The Media Art Living Laboratory (M.A.L.L) and the Animation & Visual Effects program (in short AFX; formerly Film & Animation) proudly bring you an artist talk and performance by Jax Deluca (U.S). The talk was held at AFX’s Beta Studio, Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) while the performance space was provided by M.A.L.L just next door.
Jax prepping up her presentation (top) before taking the floor.
Jax getting her show underway.
Still only in her late 20s, the experienced independent artist has performed at Big Orbit’s Soundlab, Alfred University, Buffalo Arts Studio and more DIY performance spaces across the states. Her work has been showcased and exhibited internationally at CEPA Gallery (2010), ArtSpace Buffalo (2009) and Smackmellon (2008), just to name a few.
Jax introducing Squeaky Wheel.
It was a decent crowd of 30 plus with majority of the audience were students from the AFX program and we managed to spot a few from the Media Arts program. This talk itself was part of a Film Studies class conducted by FCM’s Kok Siew Wai,who is also a good friend of Jax.
"July 5th 2010", one of Jax's showcased works.
Jax (and her loyal orange) shortly before the M.A.L.L performance.
Jax arrived in Malaysia mid-May and it was her first visit here. When asked of her brief stay and the warm weather, the energetic presenter swiftly replied "Oh, I LOVE it!".
Jax was one of the performers at KLPac along with a group of other local independent artists the previous Friday. When she arrived at FCM, it was her last few days in Malaysia (before her long flight back home to New York) so it was somewhat a fitting farewell that she was given the opportunity to inspire a group of students and enthusiasts through a showcase of selected works followed by an impromptu but equally impressive performance.
Crowd filling up the M.A.L.L.
Jax showcased six of her works which include the dark, disturbing interpretation of one’s self-esteem “Kill Your Lovers”, and the psychedelic flowing pastel colors of “Solus Quale” before ending it with “July 5th 2010” that left the audience dumbstruck with awe. Other selected works include “Young Swan at a Party”, “Power Struggle” and “Waterwind”.
Jax performing “July 5th 2010”
It was 4.00 pm when the event took us to the M.A.L.L.: a small but comfortable presentation/performance space owned by the Media Arts program and the Aesthetic Media Special Interest Group. Here, Jax set up a simple rig of her equipments with several other musical equipments all lined up. With “July 5th 2010” playing on the projector, she combined looping (and distorted) sound(s) of vocals, guitar, saxophone and small percussions. The combination of hand-painted patterns and the resulting audio is quite an out-of-this-world experience for any first-timer. For the enthusiasts, it's definitely one to appreciate and to talk about.
Awesome show!
Overall, it has been a very casual, relaxed session and quite a way to kickstart your semester. The audience loved Jax’s easygoing and happy-go-lucky attitude. The animated presenter even managed to casually improvise her performance as she exclaimed, "I had to replay that video all over again (mid-way through) cause it's the wrong version (of “July 5th 2010")”.
The event closed with a group photograph of everyone followed by a short networking session. From us over here in FCM and Malaysia: Jax Deluca, we look forward to your next visit. It has been an eye-opening experience and it was truly exciting to have you here. Cheerio!
It has been an exciting and resourceful (not to mention, entertaining) first two days of the Film & Animation Career Week 2011 and the event has finally come to its final day. Four companies were featured and one of them is two-time Academy Award winner Rhythm & Hues, well-known for their visual effects on The Chronicles of Narnia, The Golden Compass and Hulk.
But first, Vernon Fernandez from MDeC talked about careers after graduation, prospects and potentials of being an entrepreneur in the creative industry as well as promoting the upcoming IPCC 2011 challenge.
Anas Abdul Aziz (Creative Director; right) and Yong Pin (Operations Director) talked about Animonsta’s company profile, showreel and job prospects. 
Hussin Khan, representing Adobe User Group talked about freelancing in the creative field. 
Hasnul Hadi talked about Rhythm & Hues profile and the company’s showreel.
That concludes the mini report for FACW2011. The event received great receptions from students, practitioners and enthusiasts. The organizing committees extended their deepest thanks and appreciation to the sponsors, participating companies and the audience for making FACW2011 an awesome event. FA and CGX will look forward to their next collaborations for upcoming events and exhibitions. Stay tuned and thank you for following!
Day 02 of FACW2011. Five more exciting companies on the line-up. Amongst them is two-time BAFTA award winner Codemasters, one of the industry’s leading games developer, and Silver Ant who made their presence felt in the 2010 Kre8tif Industry Award with five wins including Best Production and Best Animation Director for their debut animated feature Seefood.
Chris (Assistant Animation Director; right) and Raymond (Production Manager) of Silver Ant highlighting the company’s profile and showreel as well as tips for students on job hunting. 
Project Leaders Syafiq (right) and Fuad talked about Les’ Copaque’s achievements and company profile. 
Managing Director of Chain FX, Fasya talked about the company’s showreel as well as their current work-in-progress. 
Faiz a.k.a Arab, Producer of Chain FX, stressed on making a good impression during interview sessions with companies. 
Attentive and engrossed audience.
Ken Foong (Director and Chief Creative Officer) showcased Lemon Sky’s showreel and the company’s short film. 
Ivon Smith of Codemasters on their training programmes and company showcase.
Crowd filling in thick and fast.
Andrew Ooi of Inspidea kickstarted the day with some interesting insight on 2D animation pipeline aside from sharing the company’s showreel.
Founder and Director Moon Kien Chan (second from right) on the evolution of MFX adapting to the market trends and demands over the years.
Glue Studios Managing Director, Tariq Md Noh on opportunities and challenges the industry has in store for emerging young companies.
Director of Firecrackers, Hanan stressed out on finding the right balance between Quality, Cost, and Time.
Arguably the most entertaining presenter of the day, Ah Long of Animasia sharing the company's showreel and upcoming project.
