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For every fan of Tim Burton, his masterclass that served as an outlet to express thoughts couldn’t have arrived at a better time, especially in a post-COVID world. For many of us, this means having to be creative with our day-to-day. Even if the online event started in an oh-so-typical Malaysian fashion, you could tell – excitement and awe filled the room, though we were watching from different parts of the world. You know how much enthusiasm the attendees had when some of them took to the chatbox to make jokes and film references, even before Tim Burton came on. While those who registered were mainly Malaysians, there were also a number of Japanese, a few from Spain and Indonesia.

Thanks to my eye for detail, I was able to capture the link to the corresponding event, because the different tiers, events and background information can be confusing. I’m pretty sure many were initially excited to hear of Burton’s trip to Malaysia. However, the in-person meet had to be rethought, especially after the 60-something caught COVID-19. He was scheduled to arrive in late- March 2023 for his exhibition at the Bukit Jalil outlet of Pavilion shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur.

A concert organiser and a marketing agency joined hands to make this virtual meet possible.

More than 100 participants/ticket holders attended the e-meet, which turned out to be more of a Q&A session of his creative processes and pursuits.

From watching his films that combine the right amount of quirk, creativity, and eccentricity, to finally meeting him, though via a computer screen, thanks to the Internet. Fortunately, I had enough Internet speed and my camera/video function was working. Who would have thought that this event could even go live, as planned?

Suffice to say, everyone who attended that night was cast under Burton’s spell (hehe). He surely encourages every creative pursuit possible.
Oh yeah, did I tell you about how he responded to the participants’ questions? While he didn’t have time for ALL, he was genuinely funny and sincere when answering them.  I’m still squealing with excitement that he actually answered mine.

His once-in-a- lifetime showcase comes after the Netflix release of the TV series Wednesday (2022), for which half of the show came under his direction. He is also the series’ executive producer. His notable films include Corpse Bride (2005), Alice in Wonderland (2010), Frankenweenie (2012), Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (2005) and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007).

Burton’s 10-part exhibition, which was launched in March 2023, will be held until July 2023.

Malaysia is Burton’s last stop, slated for the Asian region.

Here’s to hoping that Tim Burton will make an in-person trip when conditions permit.