Google's doodle celebrates Kamn Ismail, renowned M'sian animation artist
celebrates Malaysia's animation pioneer Kamn Ismail
Google Doodle of the late Kamn Ismail
The late Kamn Ismail (Pic courtesy of Kamn’s family)
Kamarudin may not be as popular among young Malaysians, however, some of his works were very famous in the local animation industry in the 90s as he was the man behind the creation of Usop Sontorian and Keluang Man.
Notably, he was a pioneer in the use of computer technology and digital applications in animation during the 90s.
Kamn, who was born in Pengkalan Balak, Masjid Tanah, Melaka, in 1956, was the recipient of the 2012 Cartoon Activist Award for the achievement of producing Malaysian animation series for the ‘Anda, PM and Kartunis’ programme.
Malysia's first animated series, Usop Sontorian, launched Kamn's career in digital animation.
Kamn joined Kharisma Pictures (M) Sdn Bhd to form and train the first batch of animators to create the first animation series, titled ‘Usop Sontorian’.
It took almost three years and 94 dedicated employees to produce a total of 49 episodes, which were aired on RTM TV1. The series became an instant hit throughout Malaysia and was also a boost of confidence for the local animation industry at that time.
Kamn then joined as a director at UAS Animation Studios (M) in 1997 and was tasked with producing the hit animation series "Keluang Man," launched in the same year.
The Keluang Man, tells the story of Borhan, a Tampoi mental hospital patient who, at night, transforms into a crime-fighting superhero with the help of his trusted sidekick Tiong Man.
Keluang Man was the first local animation that combined 2D animation with a 3D background.
Kamn chose to mix the two techniques because it was challenging to create animation motion and camera motion in a way that was more engaging.
He prevailed despite the difficulties he faced in the animation industry.
In 2011, he started his own company, Quest Animations. Among the animations that he had produced were Che Nat, which won third place at the 1st International Festival of Television Productions of Islamic Countries, held in Tehran, Iran, in 2001, and Best Animation at the 16th Malaysian Film Festival for Kumang.
Kumang, Toman 1, Kumang Lagenda Sarawak, Lagenda Kinabalu, Pusaka, Pejuang, Duwi, Kiddo Science World, and Mat Kilau.
In 2016, Kamn announced his retirement from the animation industry due to health concerns. Mat Kilau, a patriotic-themed animation series, was his last project with Quest Animations. Mat Kilau has won several awards and has been translated into other media platforms such as comics, augmented reality (AR), and a digital game.
