{
  "id": 243264,
  "title": "From drawing worlds to directing them, animator Wan Heidi ups her game",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/from-drawing-worlds-to-directing-them-animator-wan-heidi-ups-her-game",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-06T23:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/08/07/from-drawing-worlds-to-directing-them-animator-wan-heidi-ups-her-game"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wan Heidi Sofia, a 31-year-old Malaysian artist, has transitioned from concept art to directing an animated series titled 'Build-It Blocks'. This move required her to take on new responsibilities such as leading a team, shaping scripts, and overseeing the entire production process. Formerly a concept artist on local animated series like 'Omar & Hana' and 'Mina Mila', Wan Heidi initially questioned her readiness for directing but ultimately accepted the challenge.\n\nHer latest project introduces children aged three to five to various professions, including those often overlooked in children's entertainment, such as parcel delivery workers and recycling personnel. The series also incorporates lessons from authentic hadiths and Islamic values, focusing on themes like good manners and cooperation. The production, which involved around 20 local talents and collaboration with Piapi Animation Studio in Padang, Indonesia, was completed in a short span of a few months.\n\nArtificial intelligence was integrated into the production process, but Wan Heidi cautioned against viewing it as a replacement for human talent, emphasizing that human judgement is still necessary to shape characters, emotions, and stories. She believes that animation programmes equip graduates with theoretical knowledge and technical training, but adaptability and continuous skill development are crucial for a sustainable career in the industry. Wan Heidi aspires to direct a family-oriented animated feature film within the next five years and eventually teach others on using AI professionally.",
  "summary": "The ‘Build-It Blocks’ director says young creatives need strong fundamentals, adaptability and the courage to leave their comfort zones.",
  "key_points": [
    "Series teaches children professions and Islamic values, integrating AI technology.",
    "Wan Heidi aims to direct family-oriented animated feature film within five years."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Wan Heidi's transition to directing 'Build-It Blocks' marks a significant step in her career, expanding her influence from concept art to leadership and shaping the narrative and themes of an entire series.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}