No more Film Censorship Board. Yay or nay?
By Zan Azlee

DEC 30 — The news that the Home Ministry has decided to do away with the Film Censorship Board has definitely caught me by surprise. Apparently, the ministry has declared that now filmmakers need to practise self-censorship when it comes to their works.

As someone who has been directly affected by decisions made by the board, I’m really not too sure how to react to the news. In the past, I’ve had my films — which to my own eyes were harmless — get ridiculous ratings like 18PL. I even had a film banned two years ago for no apparent reason (by the Prime Minister’s Office, no less!).

So when the government says that the responsibility now lies with filmmakers to make sure that their films do not contain undesirable elements, what do I do? [Click to read the full article at The Malaysian Insider]

An interview with the awesome ME in August Man magazine (December 2011)!

My biggest achievement this year has been co-producing my little daughter Athena Azlee. Somehow Clive magazine just wanted to talk about my journalism… but I’ll take it anyway!! Woohoo!! Go get the December 2011 issue so you can hang my picture in your bathroom!

I recently got back from shooting my documentary in Afghanistan, GUIDE TO AFGHANISTAN: The Adventures of a KL-ite, and almost immediately was invited on Astro AWANI’s Sudut Pandang to talk about my experience reporting from one of the most dangerous countries in the world.

It’s going to be my most multimedia project yet… I filed reports for TV while I was there (Astro AWANI), wrote a feature article and photo essay for Esquire Malaysia (December 2011 issue… watch out for it!), produced a multimedia series for online news portal The Malaysian Insider (coming this week!), edited an online video series for my site FATBIDIN.COM (anytime now!), am in talks with a radio station for a radio documentary series, also in talks with a television station for a TV documentary series, writing a book… and last but definitely not least… a feature length film!

So stay tuned and prepare to have your minds blown!!

Oh… my project is still available for potential sponsorship and advertising… just give me a buzz if you are interested and we can talk!

Local broadcasters, be warned!
By Zan Azlee

NOV 18 — Beware all broadcast media professionals! Take heed of recent international media news (if you’ve been keeping abreast, of course!). This week, CNN, that great global 24-hour news network, just laid off a significant number of their staff from their offices around the United States.

Among those let go were journalists, cameramen and editors. The reason, said senior V-P Jack Womack, is the change in workflow due to current technology. An internal memo he wrote that is available online states:

“Technology investments in our newsrooms now allow more desktop editing and publishing for broadcast and online. This evolution allows more people in more places to edit and publish than ever before. As a result of these technology and workflow changes, CNN is reducing the number of media editors in our work force in Atlanta. … Consumer and prosumer technologies are simpler and more accessible. Small cameras are now high broadcast quality. More of this technology is in the hands of more people. After completing this analysis, CNN determined that some photojournalists will be departing the company.”

Apparently (obviously!), technology and the media have developed so much that what used to take whole production teams to do can now be achieved by single individuals. Surprise! Surprise! I have been preaching, and practising, this for many years now. Almost 10 years, to be exact. And people are only realising this now? [Click to read my full article at The Malaysian Insider]

I was on BERNAMA TV’s The Breakfast Club a few weeks ago (18th October 2011) to promote my book and DVD ‘OPERATION NASI KERABU: FINDING PATANI IN AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY‘. Holy crap I’m so sexy! It’s no wonder I have a legion of fans! (Please like my Facebook Page… PLEASE!!!)

Of course… the book can be found at any major bookstore at RM25 (a free DVD of my documentary comes with every purchase). And if you’re interested to purchase it online, head on to the FATBIDIN e-STORE! There are other FAT BIDIN documentaries for sale too!

I have been a regular visitor to GlobalPost, a US-based digital news agency ever since its launch in 2009.  I like the site because of it’s total multimedia method of telling stories (and also their kick-ass breaking news coverage of Muammar Gaddafi’s capture and killing in Libya!).

So… today I am happy to present to you my first piece for GobalPost! It’s a story about Clement Wong, a green architect in Kuala Lumpur who has made it his mission to convert old houses in the city into green and sustainable homes. And it is under GlobalPost’s special multimedia feature called ‘Powerland‘.

You can view my video and article by clicking on the image above or here.

FAT BIDIN PRESENTS… KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU (NEW AGE NEW VILLAGE)
Part 8 of 8 (Conclusion)
Multiracial or not… we will survive… together!

Short synopsis: Kampung Baru is a traditional Malay village situated in the heart of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Traditional Malay houses are surrounded by huge concrete and steel skyscrapers that provide a juxtaposition of modern urbanisation and customs and tradition. Zan talks to several individuals who have close ties with Kampung Baru to try and capture the essence of the village.

Click here to watch all the episodes.

KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU was screened on ntv7 in conjunction with the 2010 Merdeka celebrations. Visit the FAT BIDIN E-STORE to buy the DVD and own it for yourself!

Don’t forget to join the FAT BIDIN FACEBOOK PAGE for more life-changing experiences!

FAT BIDIN PRESENTS… KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU (NEW AGE NEW VILLAGE)
Part 7 of 8
Racial harmony? Not anymore!

Short synopsis: Kampung Baru is a traditional Malay village situated in the heart of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Traditional Malay houses are surrounded by huge concrete and steel skyscrapers that provide a juxtaposition of modern urbanisation and customs and tradition. Zan talks to several individuals who have close ties with Kampung Baru to try and capture the essence of the village.

Click here to watch all the episodes.

KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU was screened on ntv7 in conjunction with the 2010 Merdeka celebrations. Visit the FAT BIDIN E-STORE to buy the DVD and own it for yourself!

FAT BIDIN PRESENTS… KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU (NEW AGE NEW VILLAGE)
Part 6 of 8
Malays, Chinese, Indians and whomever… let’s divide them!

Short synopsis: Kampung Baru is a traditional Malay village situated in the heart of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Traditional Malay houses are surrounded by huge concrete and steel skyscrapers that provide a juxtaposition of modern urbanisation and customs and tradition. Zan talks to several individuals who have close ties with Kampung Baru to try and capture the essence of the village.

Click here to watch all the episodes.

KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU was screened on ntv7 in conjunction with the 2010 Merdeka celebrations. Visit the FAT BIDIN E-STORE to buy the DVD and own it for yourself!