KUALA LUMPUR: MLABS Systems Bhd's unit Multimedia Research Lab Sdn Bhd (MRL) plans to assist Beijing-based content creation company helmed by Walter McDaniel, a former Marvel lead artist for Deathlok and Deadpool, to create international intellectual properties (IPs).
In a media statement, Mlabs said MRL had signed an agreement with Red Dragon Media Ltd to bring innovative IPs to China and Malaysia for the expansion and evolution of Malaysia’s animation and augmented reality businesses.
McDaniel, Red Dragon’s chief executive officer and chief creative director, will lead the initiative.
Born and raised in West Harlem, New York City, McDaniel not only pencilled Deathlok and Deadpool but also a member of the creative team that worked on characters such as Captain America, X-Men, Spider-Man and Wolverine.
“McDaniel is now headlining his dream to create his own IP, determined to bring original, Chinese products on to the international platform,” Mlabs said.
Mlabs said through the agreement, Red Dragon would build up local creative teams, create pipelines and talent with international presence via an office to be headquartered in Petaling Jaya.
Red Dragon would also look into building up local cultural projects to drive tourism growth and international interest in local projects, it added.
Part of this collaboration is researching of establishing specialised vocational academy for graduates in art and graphic design the opportunity to further career with practical experience.
“What better working experience can a person ask for if they get a chance to also culturally experience working in China and Malaysia?” McDaniel was quoted as saying
Among MRL’s roles, according to Mlabs' announcement to Bursa Malaysia, will be to provide 20,000 sq ft of information technology and computing space with multimedia video conferencing and peripheral hardware support, which includes computers, servers and high-speed Internet connection.
It will also assist Red Dragon in local administrative matters such as application and submission of production materials for governmental approval and subsidy under the rebate support under the Film in Malaysia incentive.
Furthermore, MRL will provide contribution in work visa sponsorship for international artists and industry experts to enhance the studio work as well as to transfer their skills to Malaysians.
Mlabs said the creation of premium quality content was key to the progression of MRL’s cutting-edge technology by combining rich media content with augmented reality video streaming.
“The dream team is to allow for ideas and talent-exchange between these highly-experienced international professionals and homegrown artists. MRL will also be providing up to 20,000 sq ft office space with the necessary technology and equipment to realise this opportunity,” it added.
Mlabs said a definitive business collaboration agreement setting out the revenue and cost sharing arrangements would be inked after both parties have agreed on their respective annual operating budgets and financial forecasts.
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