MDA and Maker Studios host Maker Bootcamp for online content creators

The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) and Maker Studios launched Southeast Asia’s first Maker Bootcamp in Singapore. Over thirty aspiring online content creators from Singapore were invited to collaborate with and learn from some of the biggest stars in online video at the two-day workshop held from 20 to 21 May.

Featuring panel discussions and hands-on workshops, the Maker Bootcamp also gave participants the opportunity to co-create content with Singapore’s own NightOwl Cinematics, WahBanana, Munah & Hirzi and Shigga Shay, alongside international talents such as The Fung Brothers, Timothy DeLaGhetto, Tiffany Alvord, and Sam Macaroni from the US; All India Bakchod from India; and Dan Khoo from Malaysia. Under the mentorship of these top talents, participants learnt how to create compelling videos, promote content via social media, and build a strong brand to attract a fanbase.

Last month, Maker Studios, the global leader in short-form online video and the largest content network on YouTube put out a call-to-action asking aspiring local creators to submit a video themed “Best Day of My Life,” discussing an experience or an imagined ideal day. Over a hundred applications were reviewed and thirty were selected based on creativity and quality to participate in the Maker Bootcamp.

Maker Bootcamp aims to help budding local talent advance their content creation skills and go on to develop their own successful online channels in Singapore. This initiative is part of MDA’s longer-term efforts to work closely with industry partners to nurture Singapore’s digital content creation capabilities.

“With so much content available on the Internet, Singapore’s online video creators must make content that is great and discoverable, so that 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 (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.”

Announced earlier in March this year, MDA also plans to establish a Creators’ Space to provide shared production facilities and nurture a community of online content creators with industry partners like Maker Studios.

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

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About Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (www.mda.gov.sg) promotes the growth of globally competitive film, television, radio, publishing, games, animation and interactive digital media industries. It also regulates the media sector to safeguard the interests of consumers, and promotes a connected society. MDA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Communications and Information (www.mci.gov.sg).

About Maker Studios
Maker Studios is the global leader in online short-form video and the largest content network on YouTube. Maker specializes in reaching millennial audiences across multiple programming genres. Maker’s network includes 55,000 independent creators from more than 100 countries, attracting over 10 billion views per month, with a growing scale driven by its robust technology platform, direct-to-consumer distribution and data analytics. Maker is home to many of the world’s leading online talent and award-winning original programs such as “Epic Rap Battles of History.” Maker Studios is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company and is headquartered in Los Angeles, with operations in New York, London and Singapore. For more information visit www.makerstudios.com.