Film Director Profile

My filmmaking journey has been one of evolution, starting from a comedic storyteller to a versatile director with a flair for artistry. Initially, my work was known for its humor, but over time, I've woven in intricate set designs and artistic touches that help brands' commercials stand out in the competitive market. I’m always striving to improve my craft, constantly attending workshops and masterclasses that cover directing, scriptwriting, cinematography, and art direction. This ongoing education keeps my work fresh, captivating, and of the highest quality.

My passion for the arts began in high school, where I was a cartoonist and columnist for the school magazine. I further developed my talents at the Center for Advanced Design (Cenfad) Malaysia, earning a scholarship and excelling in fine art skills such as painting, sculpting, storyboarding, animation, sound recording, and film editing. Despite working part-time to support my studies, I was proactive in my college courses, excelling in both theory and practical skills. I actively participated in student short films and screenings to learn beyond the syllabus. My dedication paid off when I won the Dean’s Scholarship Award. In gratitude for the scholarship, I gave back to the college by helping with education tours and administrative work.

After college, I joined the independent production house Kino-i as a video editor. There, I gained valuable experience beyond my role in visual editing. I had the chance to work as a storyboard artist for feature films, as a member of the lighting crew, and learning from cross-disciplinary film directors and directors of photography, which deeply impacted my digital filmmaking craft. Eventually, I was trained to direct TV campaigns for the company. My bosses and mentors supported me in creating numerous short films and participating in various competitions. I was also given the freedom to work with different directors on commercial projects and TV reality shows.

In 2007, I joined Astro Entertainment Sdn Bhd (AESB) as an on-air promo producer and director. It was a pivotal point for me, allowing me to work with multiple departments and stakeholders internally and externally. During my time there, I learned creative presentation and management skills from my mentor and how to maximize output with restricted budgets and resources. As a result, I created campaigns for popular TV show promos like Akademi Fantasia and Jangan Lupa Lirik, earning 19 awards from PromaxBDA World and the New York Festival Television & Film Award. I also spearheaded the post-production workflow transitions from analogue to digital within the on-air promo internal department.

In 2011, I decided to venture into feature films, co-directing the action-comedy “Firefly” and directing two telemovies for RTM. I also directed TV commercials for brands like Ah Huat White Coffee and Nandos, showing my ability to handle various genres. Later, I focused on beauty product reels, demonstrating my adaptability and creative flair.

I had a short stint working and learning from different local film directors and in Australia before rolling out my own production house in 2012. Throughout the years, I have served different creative agencies such as Leo Burnett, TBWA, NagaDDB, REPRISE, ENTROPIA, PUBLICIS, OGILVY, SPIN, and Singnan Communications. Collaborating with many different creative directors and filmmakers has given me a strong understanding of what creatives and clients need. Therefore, I built a customized production studio base with in-house art set/props making workshops, post-production suites, and a versatile studio space for rentals. Along the 10-year span of running my production house, I have nurtured young editors, cameramen, art teams, interns, and built a network of freelance production crews and post-production teams.

My early work has taken me around the globe—or at least to a few ASEAN countries and Germany. I’ve represented Malaysia as a young video artist at the ASEAN Culture Week in Cambodia, participated in the BERLINALE Talent Campus in Berlin, and attended global youth camps funded by the British Council. My short films have won a few awards, such as the Justin Louis Award, Nokia AVMakers, and CyberjayaTV Video Awards, reflecting my dedication and skill.

Beyond my professional achievements, I’m committed to giving back to the community. I conduct art classes for underprivileged children, facilitate workshops, and mentor young filmmakers. My involvement in voluntary work and community projects highlights my desire to make a positive impact through my art.

As a director, I combine creativity with a genuine commitment to excellence and community. My journey from a comedic director to a multifaceted filmmaker is marked by continuous learning and an unwavering passion for my craft. With me on board, you’re not just hiring a director—you’re gaining a collaborator dedicated to bringing out the best in every project.

Kancil Award 2017
Merit Award
Category: Best use of film (Broadcast) - Single
Agency: Leo Burnett
Client: Samsung
‘Siber-Turahim’ | Director | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2012
Finalist Certificate Award - Television - Art & Technique: Promotion / Open & IDs
Category: Soundtrack/ Audio mix : Promotion / Open & IDs
‘Akademi Fantasia 9 Music Video’ | Editor | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2012
Finalist Certificate Award - Television - Art & Technique: Promotion / Open & IDs
Category: Camerawork : Promotion / Open & IDs
‘Saya Anak Malaysia Music Video’ | Director | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2012
Silver World Medal Award - Television - Art & Technique: Promotion / Open & IDs
Category: Art Direction: Promotion / Open & IDs
‘Astro 2011 Line Up - Water World’ | Producer | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2012
Finalist Certificate Award - Television - Art & Technique: Promotion / Open & IDs
Category: Station/Network ID
‘Astro 2011 Line Up - Water World’ | Producer | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2012
Bronze World Medal Award - Television - Art & Technique
Category: Original Music
‘Astro 2011 Line Up - Water World’ | Producer | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2011
Finalist Certificate Award
Category: Television- Music Video
‘Tom Tom Bak S5 - Opening Montage | Supervising Director | Jimmy Choong

PROMAX BDA ASIA 2010 | SILVER Trophy Award
Best Comedy Promo
Jangan Lupa Lirik Season 3 (Don’t Forget Your Lyrics)
Director | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2010
Finalist Certificate Award - Television - Art & Technique: Promotion
Category: Direction: Promotion
‘Astro Awani 7:45’ | Supervising Director | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2010
Finalist Certificate Award - Television - Art & Technique: Promotion
Category: Direction: Promotion Spot
‘Astro Awani - Two Side to Every Story’ | Director | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2010
Finalist Certificate Award - Television - Art & Technique: Promotion
Category: Direction: Promotion Spot
‘Astro Merdeka’ | Director | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2010
Finalist Certificate Award - Television - Art & Technique: Promotion
Category: Editing: Promotion Spot
‘Astro Merdeka’ | Director | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2010
Finalist Certificate Award - Television - Art & Technique: Promotion
Category: Original Music : Promotion Spot
‘Awani - The World is following 501’ | Director | Jimmy Choong

PROMAX BDA ASIA 2009 | GOLD Trophy Award
Best Entertainment/ Variety Campaign
Jangan Lupa Lirik (Don’t Forget Your Lyrics)
Director | Jimmy Choong

PROMAX BDA ASIA 2009 | GOLD Trophy Award
PSA Challenge
Habitat for Humanity Singapore
Supervising Director | Jimmy Choong

WORLD PROMAX BDA 2009 | SILVER Trophy Award
Best Art Direction & Design : Image Promo
Awani - The World is following 501
Director | Jimmy Choong

PROMAX BDA Design World Gold North America Awards 2009
Finalist for Best Collaborative Effort
Awani - The World is following 501
Director | Jimmy Choong

PROMAX BDA Design World Gold North America Awards 2009
Finalist for Best Art Direction & Design : Image Promo
Awani - Two Side to Every Story
Director | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2009
Finalist Certificate Award - International TV Programming & Promotion
Category: Promotion Spot/ Openings and ID’s/ Entertainment Program Opener & Titles
‘Geng Bas Sekolah’ | Producer | Jimmy Choong

New York Festival International Television Broadcast Award 2009
Finalist Certificate Award - International TV Programming & Promotion
Category: Promotion Spot/ Animation (Non-Computer): Promo
‘Aksi Murai Skrin Amatur’ | Director | Liyana Ta | Technical Director | Jimmy Choong

NOKIA Nseries: You Make it Reel 2007 - 1st Runner up: Best Video Director (MV: Disagree: Pooch), DV, 4min, 2007
Director | Chawirat Tan | Technical Director | Jimmy Choong

Finalist: Director | Jimmy Choong Best Video Director (MV: Joe Flizzow: Mariposa), DV, 5min, 2007

Top TEN Best Video Director (MV: Skinny man rulez), DV, 4min, 2007
Director | Chawirat Tan | Technical Director | Jimmy Choong

Top TEN Best Video Director (MV: Big fat mouth monster conquers all), DV, 4min, 2007
Director | Jimmy Choong

Cyberjaya Digital Video Competition 2003- Digital Expressions:

Gold Trophy Award - College Team - ‘Tool Shop Blues’ Music Video, DV, 2min 15sec, 2002
Editor | Jimmy Choong

PNB 360 Shortfilm Competition 2014 - Second Place Winner
Shortfilm Title : Penny Nadia Bakri
Director | Jimmy Choong

SONY Vaio C Series Video Competition 2007 - 3rd Place

The NOKIA Mobile Filmmakers 2006 Awards Competition Semi-Finalist (Top Ten)

Astro Chinese Short Film Award 2005
Have Balls?– Nomination for Best Editing (Open Category)

Cyberjaya Digital Video Competition 2004- Digital Expressions:
Gold Trophy Award – ASEAN Youth Camp 2003- Documentary (Open Category)
Gold Trophy Award – ASEAN Youth Camp 2003- Home Video (Open Category)
Gold Trophy Award – One Night – Humor/Spoof (Open category)

Freedom Filmfest 2004 - 1st Prize winner of the Justin Louis Award in the student Category

Cyberjaya Digital Video Competition 2003-
Silver Award - ‘Cinta MiniDV’ Drama – Professional Level
Bronze Award - ‘Apa Yang Kau Suka’ - Tourism Malaysia – Professional Level
Bronze Award - ‘Semalam Empat Jiwa’ Drama – College Individual

The NOKIA AV maker Awards 1st Shot 2003- Silver Trophy Award.
Handphone, DV, 10sec, 2002
Director | Jimmy Choong