Kuala Lumpur, 25 August 2024 – The highly anticipated press conference for The Forge Malaysia, an intensive 12-day bootcamp for aspiring filmmakers, took place last night at GSC Lalaport, Kuala Lumpur. The event, held from 6 PM to 8 PM, featured none other than acclaimed Tamil filmmaker Venkat Prabhu, the Masterclass Ambassador for The Forge KL.

Director Prabhu, known for his upcoming movie The GOAT starring Tamil superstar Vijay, joined a panel of distinguished guests to introduce The Forge Malaysia, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative journey for participants eager to break into the film industry. His presence electrified the atmosphere, as he shared his vision for empowering new generations of filmmakers in Malaysia and beyond.

The press conference opened with a warm welcome from Prem Anan, CEO of Clever Desk, the organizing company behind The Forge Malaysia. Prem highlighted the unique opportunities the program offers, emphasizing that it is not just another filmmaking course, but a holistic, team- building experience designed to develop the skills required for the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

One of the key attractions of The Forge Malaysia is its HRDF claimable certification, making it an accessible and valuable investment for individuals and companies alike. The program is tailored to meet international standards while addressing the unique needs of the Malaysian film industry, further enhancing its relevance and impact.

Venkat Prabhu took the stage to share his excitement about his involvement with The Forge KL, stating, “I am thrilled to be a part of this initiative. The passion and talent I see in aspiring filmmakers here in Malaysia are immense, and I look forward to guiding them in their journey. Filmmaking is not just about creating movies; it’s about crafting stories that connect with people, and this program is designed to foster that creativity.”

The event featured a lively Q&A session where the program’s structure, goals, and impact on the local film industry were discussed. Panelists also included Rahul Reddy from LevelUp Learning, The Forge’s official training provider, who spoke on the educational aspects and international standards the program adheres to.

The Forge Malaysia offers unmatched value, which includes:

• Comprehensive Training: Hands-on learning covering all aspects of film production, from screenwriting and directing to editing and post-production.
• Exclusive Access to High-End Equipment: Participants will use professional-grade filmmaking equipment, ensuring they gain practical, industry-relevant experience.
• Accommodation and All Meals: Fully catered meals and accommodation are provided throughout the 8-day offline program, ensuring participants can focus entirely on their creative journey.
• Expert Guidance: Direct mentorship and masterclasses from renowned filmmakers and industry experts
• Industry Certification: A certification upon completion, adding weight to your portfolio.
• Handbook & Course Materials: Comprehensive resources, including a detailed filmmaking handbook and course materials, to support learning both during and after the program.
• HRDF Claimable: Eligible companies can claim the program under HRDF, making it not only a high-value investment but also more financially accessible for businesses looking to upskill their employees.

In addition, participants will gain access to The Forge’s exclusive community, offering ongoing networking opportunities and career support long after the course concludes.

Program Timeline:

• Virtual Classes (25 – 28 November 2024): Interactive 4-day online sessions that lay the theoretical groundwork for filmmaking.
• Physical Bootcamp (2 – 9 December 2024): A hands-on, intensive 8-day workshop in Kuala Lumpur, where participants will create their own short film with industry- standard equipment and expert supervision.

A key highlight of the program is the involvement of Andrew Boey, a renowned Malaysian cinematographer and founder of Beyond Photography Academy. With extensive experience in commercial photography and filmmaking, Andrew has trained over 20,000 students and worked with top brands like PETRONAS and Maybank. As a reviewer at The Forge KL, Andrew will provide valuable feedback on participants’ short films, offering expert insights and adding immense value to the bootcamp.

In closing, Prem Anan reiterated his vision for The Forge, saying, “This bootcamp will not only be a learning experience but also a stepping stone for participants to break into the competitive film industry. “The Forge is designed as a platform where budding filmmakers can showcase their talent and creativity, making it easier for them to make inroads into the industry and build a solid foundation for their careers.”

With limited spots available and the backing of both industry experts and HRDF certification, The Forge Malaysia offers aspiring filmmakers an unmissable opportunity to kickstart their careers with top-tier resources and training.

For more information on The Forge Malaysia and to register, visit The Forge Malaysia Website or contact theforgekl@cleverdeskgroup.com.