained in the unboxing.
Filed under: The Malaysian Insider, broadcast, documentary, fatbidin.tv, film, internet, journalism, new media | Tags: solo journalism, The Malaysian Insider, video journalism, zan azlee
Below is an excerpt of my latest column in The Malaysian Insider. I’ve been practicing and advocating it for years! So listen to me people!
Let’s all go solo-journalism!
DEC 1 — I first heard or read about solo-journalism about four years ago. It was the buzz word at that time, especially in the television news industry in the United Kingdom.
Some of the first few practitioners included Sean Langan, Sean McAllister, David Dunkley Gyimah and Kevin Sites. Their work would air on the BBC, Channel Four and even at film festivals. Some were even nominated for BAFTAs and Emmies.
I was so enthralled I gave it a try. Now almost all of my documentaries and news are in the solo-journalism style. [Click to read the full article]
Filed under: I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, P1 W1MAX, directing, documentary, fatbidin.tv, film, internet, journalism, new media, video blog | Tags: documentary, Fat Bidin Presents..., fat bidin tv, fatbidin.tv, feminism, film, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, krue se mosque, malay, malaysia, media, muslim, pattani, terrorism, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, web video, zan azlee
It’s new episodes on FATBIDIN.TV yet again! Nothing is holding us back!
FAT BIDIN PRESENTS…
THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY
Part 5 of 15
The Krue Se Mosque is the oldest mosque in Pattani at 500 years old. It’s seen some bloody times.
THE P1 NET SHOW
Episode 5 – Unboxing of the Wiggy
Know what a Wiggy is? It’s all explained in the unboxing.
Filed under: broadcast, directing | Tags: fat bidin, the biggest loser asia, zan azlee
All you Fat Bidin peeps in the house!
I’ve been busy the past month (and will be busy till Christmas 2009) on a particular TV show… THE BIGGEST LOSER ASIA. Yup… I’m one of the (many) producers on the team. I can’t say much about it right now, but I can say this… it’s DA BOOOOMMBB!
First episode will air at 8:30pm on Tuesday (24th November 2009) on the Hallmark Channel (702 on ASTRO). Then just keep on watching every week!
Filed under: I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, P1 W1MAX, broadcast, directing, documentary, fatbidin.tv, film, internet, journalism, new media, video blog | Tags: censorship, documentary, Fat Bidin Presents..., fat bidin tv, fatbidin.tv, feminism, film, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, malay, malaysia, media, michael lai, muslim, pattani, terrorism, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, web video, zan azlee
It’s FATBIDIN.TV update time! If you ain’t sick of it yet… that means I haven’t spammed you enough! Hahaha!
FAT BIDIN PRESENTS…
THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY
Part 4 of 15
Zan attends a marriage course in Pattani. Apparently, 31 is too late if you want to get married! And the film is still banned in Malaysia.
WE THE PEOPLE… Chatting with academicians about media censorship
Censorship… we never get tired talking about it.
THE P1 NET SHOW
Episode 4 – QTM… and Michael Lai singing!
QTM is when the P1 team gets together and finds out what is going on with everything. It’s also an excuse for a little rock star fantasy!
Filed under: P1 W1MAX, broadcast, directing, documentary, fatbidin.tv, film, internet, journalism, new media, video blog | Tags: documentary, Fat Bidin Presents..., fat bidin tv, fatbidin.tv, feminism, film, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, malay, malaysia, muslim, pattani, terrorism, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, web video, zan azlee
Dayyummm people!! More brand new episodes on FATBIDIN.TV!!!
FAT BIDIN PRESENTS…
THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY
More episodes of the banned-in-Malaysia film! The third sees me going to the Pattani morning market and being bullied by a bunch of women. Go watch it here.
WE THE PEOPLE…
Chatting with the Cyber Chicken Proprietor
Have you heard of ‘Cyber Chicken’? No, it’s not a spin-off of Seth Green’s ‘Robot Chicken’! Curious? Watch it here.
THE P1 NET SHOW
Datacom
The third episode tests the vocal capabilities of P1’s CEO , Michael Lai. That dude is like a Malaysian Robbie Williams! Watch it here.
Join the FATBIDIN.TV Facebook fan page by clicking here.
Filed under: I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, P1 W1MAX, broadcast, directing, documentary, fatbidin.tv, film, internet, journalism, new media, video blog | Tags: documentary, fat bidin, fat bidin tv, fatbidin.tv, film, heading to the border, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, malaysia, muslim, pattani, terrorism, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, web video, zan azlee
How are my peeps doing? Fatbidin.tv has had a great start and is continuing in it’s second week! The three fledgling shows all have new episodes that are freaking ball-tearers!
1. FAT BIDIN PRESENTS…
THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY
What can I say? It’s my banned-in-Malaysia film getting a life online! The second episode sees me finding out the truth in the rumour that the Islamic militants are getting their funding from Tom Yam restaurants in Malaysia. Go watch it here.
2. WE THE PEOPLE…
Chatting with Indonesians in Malaysia (about that whole culture-stealing debacle!)
The show that gives a voice to the people sees some Indonesians living in Malaysia commenting on the recent spat between the two countries about stealing each other’s heritage and culture. Watch and start pointing fingers here.
3. THE P1 NET SHOW
The Social Media Club
The second episode gets a bit nerdy. A bunch of guys (and gals) who socialize online get together for real… at the Social Media Club! Watch it here.
Come on guys! Fatbidin.tv is the place to be!
Filed under: I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, P1 W1MAX, broadcast, directing, documentary, fatbidin.tv, film, internet, journalism, new media, video blog | Tags: documentary, fat bidin, fat bidin tv, fatbidin.tv, film, heading to the border, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, malaysia, muslim, pattani, terrorism, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, web video, zan azlee
The Fat Bidin Media team (Believe it or not, we have a team!) has embarked on a new project called FATBIDIN.TV. It’s a free online video channel which will have different types of shows/series. To start off, we have three new shows
1. FAT BIDIN PRESENTS...
A series which will host long form documentaries. The first season will feature a serialised version of my banned-in-Malaysia documentary THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY (aka: I’M MUSLIM TOO! HEADING TO THE BORDER). Click here to watch.
2. WE THE PEOPLE
A video show where we hear from the common man (and woman!). The first episode sees us chatting with UMNO ‘delegates’ at the 2009 UMNO General Assembly. Click here to watch.
3. THE P1 NET SHOW
A reality series which looks at the goings-on of P1, Malaysia’s first WIMAX Internet company. Click here to watch.
So peeps… make sure you log on to FATBIDIN.TV and bookmark it for regular visits. And also join the Fat Bidin TV Facebook Fan Page. Thanks for the support guys! I know you all love me! I love me too! Muahaha!
