ZAG Studios has launched two horror series in collaboration with media partners. The first local co-produced horror audio series is called Bisikan Kerajaan Langit in collaboration with Media Prima Audio.
The fictional podcast series features actress Aween Ismail and Imran Aqil, who’s also Hot FM’s deejay and a social influencer.
Season 1 is out on Audio+ and all major podcast platforms.
It has a run time of just over an hour, and is further elevated by immersive sound design and 3D audio elements.
The eight-episode series is a fictional story in Bahasa Melayu about an idealistic reporter investigating a mysterious occurrence in an East Malaysian commune and the chilling supernatural events that ensue.
The podcast trailer and episodes can be found here.
ZAG also collaborated with book publisher Buku Fixi and launched a six-episode anthology series. Entitled Creepy Twisted Asians, it is a curated adaptation of Fixi’s Big Malaysian Book of Horror Stories.
It features stories from local storytellers Tina Isaacs, Terence Toh, Chua Kok Yee, Izaddin Syah Yusof, Maysenn Lai and Nurul Hafizah Mat Kamil. The e-book will be available for sale from today.
Also as part of this production; ZAG has collaborated with theatre companies Theatresauce, Tepak Tellaz and Amberjade Arts leveraging the directing and acting talent of these respective studios.
The podcast trailer and episodes can be found here.
According to ZAG general manager Matt Durai, “Horror is one of the most popular genres in audio, and the Malaysian listener is in for an incredible listening experience.
"We aren't just telling authentic local stories, we are also building compelling case studies for the growing podcast market; as well as engaging all areas for the creative ecosystem.
"Media Prima and Fixi have been incredibly ambitious and supportive partners, I believe these types of innovative collaborations will be the norm in the coming years."
Media Prima Audio Network director of Buletin FM and Audio+, Shah Hayatudin noted: “We are always proud to be growing local content and talents. With Audio+ being a leading Podcast Malaysian-owned platform, we can allow local creative content creators to grow and tap into a worldwide market."
ZAG Studios is an award-nominated podcast company based in Kuala Lumpur. It was nominated for Best Podcast at the Asia Podcast Awards 2021 and was the only Southeast Asian inductee in the Google Podcast-PRX Creator Programme 2022. – The Vibes, November 25, 2022
