Full Circle Back to TV with Air Tangan

After nearly a decade away from television, ScreenBox returned to TV in 2024 with Air Tangan, a nostalgic cooking show for MediaCorp that pairs grandparents with their grandchildren to recreate traditional family recipes. This return to our TV roots is a testament to our ongoing passion for storytelling and our ability to adapt to changing media landscapes while staying true to our creative core.

Commissioned to Create Diverse Digital Series

From 2022 to 2023, ScreenBox was commissioned by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to produce five original digital series: Cari Jodoh (“Finding a Soulmate”), Jom Try Kerja (“Let’s Try This Job”), So Good Lah, Otai (“Veterans”), and Mencari (“Searching”).

These series showcased our ongoing commitment to creating meaningful content for our social media audience, reflecting the diverse interests of our viewers—from matchmaking and unique job experiences to exploring local culture and the stories of the older generation.

Tackling Taboo Topics and Celebrating Scholarship

In 2021, we produced a 30-episode YouTube series Taboo for MediaCorp, delving into seldom-discussed topics within the Singaporean community.

Around the same time, ScreenBox also produced a 55-episode social media series for LBKM (The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Memorial Scholarship Fund Board), which highlighted the inspiring stories of scholarship recipients and LBKM’s impactful work.

Content During the Pandemic

At the height of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, ScreenBox rose to the challenge, producing numerous online shows and creative advisory videos to entertain and inform during the pandemic. As an essential service, we worked closely with authorities to spread awareness and valuable information during a time of crisis.

We also produced highly popular livestream content such as Tanya Apa Saja and Diari Ayah, a show that continues to highlight fatherhood journeys in Singapore, cementing our position as a leader in digital content creation during challenging times.

Transforming Livestreaming

In 2018, ScreenBox produced and livestreamed Bicara Mufti, an 11-camera operation to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Islamic Council of Singapore (MUIS). This groundbreaking livestream set the stage for future innovations in digital content.

We showcased our ability to handle complex, large-scale productions, marking a turning point in the industry for live-stream content. This achievement laid the foundation for ScreenBox to lead in the digital content revolution.

Bold Digital Transformation

ScreenBox made a strategic decision to shift its focus from television to social media content, recognizing the rising power of digital media. As pioneers in this space, we were among the first to take social media content seriously, creating impactful, viral videos that resonated with wide audiences.

This pivotal move played a crucial role in shaping the next phase of our business, solidifying our leadership in the digital content arena.

Record-Breaking Achievements

ScreenBox partnered with Channel News Asia to attempt breaking the Guinness World Record™ for the longest anamorphic pavement art, measuring 183.509 meters. The project involved collaboration with 50 local artists from Social Creatives and two renowned 3D artists from Germany, Manfred Stader and Edgar Müller. We also worked with students from Orchid Park and Siglap Secondary School to bring this record-breaking feat to life.

The entire process, spanning 11 days of painting and filming, was documented by ScreenBox. Although the record was later surpassed, this ambitious project remains one of our most significant achievements. The journey was compiled into a one-hour documentary titled The Story of Our City 3D, showcasing our technical expertise and creative vision.

Global Success with Peddlers of Asia

Our documentary Peddlers of Asia, which premiered in 2004, saw its second season released in 2010. This series, distributed in 18 countries and in multiple languages, offered an intimate look at food peddlers, their unique stories, and cultural significance. This marked our continued growth into the international documentary space.

Expanding Beyond Singapore

In 2008, ScreenBox successfully expanded into international markets by winning pitches to produce content for Channel News Asia. Our first show for the network, The Million Makers, was followed by The Business Nanny, Explore Middle East, and Boomers, allowing us to produce content across Asia. During this time, we also ventured into children’s programming with shows like Alex & Weero and YOMI for OKTO Channel, which creatively combined live action and animation. Additionally, ScreenBox produced and distributed Nadim’s World, a no-dialogue animation series that found success in overseas markets, further showcasing our global storytelling capabilities.

Investigative Milestone with Bongkar

From 2006 to 2008, ScreenBox made waves with its hard-hitting investigative series Bongkar (Uncover). This groundbreaking show took a deep dive into the Malay/Muslim community, unearthing hidden scams, taboos, and misconduct that had never been openly discussed. The bold, investigative nature of Bongkar made it a talking point in the community and local newspapers, and the program ran for three highly successful seasons. Tackling issues like timeshare scams, investment fraud, and cultural taboos, *Bongkar* not only shed light on critical issues but also established ScreenBox as a leader in investigative documentary production.

The Phenomenon of Hanyut

Our docu-drama Hanyut, focused on wayward youth, took the nation by storm in 2005.

Winning Best Info-Ed Programme at Pesta Perdana, it bridged the generational gap by bringing together youth and parents, culminating in a live concert attended by 10,000 people. The success of Hanyut led to the production of related telemovies like Ganyut and Ganyut Lagi in 2006, which were widely distributed offline via DVD in Singapore.

Breakthrough with *647km²

In 2001, ScreenBox produced the hit TV series 647km², hosted by Suhaimi Yusof, Khairudin Samsudin, Salawati, and Mastura Ahmad.

The show became an instant favorite, running for five successful seasons and winning multiple awards, including Best Information Programme at Pesta Perdana.

During this period, ScreenBox further solidified its presence in the local TV industry with other notable info-ed programs like K Inc., A Satu, Klinik Kita, and Aksi Gerek.

Building a Client Base and TV Debut

In just a year, ScreenBox secured major clients like Keppel Insurance, Propnex (formerly Nooris Consultant), and the Islamic Council of Singapore (MUIS).

We collaborated with top-tier ad agencies such as Saatchi & Saatchi and Leo Burnett. Our first TV production for MUIS, titled Kau Istimewa (“You Are Special”), won Best Theme Song at Pesta Perdana 2000, marking our debut in television.

The program also garnered international recognition, winning the Creative Excellence Award at the U.S. Video Festival. Kau Istimewa continued for multiple seasons, cementing our status as a reliable and creative content partner. ScreenBox also developed the highly successful Kau Istimewa Zakat campaign for MUIS, which spanned over 10 years, significantly increasing Zakat collection in Singapore year after year.

The Beginning

ScreenBox was born in December 1999, starting operations from a modest 600 sq ft office in Pasir Panjang.

As a small agency specializing in the Malay market, we began laying the foundation for what would become one of Singapore’s most dynamic TV production companies and content creation agencies.