Celeb Stop

Tuesday August 26, 2008

Sneak peek into journalism

By JO TEH and CHEOK LI PENG

Launch of Frontpage drama series

Frontpage - Sneak peek into journalism
Frontpage Teaser : Tony
Frontpage Teaser : Cheryl
Frontpage Teaser : Jehan

KUALA LUMPUR: Television viewers will soon get a rare close-up look at the world of journalism.

The first-of-its-kind drama series "Frontpage", a suspense series revolving around the lives of journalists and editors at The Voice newspaper, will be on the small screen from next month.

The 13-episode series, a partnership between The Star, production house Juita Viden and ntv7, with confectioner Munchy's as the main sponsor, will be aired every Sunday from Sept 7 at 9.45pm over ntv7.

Editor's cut: Ngiam (left) chatting with the cast of Frontpage (from right) Tony, Nurakhtar, Cheryl, Ng and Jehan.

This is The Star's first foray into television production.

Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datin Linda Ngiam said the idea for the series was presented two years ago.

"It was actually an idea from one of the editors to convert the newsroom into something real because most people do not have the privilege of witnessing what goes into and how we develop stories for the newspaper or how a newsroom is managed. We wanted to share with our readers the tough decisions and hard work that go into the making of a newspaper," she said at the launch of "Frontpage" yesterday.

Ngiam said The Star produced the storyline and much of the plot was picked from headlines over the past 37 years, from national calamities to public scandals, sporting debacles and crimes.

Juita Viden executive director Francis Foo said Malaysians had seen cop shows and hospital dramas but not a show featuring a newspaper organisation and its people.

"We thought this would be very exciting for the public. We shot the pilot two years ago and are very excited to see the entire series brought to fruition," he said.

Ntv7 chief executive officer Datuk Anthony Bujang said: "Frontpage is an all-Malaysian show, featuring local cast. To put great stories on television, they must be great stories well told.

"It is rare to have media conglomerates collaborating and producing a television series. This is something we know the public will enjoy because every week there is a solid storyline with unique plots," he said.

Director Kabir Bhatia said a lot of the scenes of "Frontpage" were shot in real newsrooms.

Frontpage features top Malaysian stars Tony Eusoff, Bernie Chan, Jehan Miskin, Cheryl Samad, Nell Ng and newcomer Nurakhtar Mohd Amin.

For more information, visit
www.frontpage.my. Viewers can also watch a missed episode via Catch-Up TV at
www.ntv7.com.my.