Bootcamp for online content creators

SINGAPORE — The Media Development Authority (MDA) and Maker Studios launched South-east Asia’s first Maker Bootcamp in Singapore yesterday. More than 30 aspiring online content creators here were invited to collaborate with and learn from some of the biggest stars in online video at the two-day workshop.

Last month, Maker Studios asked aspiring local creators to submit a video based on the theme Best Day Of My Life, discussing an experience or an imagined ideal day. More than 100 applications were reviewed and 30 were selected based on creativity and quality.

Featuring panel discussions and hands-on workshops, the boot camp gave participants the opportunity to create content with Singapore’s popular groups, Night Owl Cinematics, Wah!Banana, Munah & Hirzi and rapper Shigga Shay, along with international talents such as The Fung Brothers from the United States, All India Bakchod from India and Dan Khoo from Malaysia. Participants learnt how to create compelling videos, promote content via social media, and build a strong brand to attract a fan base.

“With so much content available on the Internet, Singapore’s online video creators must make content that is great and discoverable, so they will stand out from the crowd and win fans. We are delighted to partner Maker Studios on Maker Bootcamp to give Singapore’s creators a leg up in a competitive marketplace,” said Angeline Poh, assistant chief executive of industry at the MDA. “This partnership marks the MDA’s first step in developing a new generation of content creators who will thrive in the global online arena.”

“Maker continues to expand its network and commercial operations across all of South-east Asia and we couldn’t be more excited to kick off our collaboration with the MDA in such a unique way,” said Rene Rechtman, head of international at Maker Studios. “We see great potential in Singapore’s digital talent and capabilities, and look forward to what lies ahead.”

This is the first of a number of strategic partnerships that MDA will form, and it is part of longer-term efforts to work closely with industry partners to nurture Singapore’s digital content creation capabilities. Earlier this year, the MDA announced plans to establish a Creators’ Space to provide shared production facilities and nurture a community of online content creators with industry partners such as Maker Studios.