KRU ventures into edutainment
Animation giant KRU Group goes all out to impart 3D cartooning edutainment to youngsters in Kidzania,
VISITORS to award-winning edutainment centre KidZania Kuala Lumpur now have another attraction to look forward to courtesy of multitalented brothers Datuk Norman, Yusry and Edry Abdul Halim, or KRU.
Specially for youngsters who have a hidden passion for creating 3D cartoons someday, the KRU Group has established the KRU Animation Creation Studio in KidZania Kuala Lumpur in Curve NX at Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya.
It encourages early stage exposure and learning of animation amongst pre-teens and primary schoolers, and equips them with “skills for the future”.
KRU Group president Norman and KidZania mayor Shahrul Nizar Ahmad launched the animation creation studio recently in an official event that was also witnessed by National Film Development Corporation (Finas) chairman Datuk Hans Isaac and its chief executive officer Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri.
LEARN LIFE TODAY
Norman said the studio amplified KidZania’s “learn life today” philosophy and their partnership with the edutainment centre “could not have happened at a better time”.
“The content creation industry has evolved and proliferated. We are thrilled to embark on this endeavour together with KidZania as this will give us an opportunity to contribute to the industry’s growth through shaping and educating the young ones.”
He added: “We cannot deny that the children of today are among the biggest content consumers and some of them are even talented creators themselves. As such, we see this partnership as a natural one and we are determined to ensure its success by infusing our industry knowledge and experience as part of the daily activities in KidZania.”
Norman also said that KRU was including its latest animated film character Zan Orang Utan into the “syllabus” of the animation creation studio.
“Daily classes will have about a dozen youngsters and KidZania guides them with ‘modules’ that befit their respective age groups. The hour-long lessons are meant to be interactive and enjoyable, and for children keen to delve deeper into animation, they have the option of joining our AfterClass programme at KRU Academy,” he said.
Norman added that children who attend the KidZania studio would have the opportunity to learn how animation is developed from the start. Activities include creating storylines and storyboards, designing and developing characters, and doing voiceover work for the characters.
ANIMATED EXPRESSION
The AfterClass programme aims to create awareness and promote interest in animation through a platform which provides youngsters with a solid foundation for creativity. Participants are given vast opportunities to express their ideas, imagination, observations and emotions during their classes.
Shahrul said: “We are thrilled to have KRU, experts from the creative industry, jump on board with us on a mission to expand knowledge and skills amongst children. Many children learn of content at a very young age these days, whether it is on television, smartphone or tablet.”
He added: “Content and technology are now the building blocks of the future generation’s careers, so it is best to broaden their aspirations and create a good platform for them to experiment further. We are certain that KRU will help enhance their learning experiences.”
Hans said the partnership between KRU and KidZania was a “big leap forward” in securing a bright future for the creative arts in the country.
“For one, it provides early exposure to youngsters, which instils interest in them and equips them with the necessary skills which can be further nurtured and honed as they grow older to produce high quality talents of the future.
“It is quite exciting indeed, and I am keen on seeing the amazing possibilities and outcomes this partnership can bring out.”
KidZania Kuala Lumpur, which opened its doors on Feb 27, 2012, provides a safe and realistic educational environment that allows youngsters aged between 4 and 14 to engage in over 100 role-play activities across 60 different establishments.
Content and technology are now the building blocks of the future generation’s careers, so it is best to broaden their aspirations and create a good platform for them to experiment further Shahrul Nizar Ahmad, KidZania mayor