Kuala Lumpur, December 2011 – The new Handycam? NEX-VG20E camcorder from Sony broadens creative possibilities for shooting cinematic Full HD video and high-resolution still photos.

Offering comprehensive manual controls, the NEX-VG20E lets videographers explore the artistic potential of the growing range of E-Mount lenses. With refined ergonomics, improved imaging quality and upgraded sound, it provides several enhancements over the acclaimed NEX-VG10E – the world’s first consumer HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses.

With a resolution of 16.1 effective megapixels, the Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor assures outstanding video image quality, with extremely low noise in low light. It also captures pristine 16 megapixel still photos, with RAW format support for all the post-processing flexibility that’s familiar to DSLR users. Whether you’re shooting video or stills, the large sensor rivals the expressive picture quality of a DSLR camera. This allows the creation of beautiful background defocus ('bokeh') effects with your E-mount lens collection.

Full HD video shooting in AVCHD format is now complemented by a choice of 50p and 25p (progressive) frame rate options. Footage shot at 25p can be enhanced with Cinema Tone Gamma? and Cinema Tone Colour? for an even richer, more cinematic look.

Dialogue and other sounds are captured by the precision Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone that now supports stereo and 5.1 channel surround. There’s a new audio level control, plus pro-style jacks for an external mic and monitoring headphones.

Several ergonomic refinements let videographers shoot HD video and stills in even greater comfort. The camcorder’s handgrip has been redesigned that offers excellent stability. Allowing manual adjustment of exposure, iris and other settings, the pro-style control dial can now be accessed even when LCD panel is closed.

Button layout has also been revised with ‘hard’ function keys, direct access to each shooting mode (Iris, Shutter speed, Program AE), a second REC button for low-angle shots and expanded focus button – all sited for intuitive operation without taking your eye from the electronic viewfinder.

Shots can also be framed and reviewed on the 7.5cm/3" Xtra Fine LCD that features TruBlack technology for clear, high contrast images. The screen can be rotated over a 270 degree range for easy framing in any position, even with the camera held low. Touch panel operation simplifies fingertip operation of shooting functions.

The Handycam? NEX-VG20EH comes with the SEL18200 F3.5-6.3 E-mount lens.
With a wide 11x optical zoom range and built-in Optical SteadyShot, this versatile lens offers smooth, quiet autofocus operation during movies and still shooting.
There is now a choice of seven E-mount lenses to cover virtually any shooting situation. Also available, the optional LA-EA2 lens mount adaptor gives even wider compatibility with the established family of A-mount optics. Translucent Mirror Technology supports high-speed phase-detection AF that keeps even fast-moving subjects in focus.

The Handycam NEX-VG20E Full HD E-mount system camcorder from Sony will be available in Malaysia from November 2011 onwards.

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About Sony Malaysia
Sony (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd began operations in Malaysia on 31 October 1973. The company specialises in marketing, sales and service for a wide range of consumer electronics products as well as broadcast & professional products and solutions. There are in total 70 Sony Store and Sony Centre outlets nationwide, offering consumers the latest Sony products and services.


About make.believe
“make.believe” (make dot believe) is a Group-wide brand message that unites Sony’s communications initiatives across electronics, games, movies, music, mobile phones and network services. “make.believe” symbolises the spirit of Sony – the power of creativity, the ability to turn ideas into reality and the belief that anything you can imagine, you can make real.

Media Contact:
Connie Goh
Corporate Communications
Sony Malaysia
Tel.: +03-2295 0307
Fax: +03-2295 0280
E-mail: Connie.Goh@ap.sony.com


Click here to download the Specification Sheet.

Press Release


Kuala Lumpur, 8 December 2011 – ‘Guang’ by Quek Shio Chuan, an inspiring 14-minute short film based on the true story of his autistic brother, was announced as the winner in a night of glitz and glamor at the BMW Shorties 2011 Gala Premiere today. His winning entry, emerged ahead of 113 other submissions to receive the grand prize award and a production grant of RM75,000.

The 25-year-old Line Producer who works at a local commercial production house, also walked away with an exclusive Sony Handycam? NEX-VG20E system worth RM15,000, which was awarded by Sony Malaysia.

“It has been a true honour to have been part of the BMW Shorties as it has given me the opportunity to pursue my passion for film making. Winning this competition is truly exhilarating and I am inspired to achieve even greater heights of success and excited about what the future holds for me hereon,” said Quek Shio Chuan.

“With Guang, I wanted to create more awareness about people with autism. Especially in small towns like where I come from, many people are not aware of the disorder and more often than not, people with autism are labelled as retarded or weird. They may have learning difficulties or struggle with social interaction, but they are special and exceptionally talented in their own ways,” he added.

Chosen by a distinguished panel of judges, the heart-warming short film was recognized for its brilliant screenplay and as such was also granted the Best Screenplay Award, on top of its nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Production Design as well as Best Editing.

“This year, the BMW Shorties hit a staggering 114 entry submissions, the highest ever received since its inception in 2007. It is an important milestone as five years on, we are proud to have evolved into a living platform where Malaysians not only explore their creativity but also their passion and commitment to giving voice on issues that matter to them most. The short film competition now continues to champion the best of Malaysia’s independent short films and also celebrate the best of the local arts, culture and talent,” said Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

Chen Chong Wei who played the lead role as Wen Guang, a boy with autism and attention deficiency disorder who struggles with social interaction and has difficulties performing day-to-day obligations, earned the Best Actor Award for his outstanding performance in the winning film.

Meanwhile, the Best Actress Award was received by Eagavalli Nayagiammal for her stunning role as Mayamal in ‘‘2012: Mayamal Calendar’ by Rajindran Raja – a short film about a mother in an old folks home who tries to save her family at all cost when she finds out the world is coming to an end.

On the other hand, Haruld Goh walked away with the Best Cinematography Award for his use of lighting, camera choices and composition in the production of ‘Breathe’. The dark psycho thriller directed by Tan Hyon-Lè was also nominated for Best Production Design, Best Editing and Best Sound Design.

Moh Chee Loong’s ‘Let the Plastic Fly’ - a short that tells a story about how to discover joy through the virtue of simplicity – won the Best Editing Award and also received nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Sound Design.

Taking up the final award for contention was Chan Hong Yu, who received the Best Production Design Award for his notable art direction in ‘Time = Joy’ by Liew Pik Horng. Also completing this year’s line-up of awards was Tan Ce Ding, recipient of the People’s Choice Award for his highly popular short film ‘How to Write I Love You’.

According to Briscoe, the response to this year’s BMW Shorties far exceeded their expectations and it was evident that participants made an effort to stretch their abilities to excel at all elements of film making. As such, the BMW Shorties 2011 judges were inspired to honour the quality of the participants’ work and unanimously decided to introduce a brand new award category to recognize the art of sound design. After much deliberation, the panel of judges presented the first ever Best Sound Design Award to Anne Lee for her excellent work in ‘Guang’.

The full list of award winners for the BMW Shorties 2011 are:

Grand Prize Award
Quek Shio Chuan for ‘Guang’

People’s Choice Award
Tan Ce Ding for ‘How to Write I Love You’

Best Screenplay Award
Quek Shio Chuan for ‘Guang’

Best Sound Design Award
Anne Lee for ‘Guang’


Best Actor Award
Chen Chong Wei for ‘Guang’

Best Actress Award
Eagavalli Nayagiammal for ‘2012: Mayamal Calendar’

Best Cinematography Award
Haruld Goh for ‘Breathe’

Best Editing Award
Moh Chee Loong for ‘Let the Plastic Fly’

Best Production Design Award
Chan Hong Yu for ‘Time = Joy’

“We at BMW Group Malaysia would like to extend our fullest congratulations to all those who participated in this year's BMW Shorties. Even if they did not triumph, the countless hours spent to overcome the numerous obstacles to produce a short film already renders each and every one of them a winner in their own right. With the BMW Shorties, we look forward to inspiring more film makers next year and we hope they will continue to strive on to pursue their dreams,” said Briscoe.

Entries for the BMW Shorties 2011 top 10 finalists’ as well as nominees for other supporting award categories can be viewed online at the BMW Shorties website (www.bmwshorties.com.my). More information regarding the short film competition can also be found on the BMW Shorties Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/BMWShorties)

-End-

BMW Shorties
The BMW Shorties was launched in Malaysia in late 2006 as a platform for Malaysian short film makers to explore their talent. Since that time it has become one of the most anticipated annual filmmaking events in Malaysia with BMW Shorties productions travelling to prestigious international film festivals in Cannes, Rome, New York, Rotterdam, Dubai and others. Today it serves both to provide Malaysian filmmakers access to international film making networks and as an unwitting platform for young Malaysians to cultivate their social conscience.

The BMW Group
The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. The BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of approximately 1.29 million automobiles and over 87,000 motorcycles for the 2009 financial year. Revenues totalled euro 50.68 billion. At 31 December 2009, the company employed a global workforce of approximately 96,000 associates. The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last six years.

BMW Group Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is a joint venture between Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG and Sime Darby Berhad. BMW Malaysia activities cover the wholesale of BMW cars, spare parts and accessories, as well as the overall planning of sales, marketing, after-sales, and other related activities in Malaysia.  Its dealership network covers 15 outlets in various cities in Malaysia.

Issued by:

BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Sashi Ambi
Corporate Communications Manager, Malaysia
Telephone: (+603) 8887 3822, Fax: (+603) 8887 3801
Email: sashi.ambihaipahan@bmw.com.my
Media Website: www.press.bmwgroup.com

For media queries, please contact:
The PR Element
Sharani Shanmugam / Chia Eugene
Telephone: (+603) 9205 7688, Fax: (+603) 9205 7788
E-mail: sharani@theprelement.com / Eugene@theprelement.com
Media Website: www.press.bmwgroup.com

Kuala Lumpur, 23 November 2011 – BMW Group Malaysia, today announced the top 10 finalists’ line up for this year’s BMW Shorties. The fifth installation of Malaysia’s most prestigious and longest running short film competition continues to achieve new heights of success with a record-breaking 114 entry submissions – the highest ever received since its inception in 2007.

“In its first year, the short film competition received 74 entry submissions. Now, five years on, the BMW Shorties has amassed a total of 378 short films and continues its strongly independent spirit as a champion of film makers as artists and provides a holistic platform for indie film makers in Malaysia to demonstrate their innovative ideas to a community that embraces the arts,” said Sashi Ambi, Corporate Communications Manager of BMW Group Malaysia.

Themed ‘Joy’, this year’s BMW Shorties inspired a wide array of interpretations and ideas from individuals all across the nation who submitted entries of numerous genres - including drama, comedy, action, sci-fi, animation, music video, documentary and many more. Each short film, unique on its own, also reflected the diversity of Malaysian culture and highlighted issues that resonated with the local community values.

The BMW Shorties 2011 Top 10 Finalists in no particular sequence are:

• Come Home by Liew Onn Wah Arthur
•  Short & Sweet by Balachandran S.K. Sivalingam
• The Long Distance Relationship by Lee Wei Sheong
• Guang by Quek Shio Chuan
• The Scientist by Ng Ken Kin
•  Lepas by Muhammad Hidayatullah Bin Abdul Hadi
•  How To Write ‘I Love You’ by Tan Ce Ding
• The Stolen Happiness by Loh Kar Sang
• Let The Plastic Fly by Moh Chee Loong
• Breathe by Tan Hyon- Lè

• Breathe
•  Guang
• How to Write ‘I Love You’
• The Scientist
• Time = Joy

• Breathe
•  Come Home
• Guang
• Let The Plastic Fly
• Squad

• A. Ganesan as Arun in Click
• Chen Chong Wei as Weng Guang in Guang
•  Quek Shio Chuan as himself in Guang
• Jee Kutty as ‘G’ in Short & Sweet
•  Jayananda Gobee as Karthik in Velechaam

• Adeline Teh as Xiao Wen in How to Write ‘I Love You’
•  Fazleena Hishamuddin as Nadia in Nadia
•  Baby Angel as herself in SRK
•  Ruby Yap as Yap Yee Kwan in The Wither of Sprout
•  Eagavalli Nayagiammal as herself in 2012: Mayamal Calendar

Written by Anandhi Gopinath

BMW Group Malaysia recently unveiled Memoria, a short film directed by last year’s competition winner Chen Yih Wen. The premiere, a pinnacle event in the annual BMW Shorties programme, epitomises the role of Malaysia’s longest running and most prestigious short film competition and cultural initiative by the luxury German carmaker in identifying, cultivating and supporting budding film talent in the country.

At the premiere Tuesday night, Chen said: “Winning the BMW Shorties grand prize award in 2010 was a deeply fulfilling experience as it has enabled me to perfect my craft as a filmmaker and seek out greater opportunities in the industry. The competition has also fuelled my passion in using the short film medium as a platform to inspire change and make a difference in society at large which I look forward to continuing in the years to come.”

Filmed in the midst of the picturesque fishing village and padi fields of Sekinchan in Selangor, Memoria depicts the inner conflict of a young girl who seeks solitude from a troubled past and her trials of overcoming the grief of being betrayed by those she loved the most.

The film features the protracted and abstract imagery typical of short films, and is a clever mix of traditional and non-traditional camera angles. Production-wise the film is faultless — it’s tightly edited and put together with flair and in a stylishly simple filming style.

Since winning the BMW Shorties Grand Prize in 2010, Chen has had the opportunity of screening her winning film Like Toy Dolls at major film festivals including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, Artivist Film Festival, Asian Short Film Awards, Malaysian Shorts and the Freedom Film Festival. She has also been given the opportunity of making documentaries as a full time editor with Novista, Malaysia’s leading documentary specialist helmed by the award-winning documentary maker Harun Rahman.

At the premiere, BMW Group Malaysia managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said: “Five years on and the BMW Shorties continue to be the most holistic opportunity for Malaysian budding filmmakers to demonstrate their creative and technical talent. The competition is also one of the most unique cultural and community initiatives in the country as the programme demonstrates our commitment outside our core business of delivering premium vehicles and services.”

The premiere event also saw the announcement of the BMW Shorties 2011. As in previous years, the competition provides a production grant worth RM75,000 to enable the winner of the short film competition to make a professional short film to be showcased both in Malaysia as well as at international film festivals.

Ancillary awards for Best Producer, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Screenplay and Best Editing as well as the ever-popular People’s Choice Award will also be announced to celebrate the entire range of Malaysian short film-making talent available.

Leading the panel of judges for this year are award-winning independent filmmaker Khairil M Bahar, renowned veteran film and stage actress Datin Sofea Jane Hashim, playwright, actor and director Gavin Yap and commercial producer Lina Tan.

While the RM75,000 grant has remained constant over the last few years, what has increased is the non-financial resources that winners have received — there is now better access to quality production houses, mentoring, festival screenings and advice on how to submit films for competitions.

Since its launch in 2007, the BMW Shorties have emerged to be a clever, honest and genuine platform for amateur filmmakers to see dreams, ideas and aspirations come to life. It has given a voice to a generation of young people who may have otherwise gone unheard, and provided creative validity to an art form that has many years to go before being accepted in mainstream pop culture. The Shorties events have also become a meeting point of other people in the alternative/independent arts industry, creating a conducive platform for creative exchanges and communication.

The next edition of the BMW Shorties will be open for entries till Nov 11 with the theme joy, and the award winners will be announced at a gala premier event on Dec 1. Interested individuals can also participate in the BMW Shorties 2011 Judges Clinic on Oct 1. For more information on how to participate in the BMW Shorties, visit www.bmwshorties.com.my and the BMW Shorties Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bmwshorties.

This article appeared on the Live it! page, The Edge Financial Daily, September 15, 2011.