We caught up with her over the phone to ask her about the production of Didi & Friends, what she hopes children get out of the film, and the many more projects that she’s involved in for 2023.
The first meeting with the producers
Like all gigs, Amelia first got to know about her role through her management and knew that it was for an upcoming Didi & Friends project. At first she wondered what the role could be because there was the titular Didi and his friends which were already known.
It was during the first meeting that they revealed the new character Captain Zee, “So when they pitched the character to me in person and I saw how they wanted to make it such a Malaysian animation, I said of course I want to be a part of it, you kidding?.
“When I saw Captain Zee, she was a feisty, leader of the team, who saves them. All of it [the pitch] came together nicely and I was excited to do the project.
“Honestly, before they even told me what character I was going to be doing I already made a soft decision that I wanted to be a part of it. Because I think Didi & Friends is already a very, very successful children’s animation and I love what they do.”
How long did voice over recording take?
“It was over a couple of months. We didn’t go and do it in one batch. It staggered over several days. Once you’re done with the main recording, you go in separately for the song, and then you go in for any final touch ups–once they’ve finished with the animation.
Sometimes you have to add in voice effects. Then once it's all done you wait-lah.”
Amelia revealed that she completed her work on the film 2 years ago.
The similarities between Captain Zee and Amelia
“It just so happens that she’s a lot like me. For instance, I’m an older sister [as well], so she comes in and looks after the kids and at the same time she’s a badass and powerful and feisty.
And I like to think I’m like that too. So there’s quite a few similarities.”
We then asked her what kids can learn from Captain Zee.
“I think it’s [Didi & Friends The Movie is] suitable for age groups way beyond younger kids. There’s so many lessons in this story; it’s a story about sacrifice, commitment, dedication, family, it’s about giving up what you want the most for others.
“There’s so many good morals to this story and I think it’s worth watching for all age groups.”
Her hopes for Captain Zee’s character in the future
“In my head, it would be about Captain Zee conquering the galaxy. It will be about Captain Zee and Tok Chip trying to prove that Satria Zee is worthy or as good as all of the other Satrias that exist.”
If in 3 years we see a Captain Zee spin-off series, you’ve read the first pitch of it here first, folks.
The year of Amelia Henderson
We’ve mentioned some of the projects that are on-going for the young star (we’ve not even mentioned her brilliant podcast Studio Sembang) but she still has many projects up her sleeve.
“Actually, all of these projects have been in the works for so long and I didn’t realise all of these things were going to be premiering in the same month. I didn’t see it coming, but I’m very grateful. The timing seems to be working in my favour.
“This year I have a special collaboration for a Raya collection with an existing local brand that I’m super excited about. We codesigned an entire collection of not just baju raya but also accessories, shoes, and everything.
“On top of that, I have another collaboration for Raya with a local jewellery brand. And then we’re expanding Studio Sembang. Hopefully, you’ll see some new spin-off shows from us as well as a line of merchandise. Most likely also in collaboration in another powerhouse Malaysian streetwear brand.
“One more thing, I’m also filming a drama at the moment, that’s going to be coming out later this year as well. It’s one of the most excited I’ve been about a project, ever.”
The drama is an Astro production but we can’t reveal more than that.
Didi & Friends the movie is out now and has raked in RM3 million at the box office as of 28 February 2023. Catch it at a cinema near you.