BUILT FOR LIFE

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Ford Malaysia's latest podcast series, Built for Life, offers an immersive journey into the world of the Ford Ranger—a vehicle that transcends its role as a mere workhorse to become a versatile lifestyle companion. Produced by Pixel Studios in collaboration with M&C Saatchi, this six-episode series was filmed over three action-packed days at Pixel Studios in Seksyen 51, Petaling Jaya. Directed by Richard Koh, Built for Life explores what makes the Ford Ranger a symbol of adventure and capability, handled with ease by enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Hosted by the multi-talented JJ Fernandez, a celebrated former radio DJ turned emcee, life coach, and entrepreneur, the Built for Life podcast delves into the unique experiences and stories of Ford Ranger owners. JJ's diverse background, including his early days with the Hitz FM Ranger Cruisers—an iconic fleet of Ford Rangers—adds a personal touch to the series, making it both engaging and insightful.

Discover the Ranger Lifestyle with

Ford Ranger "Built for Life" Podcast

Set Design

The set design featured a customized Airfix setup with adventure gear as props and designer neon elements, creating a modern and rugged aesthetic that perfectly aligns with the Ford brand. This thoughtful and creative set design enhanced the podcast’s thematic elements, making the visual presentation as compelling as the content itself.

One standout element was a kayak that looked impressively real but was actually a customized prop made from polystyrene. This was necessary to fit the specific dimensions of the Airfix setup, as standard kayak sizes were unsuitable. Director Richard Koh was particularly insistent on including this kayak design, which added to the set's authenticity and visual appeal.

Behind the Scenes at PIXEL STUDIOS

The shoot for the Built for Life podcast was a whirlwind of creativity and coordination over three days at Pixel Studios. Under the meticulous planning of Film Director Richard Koh and Executive Producers Gerard Peter and Kenny Khoo, the production smoothly executed the vision with striking results. The camera team, Scott and Rahman, enhanced the visual appeal with cinematic lighting that added depth and vibrancy to the set. Their MCP team ensured that all shots were captured and provided on-set editing for a faster and smoother workflow.

Our Art team, led by Sam Chiang, brought the stage to life with stunning set designs and meticulous attention to detail. M&C Saatchi's Executive Creative Director Ezra Foo, Account Director Sharon Rodrigues, Account Executive Muhajir Anuar, EP Rasydan and AV Producer Faliq, ensured that every detail—from concept, set design to lighting—aligned perfectly with the podcast’s adventurous theme. The result was a polished and engaging series that received positive feedback from viewers.

The script, written by Kon Wai Luen, involved many weeks of research. Pixel collaborated with him because his passion for cars and extensive knowledge could elevate our podcast to the next level.

Weather can make or break a shoot. Thankfully, the weather was on our side, providing ideal conditions for capturing dynamic driving and stunning drone scenes. Here’s a detailed look at how each day unfolded.

Day 1: Enthusiasm and Expertise

The first day set the tone with electrifying energy. We kicked off by filming JJ hosting Shanjhaiy and Alex Lim. Alex, a signage business owner and Ford Ranger T6 owner, is also the head of the Malaysia Ford Ranger Club (MFRC) committee. His journey with the Ranger is more than just business; it's a passion. Shanjhaiy, who transitioned from a sedan to a Ford Ranger T6, is a MFRC committee member who traded his old bucket list for new adventures. Both brought infectious enthusiasm and a wealth of experience to the set, making the shoot smooth. Their ability to bring the content to life was evident in every take, creating an engaging and dynamic atmosphere.

Next on the schedule was a virtual shoot with Justin Capicchiano, joining us from Australia. Despite the distance, Justin’s presence was impactful, showcasing the power of technology in bridging gaps and bringing global talent together.

Following Justin’s segment, we continued with Hakim and Zhivann. Zhivann, a Next-Gen Ford Ranger XLT Plus owner and MFRC member, makes Ranger life a family affair and shared his experience of upgrading from the old to the new generation Ranger. Hakim, a sales executive by day and entrepreneur by night, drives a Next-Gen Ford Ranger WildTrak integral to his dual hustles. As an active MFRC Southern region member, he embodies the Ranger spirit. Their collaboration added a fresh perspective, further enriching the content. The day concluded with the talented Adian Yien, founder of Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) and a veteran of the motorsport scene, who provided a detailed account of the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor’s capabilities as an off-road instructor. Adian’s performance was the perfect capstone to a productive and inspiring first day.

Day 2: Momentum and Mastery

Building on the success of Day 1, we began Day 2 by filming Faiz and Namie. Namie SMY, an actor, comedian, host, and singer, is on the hunt for a new ride. His humor brought life and laughter to the podcast and to the team, making the filming enjoyable. Faiz Bahruddin, a product expert from Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford, explained how the Ford Ranger combines the feel and drive of a car with the ruggedness of a truck. Their chemistry and professionalism were evident, making the shoot both efficient and enjoyable. They brought a unique flair to their segments, adding depth and diversity to our project.

After Faiz and Namie, we turned our focus to Hezeri. Hezeri Samsuri, founder and managing editor of CARETA, broke down the engineering marvels of Ford’s Fox Live Valve Shock Absorbers. His individual shoot was a masterclass in precision and passion, showcasing his dedication to the craft. Hezeri’s ability to convey emotion and authenticity on camera added a powerful dimension to our narrative.

Day 3: The Art of the Beauty Shot

The final day was dedicated to capturing the beauty shots of the trucks, both interior and exterior. These shots were crucial in highlighting the intricate design of the vehicles. The gleaming surfaces and detailed interiors were brought to life with meticulous care, ensuring that every angle showcased the trucks in their best light. Our team worked tirelessly to capture the essence of these machines, using a combination of natural light and creative techniques to enhance their appeal. The resulting footage was nothing short of spectacular, a testament to the skill and dedication of everyone involved.

Reflection and Gratitude

As we wrap up this three-day shoot, we are filled with a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The weather, the talent, and the teamwork came together seamlessly, creating a perfect storm of creativity and execution. Each participant, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, played a vital role in bringing this vision to life.

Special thanks to Queenie Tham and Bryan Wong for giving us the opportunity to collaborate. Kon Wai Luen deserves recognition for his incredible script and extensive research, which laid a solid foundation for our project. His expertise and passion for cars have truly elevated our podcast to the next level.

Capturing Magic: Behind the Scenes of Our 3-Day Shoot

JJ had a blast during the shoot, bringing a lively and upbeat energy to the set. Whether it was cracking jokes between takes or playfully engaging with the crew, his infectious enthusiasm kept everyone in high spirits. His fun-loving attitude not only made the shoot more enjoyable but also contributed to a relaxed and dynamic atmosphere, helping to capture some of the most engaging and natural moments on film.

The team from Pixel and M&C Saatchi. From left: Faliq, Rasydan, Azril, Sharon, Richard JJ, Kenny, Ezra & Jir.

The camera team stayed focused, expertly capturing the best moments and ensuring each scene showcased the talents perfectly.

From left: Adian, Bryan, Kon & Queenie.

Our host JJ Fernandez.

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Ford Ranger 'Built For Life'

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The Trailers

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Directed by Richard Koh

Produced by Pixel Studios

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