The global animation market was valued at $372.44 billion in 2021 and is expected to exceed $587.1 billion by 2030, increasing at a CAGR of 5.2 percent from 2022 to 2030. Nestled in Malaysia's rapidly developing landscape, the country's animation leaders capitalize on the conducive atmosphere to propel innovation within the entertainment sector. Though there are several opportunities for the leaders to transform the animation industry, establishing a presence in the global market requires innovative thinking and creativity. Vivian SYC, CEO of XZV Studio, stands out as a trailblazer in the Malaysian landscape.
Vivian is a Psychology and English major from Penn State University, she began her career as a journalist and spent years honing her skills and adapting to the era of the social media. She has worked as chief executive and editor in her ten years of managerial expertise. Her role as an editor has given her a deep understanding of publishing and client relationships, allowing her to compose, develop, and build ecosystems for animations, films, and commercial projects.
Vivian was part of a live-action film project proposal in 2018, however, production was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She had to reconsider her storytelling strategy which inspired her to switch to animation where she could continue producing material, work remotely, and retain her team. Vivian founded XZV Studio in April 2021 along with award-winning director Timo. The studio provides complete 360-degree production solutions and specializes in intellectual property (IP) productions. XZV studio offers a wide range of services and experience, including work on corporate and commercial projects, animation, and films, as well as production services (fixer).
XZV Studio
The studio ensures that the product deeply resonates with the audience whether they are providing film characters and settings or designing 3D billboards for commercials. “Intellectual Property (IP) is highly dependent on creativity and whether it encroaches on other creative works. For us, it's essential to thoroughly understand and ensure our creations are unique", mentions Vivian.
XZV Studio carefully studies the IP landscape through an in-depth analysis of consumer behavior and industry trends. The studio generates ideas with a deep understanding of IP's role in global marketing. As XZV Studio expands its reach, Vivian is constantly seeking buyers whether they be exhibitions, festivals, networks, business deals, clients, or publishers, for the next 12-18 months. Her role involves meticulous planning, ensuring the studio is strategically positioned for discussions on publishing and sales.
What differentiates XZV Studio from other competitors in the market is its in-depth understanding of the needs and challenges faced by its clients. The studio has a large network of specialized partners that enable it to offer a variety of agile, adaptable, and customized solutions. "We take a 360-degree approach to identify if our clients require marketing, digital, or traditional solutions and then tailor solutions based on their needs. We evaluate their willingness to participate and their familiarity with pertinent technologies before presenting any visual or experiential pitching. We also perform indepth diagnostics and explore market solutions that fit the client's objectives and budgets", informs Vivian. Creativity is the fuel that ignites our journey through the limitless possibilities of storytelling
The Sentinels Franchise
The Sentinels: Uprising Gaiden is a sci-fi action series that XZV Studio is currently producing, being one of their most notable projects to date. A massive 150-year narrative painstakingly constructed in animated style using Unreal Engine, the storyline unfolds against the backdrop of an unknown hostile force infiltrating Qu-4 to steal the valuable MIKAELINE (A-103) metal component. The use of Unreal Engine gives the animation process a thrilling new dimension and puts the creative team in a unique challenge. The Sentinels: Uprising Gaiden holds significant implications for the local animation scene as well as the larger franchise. As an illustration of Malaysia's creative ability, the animation sector promotes cooperation and boosts the nation's economy. For The Sentinels franchise, this series is the first part of a larger expansion of the universe, offering new narratives and transmedia opportunities to engage fans worldwide.
Vivian hopes that the launch of the first publishing project with XZV Studio breaks into several target markets as an original animation. "We aim to become one of Malaysia’s largest IP exports by capturing the region’s essence through strategic partnerships and an extensive narrative.
"With The Sentinels franchise, we hope to create a cultural dialogue that could represent the rich and creative storytelling capabilities of Malaysia", adds Vivian. The studio has plans to expand into the gaming sector in the next two years.
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