Outpost Productions caters to a wide audience of Geek Pop Culture in Malaysia recognising that geeky fans are often passionate on not just one but multiple fandoms. In our ideal world, Star Wars fans and Trekkies peacefully co-exist. Same with comic book geeks who love both Marvel and DC. We publish geeky content here and support local pop culture events with fan engagements and coverage. MTFBWY and Live Long & Prosper!
OUTPOST Productions wishes our valued clients, friends, and fans:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As we commence 2018, we like a reflect briefly on our journey in 2017 and how these experiences would shape the new year.
Speaking Geek
In November 2017, Outpost organised our first conference titled "The Growing Influence of Geek Pop Culture and How to Profit from It" as part of the Comic Play festival in Publika Shopping Gallery. Geeks from various fan communities spoke first sharing what they wanted for the local geek pop culture scene, then followed by industry panelists speaking on the opportunities available via partnerships with movies, fan engagements at the cinema, and growing hobby interests.
Industry panelists from United International Pictures, TGV Cinemas and ShiokToys.com.
Geek panelists from Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club, POP Culture Fun and Comic Fiesta.
Our Outpost Commander also facilitated fan panel discussions for Ghost in the Shell collaborating once again with Comic Fiesta, and sharing of Star Wars fandom at The Force is 40 fan event in Sunway Pyramid.
Panelists from BFM, Comic Fiesta and The Hyped Geek discuss Ghost in the Shell.
Star Wars 40th Anniversary fan panel at The Force is 40 event in Sunway Pyramid.
Outpost table at The Force is 40 with charity raffle raising RM422 for the Spastic Children's Association of Selangor & Federal Territory (SCASFT)
Our resident Vulcan Mr. Smock (right) talking about Star Trek at KL Sci-Fi Convention 2017.
Thanks to the nice folks at the movie distributors and cinemas, local cosplayers had occasion to show off their love of geeky fandoms at Movie Premieres for a number of superhero franchises.
Try counting all these Spideys at a special Fan Screening for Spider-man Homecoming hosted at mmCineplex e@Curve.
Star-Lords and friends assembled for Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 at MBO Starling.
The Mighty Thor with half-brother & sister Loki plus Dr. Banner with Mr. Dr. Strange at the Premiere of Thor Ragnarok at GSC Mid Valley Megamall.
This year we will be looking unite the largest gathering of Marvel superhero cosplayers in conjunction with release of Avengers Infinity War in late-April.
Gru together with his Minions delighting the young and young at heart for Despicable Me 3.
The Smurfs returned for their third movie outing.
Gene and Poop from one of the stranger animation flicks, The Emoji Movie.
Experiencing a Slice of the Movies
Last year Outpost were also involved with a number of promotional activities for blockbuster movies. We kicked off an early summer hit with racing simulation tournament for Fast & Furious 8 at TGV Cinemas. Then we shot a thematic video for sci-fi horror flick, Alien Covenant.
Finalists for the Furious Showdown racing simulation tournament by TGV Cinemas.
Warning! Alien xenomorphs are infesting your cinemas! #FacehuggerAttack.
Closing the year at Comic Fiesta, we setup a thematic "jungle" photo booth for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and had convention attendees try to Outrun the Maze in challenges inspired from Maze Runner: The Death Cure (in cinemas 25 January 2018).
Bringing a bit of Jumanji's jungle for Comic Fiesta attendees to photo shoot.
Recruiting Gladers to outrun the maze via game App and X-trainer running machine.
Beaming In Mr. Smock, Vulcan Cultural Officer
In the latter half of 2017, Mr. Smock of Vulcan beamed in to observe geeky human pop culture and has since conducted a number of YouTube video reviews about movies and geek collectibles.
Outpost resident Vulcan Mr. Smock talks about geek pop culture with human guests.
Thank you for being part of the journey with us at Outpost Productions. This year we will continue our mission to terraform the Geek Pop Culture landscape in Malaysia through thematic engagements with local fandoms. For corporate clientele, Outpost Productions offers Geek Consulting supported by on-ground events implementation.
In the not so distance past, geeks were marginalised rejects of society for their interests in underground subcultures, aptitude in emerging technologies, or apparent social awkwardness. Now well into the 21st century, former subcultures like comic books and science fiction have since become mainstream pop culture whilst using the latest smart technologies at our literal fingertips is now seen to be cool. Geeks are no longer labels to be ashamed of and many are indeed pinnacles of modern society behind some of today's iconic brands. Many people now outwardly profess themselves a Geek in celebration of their specialised interests or like-minded fandoms with fellow Geeks.
It's cool to be Geek!
Marvel's Avengers. Star Wars. Star Trek. Game of Thrones. Beginning as geeky subcultures, within a generation these franchises have since been elevated to mainstream pop culture with millions of fans worldwide. Therefore the industry of modern Geek Pop Culture is now worth billions and continues to grow.
Comic Fiesta, Malaysia's largest fan convention, is attended by upto 50,000 geeks & otakus annually.
In this conference, hear from the Geeks themselves what motivates their fandoms and what they want to spend their hard earned cash on. Then listen to industry panelists sharing ideas on how local businesses may leverage on their franchises to potentially profit from the fans of Geek Pop Culture. Corporate management & executives, SME owners, event organisers and entrepreneurs are invited to attend.
VENUE
Black Box theatre, MAPKL @ Publika
Shopping Gallery
Level G2-01, Block A5, Solaris Dutamas,
No 1, Jalan Dutamas 1,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
DATE
Tuesday 14 November 2017
AGENDA
1.45pm Doors open to Black Box & Registration
2.15pm Welcome & opening remarks
2.30pm PANEL: What Geeks Want
3.30pm Coffee break
4.00pm PANEL: Leveraging from Geek Franchises
5.00pm Questions & Answers session
5.30pm End conference
7.30pm Geek Night Out Movie Screening: Man of Steel* (see below)
Outpost Commander Richard Chua (right) speaks to Jeff Sandhu of BFM Enterprise about Geek Pop Culture
This conference and movie screening are organised by Outpost Productions as part of Publika'sComic Play, a week-long carnival from 14-19 November 2017 of hobby-centric activities by local special-interest communities. This shared platform brings together artists, performers, art galleries, and NGOs to update on the latest trends, exchange ideas, connect with each other. Comic Play will be staged at four locations within Publika: Boulevard (red & blue zones), The Square, Black Box and White Box. Each location will have its own designated activities that include Art Exhibitions, Mini Collectors Library, Movie Screening, Panel Talks, Bazaar, Stage performances, Retro Gaming Experience, Artists Alley, Cosplay Costume Contest, and Tabletop Games. Get the updates on these activities direct from the official Comic Play Facebook Event.
What Geeks Want
Now that geeks no
longer feel the need to figuratively "hide in the closet",
many geeks are indeed proud to express their fandoms as well as share
their enthusiasm with the public. Whilst geeky merchandise often
satisfies the immediate want to own a piece of their fandom,
geeking-out also involves sharing such passions with fellow fans at
events such as conventions like Comic Fiesta, Comiket and San Diego
Comic-Con. Hear from these representatives of local fan communities
on what motivates their love of geek pop culture and how they seek to
engage with their fandoms.
Panelists:
Sanjiv Indran, Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club (SWMFC)
An avid traveler, naturalist and Star Wars Geek, Sanjiv Indran channels his passion for Science Fiction into engineering simple, sustainable solutions at Engineers without Borders Malaysia, to help empower Humanity one underprivileged community at a time. Sanjiv holds position of Honarary Secretary for Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club (SWMFC), a nonprofit organization registered with the Malaysian Registrar of Societies run by fans for fellow fans.
Allen Yap, Pop Culture Fun - Malaysia
Growing up in the 80s, Allen Yap was drawn to geeky pop culture through video games and comic books, closely following Transformers, G.I.Joe, The Punisher, Ghost Rider and Captain America from Marvel Comics. These fueled his interest in toy collecting which remains till this day. He started cosplaying in 2006 and founded the Heroes (TV series) Fan Community Malaysia with support from Star World. This series together with launch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe marked the rebirth of the Superhero narrative in mainstream entertainment media and reignited Allen's inner geek. He blogs & vlogs about toys, comic books, and video games on his Facebook channel Pop Culture Fun - Malaysia.
Hew Shin Chien, Comic Fiesta
Comic Fiesta has been the heart of Malaysia's Animation, Comics and Games (ACG) community since 2002, most well-known for its trademark event every December in Klang Valley. Beyond being a convention for fans of the ACG culture, Comic Fiesta through its various activities spearheads the development of various creative-based areas, such as creative entrepreneurship, illustration, comic industry and cosplay in Malaysia. The most recent Comic Fiesta in 2016 gathered over 45,000+ youths and ACG enthusiasts together in one of the most happening festivals in Malaysia.
Panel moderator: Umapagan Ampikaipakan, BFM89.9
Listeners of BFM89.9 would be well acquianted with Umapagan Ampikaipakan. Uma (as he is fondly known) is a journalist and cultural commentator. From newsprint to the world wide web as well as radio & television, he contemplates everything from the idiosyncrasies of Malaysian politics to his unnatural obsession with the written word. His long running radio show, Bookmark on BFM89.9, is Malaysia's pre-eminent broadcast on all things book related. He is also a film critic with At the Movies and the co-host of BFM89.9's drive time radio show, The Evening Edition.
Leveraging from Geek Franchises
The boom in Geek Pop Culture over the last decade has offered numerous opportunities for corporates and entrepreneurs to cash-in on the billions of dollars spent by geeks on their fandoms. These include many local businesses that have leveraged off popular geek franchises like Transformers, Star Trek, Marvel's Avengers, etc. Representatives from the film entertainment industry will share ideas on creating new business opportunities associated to geek pop culture in Malaysia.
Panelists:
Kara Lee, United International Pictures
For over 15 years, Kara Lee has been responsible for marketing film products from Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures. Mega-blockbusters under her helm include Malaysia's highest grossing titles from the Transformers and Fast & Furious franchises. She is directly involved in identifying, pitching and managing third-party brand and media partnerships, in addition to managing promotions and publicity for films released under both Studios.
Kara is Marketing Director at United International Pictures, Malaysia.
James Andrew Chong, TGV Cinemas
James Andrew Chong has been a fanboy for all things pop-culture, cult, sci-fi & everything “nerdy” for as long as he can remember. Citing Star Trek & sci-fi as his source of inspiration, he is basically a fan of everything “imaginative” from growing up with music, movies, comics and classic 80's TV shows. He has been in the cinema industry for the past 13 years working with both GSC & TGV and still never gets bored of sitting in the cinema auditorium watching & re-watching movies again & again on the BIG screen.
James holds position of Manager - Content Strategy at TGV Cinemas.
Kelvin Loke, ShiokToys Collectibles
A fanboy at heart, Kelvin Loke's indulges in his geek passion as an avid collector of premium pop culture collectibles. His hobby evolved into business when he took over the reins of Shioktoys Collectibles 7 years ago. Since then Shioktoys Collectibles has grown to be a leading distributior and retailer for premium pop culture memorabilia such as licensed statues and busts from renown brands like Sideshow Collectibles, Hot Toys, and XM Studio. Kelvin's business philosophy of "by collectors, for collectors" means clearly understanding what geeks want and how to cater to those needs in his niche market.
Panel moderator: Richard Chua, Outpost Productions
For the last 30 years, Richard Chua has been a sci-fi geek with interests in Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, etc. He also enjoys delving into superhero and fantasy genres from Marvel and Lord of the Rings respectively. His passion into geek pop culture is often reflected in his compulsion to collect memorabilia and interest in cosplay. Since 2015, he has been an avid explorer of major pop culture conventions like San Diego Comic-Con to meet his sci-fi idols. Richard's day-job involves geek consulting, entertainment marketing and event services.
REGISTRATION
Ticketed event by online registration only via our listing on Eventbrite:
Admission Fee, RM50 per pax
Who should attend?
Corporate management & executives, SME key decision-makers, event organisers & agencies, entrepreneurs, business media. (Qualified Attendees)
OUTPOST GIVEAWAY
For Qualified Attendees, we giving out five (5) pairs of General Admission tickets worth RM100/- via our Facebook Page contest. Follow these few steps to participate:
1. Like this announcement post and our Facebook Page Outpost Productions.
2. Share this post and write " I want to make more $$$ from Geek Pop Culture. Join me to learn how! #GeekConferenceMY #OutpostGiveaway "
3. On the event listing choose either Going or Interested to stay informed on updates.
Contest closes Friday, 10 November 2017, 11.59pm. Winners will notified by our Facebook Page with further instructions for registration; credentials may be requested as qualified attendees.
Terms and Conditions for Registration:
Admission to event is subject to completed registration and payment as registered attendees. Walk-in admission is subject to availability of seating.
No refund will be given for no-show by registered attendees. However, registered attendees who are unable to attend may nominate a substitute by contacting organiser at crew@outpost.com.my before 12 November 2017.
The organiser will take every reasonable effort to deliver the event agenda. However to to circumstances that may be beyond reasonable control, the organiser reserves the right to revise event agenda and/or panelists without penalty or refund to registered attendees.
In the unlikely event of cancellation on the scheduled date by unforeseen circumstances, registered attendees will be first offerred the option to attend rescheduled event, or receive refund of admission fee.
* Note: Geek Night Out Movie Screening for Man of Steel is FREE for all convention attendees and public but a separately ticketed event. Register in advance via Eventbrite as seating priority will be given to registered attendees.
Outpost Productions caters to a wide audience of Geek Pop Culture in Malaysia recognising that geeky fans are often passionate on not just one but multiple fandoms. In our ideal world, Star Wars fans and Trekkies peacefully co-exist. Same with comic book geeks who love both Marvel and DC. Our social media channels publish and share geeky content plus support local pop culture events with fan engagements and coverage.
For corporate clientele, Outpost Productions offers Geek Consulting supported by on-ground events implementation. For over a decade we have provided solutions for thematic marketing and promotions aimed at retail customers. Our clients include leading brands in film distribution, cinemas, toys and entertainment services.
May The Force Be With You and Live Long & Prosper!
The Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) is now expanding our intel with video reviews of current geeky pop culture films and TV as well as scouting local events and unboxing collectibles. Our videos are hosted on YouTube under MySciFiFan Outpost and presented by our resident Vulcan cultural observer, Mr. Smock, with Malaysian Raymond Cooland other guests.
Mr Smock from Vulcan on mission here for cultural observations of human pop culture.
Subscribe to us on YouTube for instant notification of new videos or stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter channels under Outpost Productions.
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Movie & TV Reactions:
Kingsman The Golden Circle
Marvel's The Inhumans (IMAX)
Game of Thrones Season 7 Finale
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TV Series Review: Netflix Marvel's The Defenders
Official Synopsis:
Marvel's The Defenders follows Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. A quartet of singular heroes with one common goal - to save New York City. This is the story of four solitary figures, burdened with their own personal challenges, who realize they just might be stronger when teamed together.
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Movie Review: Netflix Death Note (2017)
Official Synopsis:
A high school student named, Light Turner, discovers a mysterious notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages and launches a secret crusade to rid the world of criminals.
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Movie Review:GINTAMA live-action movie (2017)
Official Synopsis:
From beetle hunting to the search for the world’s deadliest sword… Who said life as a yorozuya is easy?
After the aliens, known as the Amanto 天人, invaded and conquered Edo Japan, a ban on swords is enforced and the samurai are treated with disdain. Gintoki Sakata (Shun Oguri 小栗旬), a former samurai once feared as the “White Demon” 白夜叉 in battle, now operates a yorozuya (odd jobs house) with his friends Shinpachi Shimura (Masaki Suda 菅田将晖) and Kagura (Kanna Hashimoto 桥本环奈).
One day, Gintoki receives a job request from a swordsmith to find a cursed sword known as the Benizakura 红樱. During his search, Gintoki traces the cursed sword to a notorious killer, Nizo “The Butcher” Okada (Hirofumi Arai 新井浩文). He discovers that Nizo is affiliated to his old comrade, Shinsuke Takasugi (Tsuyoshi Domoto 堂本刚), who is leading the extremist group Kiheitai (鬼兵队) to plot a coup d'état in the shadows. Will Gintoki and his band of unlikely heroes be able to stop Takasugi and restore peace to their home?
With over 51 million copies sold in Japan alone, the long-awaited GINTAMA 银魂 live-action adaptation is finally arriving on the big screen. Directed by comic-action specialist Yuichi Fukuda 福田雄一 of the HK FORBIDDEN SUPERHERO series, the film features a star-studded cast that includes Shun Oguri小栗旬, Masaki Suda 菅田将晖 and Kanna Hashimoto 桥本环奈
Here's the Outpost Movie Recon 2 sen review of Gintama:
Gintama is now in showing in selected TGV Cinemas, which is also giving out a free movie poster for every 2 tickets purchased.
The world's top protection agent is called upon to guard the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world's most notorious hit men. The relentless bodyguard and manipulative assassin have been on the opposite end of the bullet for years and are thrown together for a wildly outrageous 24 hours. During their journey from England to the Hague, they encounter high-speed car chases, outlandish boat escapades and a merciless Eastern European dictator who is out for blood.
This action comedy film stars Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool, Green Lantern) as bodyguard Michael Bryce and Samuel L Jackson (Avengers, Pulp Fiction) as hitman Darius Kincaid. The film is directed by Patrick Huges (The Expendables 3) and also features Gary Oldman, Elodie Yung, and Salma Hayek.
This movie was reviewed from on the Malaysian Movie Premiere, rated 18+ for presumably violence and profanity. Here's what Mr. Smock and Mr. Raymond had to say:
The Hitman's Bodyguard is now showing in Malaysian cinemas nationwide. Stay tuned to Rainfilm for their upcoming movies.
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Geek Recon:
Star Wars Force Friday II Midnight Launch
Scouted by Vulcan Jedi Smock
Unboxing of Hasbro Star Wars Poe Dameron electronic helmet
Reviewed by Mr Smock with King Yoong of Rebel Legion Malaysia Outpost
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Bookmark this blog as we continue to report on other recon and intel from the Malaysian geeky pop culture scene.
