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Popcon Asia opens door for collaboration, talent scouting
Enjoy the show: A visitor watches a 360-degree movie at the Popcon Asia 2015 event in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday
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Enjoy the show: A visitor watches a 360-degree movie at the Popcon Asia 2015 event in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday. Hundreds of creative industry players like comic creators, graphic artists, animators, toy creators and movie industry producers are taking part in the convention, which will run until Monday. (JP/Seto Wardhana) (JP/Seto Wardhana)
Enjoy the show: A visitor watches a 360-degree movie at the Popcon Asia 2015 event in Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday. Hundreds of creative industry players like comic creators, graphic artists, animators, toy creators and movie industry producers are taking part in the convention, which will run until Monday. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
In its fourth year, Popcon Asia has evolved into a hub for local talent seeking partnerships and aiming to pursue careers in animation, comics, gaming and film.
Kicked off on Friday at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), the three-day Popcon 2015 offers workshops, an exhibition and talk shows with noted animators and filmmakers.
French animator Pierre Méloni, the creator of popular cartoon Oggy and the Cockroaches, will share his experience with scores of aspiring animators.
For those who want to hone their scriptwriting skills, noted Indonesian scriptwriter Salman Aristo is holding a workshop on storytelling.
This year's Popcon Asia offers something new to visitors, said the event's founder Grace Kusnadi.
'We have a portfolio review session, where creators can meet producers or production houses and offer their talents,' she said, adding that 177 companies and studios were taking part in the event, which aims to attract 35,000 visitors.
In the session, each creator has 15 minutes to show their works to executives of Malaysia-based animation firm Giggle Garage, Reon Comics, animation consulting firm Moutarde & Wasabi, publishing company Bukune, Studio Zoo and MNC Animation.
They are looking for animators, comic 3D and visual effect artists and story developers.
In Friday's session, Giggle Garage studio manager Mastura Yunan interviewed six applicants. 'We knew Indonesia has a lot of talent. Two hours of portfolio reviews was very short, so we are continuing it here,' said Yunan, who prepared pens and paper at the company's booth for an additional portfolio review session.
Agate, a game developer from Bandung, West Java, is also utilizing the event to spot new talent.
Another Bandung-based firm, Octagon Studio, aims to introduce its 4D+ cards to a wider audience. If projected through an application on an smartphone, the 3D animation and sound of an animal are seen emerging from the cards.
The cards, marketed as learning tools for children, have been marketed in Indonesia, the UK, US and Australia.
'Since being released in March, we have sold 50,000 cards and the app has been downloaded 70,000 times,' Stella Setiyadi of Octagon said.
Grace noted that several animation studios from Malaysia, Singapore and France were hoping to forge partnerships with local talent attending Popcon Asia.
On the mainstage, actress Wulan Guritno talked about her upcoming film I am Hope, while the producers of drama Filosofi Kopi (Coffee Philosophy) announced a sequel titled Ben & Jody.
Film producer Yudhie Fardhani showcased The Road, which he claims to be Indonesia's first 360- degree movie.
Using virtual reality glasses, viewers are taken inside a car and terrorized by local ghosts for four minutes. Another version of the film brings viewers into a session with a shaman.
'We want to introduce this technology and open network. We believe that 360° movies have potential because YouTube recently provided a feature to upload such movies,' Yudhie said.
South Korean comic artist Seok Woo and Indonesians Faza Meonk and Sweta Kartika shared their experiences in creating Webtoon comics for communication app Line.
'I expect to see the latest games,' Andi, a university student majoring in design and visual communications said. 'It is quite fun in here, many local artists introduce their newest comics and characters.'
World famous action-adventure game, Assassin's Creed, made its Southeast Asia debut with a demonstration of its latest game, Assassin's Creed Syndicate, at the event. The game will be released on Oct. 23.
Gamers tried the demo on PS4 consoles provided at a booth.
'As an Assassin's Creed fan, I am satisfied with the demo. It has excellent graphics,' Gema, who regularly posts YouTube videos on gaming, said.
