Astro partners Les’ Copaque for distribution and marketing of animation content

Astro Malaysia Holdings have tied up with animation company Les’ Copaque Production for content sharing, distribution and marketing of animation content produced by Les’ Copaque. The partnership aims to combine the expertise and media assets of both companies to strengthen the local and regional animation industry.As part of the partnership, Les' Copaque’s animation content IPs namely Upin & Ipin, Upin & Ipin Iqra, Pada Zaman Dahulu and Puteri, will be available to both Astro and NJOI audiences across the TV and OTT platforms including on-ground events. Exclusive merchandise of those shows will also be available on Go Shop, and various fan activities will also be carried out to reward loyal consumers under Astro Circle.The first joint project will be the Karnival Upin & Ipin 2018, which will run from 20 to 23 December 2018. An upcoming project between both parties will include the Upin & Ipin - Keris Siamang Tunggal movie, which will premiere in March 2019 and see Astro being an exclusive media partner.Putri Yasmin Megat Zaharuddin, vice president, GenNext Astro, said the company is committed to entertaining and making learning fun and creative for younger viewers through a rich variety of family and educational content."Our close collaboration with Les’ Copaque will increase Upin & Ipin content slate not only in Malaysia but also in Asean countries such as Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei. I believe the combined expertise and sharing of media asset between the two companies will create waves in the local and regional animation industry, and at the same time optimising returns on investment in content IPs," he said.Tuan Haji Burhanuddin Md. Radzi, managing director of Les' Copaque Production, said, "We are confident our collaboration with Astro has transformed the business model of the creative industry, whereby the producer works closely with the broadcaster to determine the direction and business strategies of key areas including content, marketing, target market and development of new markets. The success of the 'Upin & Ipin' animation not only contributes to the development of the local animation industry but also paves the way for business partnerships that leverage on each other strength to further grow Malaysia’s economy.”