By Meor Shariman

WHO are the most influential people in the local movie industry? It's quite difficult to define "influential", but for the purpose of this article, it's defined as the power to pull movie-goers to the cinemas. These personalities have the golden touch since whatever they are involved in usually becomes runaway box-office success.

Lisa Surihani, actress:

She is fast emerging as the darling of local cinema.

She paired with Farid Kamil in three box-office hits - V3 Samseng Jalanan, Lagenda Budak Setan and Semerah Cinta Stiletto. The lass proved she could shoulder a film in the comedy Zoo, which made more than RM2 million.

Her other film, Kapoww!!! Atoi the Ajaib Boy was a flop, but that was not entirely her fault. She will be seen in Jangan Pandang Belakang Congkak 2 next.

Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nazri, director:

His golden touch is undeniable. Almost all his films were box-office hits.

While most were only successful in directing a certain film genre, this jack-of-all-trades is successful in all genres, from horror to action and comedy.

He is responsible for turning Adnan Sempit into a blockbuster and when it comes to making horror movies, nobody does it better.

He is currently shooting a new film, while waiting for the release of Damping Malam, a horror flick he not only directed but also acted in.

Farid Kamil, actor/director:

He is the only one among several actors who can completely fill up cinema seats.

He appeared in four of the year's biggest box-office films - Evolusi KL Drift 2, Lagenda Budak Setan, Semerah Cinta Stiletto and V3 Samseng Jalanan.

His first try at directing produced a box-office hit - V3 Samseng Jalanan.

He is currently directing Kongsi, a film about gangsterism in the city.

Next, he will be seen in Mamat Khalid's Estet and Ahmad Idham

David Teo, chief executive officer of MIG Productions:

Teo is today's most successful local film producer.

Just check his track record. In the past two years, all his films collected between RM2 million and RM7 million. His Adnan Sempit is Malaysia's biggest box-office hit, collecting RM7.6 million.

His films contributed towards more than a quarter of last year's local box-office collection.

Syamsul Yusof, director/actor:

He is the most exciting young director to emerge in the local film industry.

His Evolusi KL Drift 2 made more than RM5 million, surpassing the box-office figures of his previous films, Evolusi KL Drift and Bohsia: Jangan Ikut Jalan Hitam.

His first dabble in the horror genre, Khurafat, is waiting for a release date.

He is currently shooting KL Gangster.

Ahmad Nabil Ahmad, comedian:

This Raja Lawak 2 winner criticised his own movie, Lu Pikirlah Sendiri De Movie, yet his fans still supported him and turned it into a RM2 million hit.

He kept his mouth shut when Kecoh Betul! was released. The film also made RM2 million at the box-office.

Next, he will be seen in a cameo role in KRU Studio's musical film, Magika.

Shaheizy Sam, actor:

A method actor who can do wonders with any role given to him.

His versatility can be seen in Adnan Sempit, Evolusi KL Drift 2 and Jangan Pandang Belakang Congkak.

His next leading role is in Nyangkung, a horror comedy about lottery.

Azahari Zain, director:

His debut film, Jin Notti was censured by both fans and film critics.

His sophomore effort, Santau, showed that horror is what suits him best. Mantra cemented his name as the next master of horror to rival Ahmad Idham.

The family comedy, Zoo, was proof that he could successfully direct another film genre. His next horror film, Keramat, is now in post-production.

Datuk Yusof Haslam, producer:

His film studio, Skop Productions, is the only surviving studio from the 1980s and is still thriving.

He cleverly vacated the director's seat two years ago for his son, Syamsul, and this saw a new era for Skop Productions.

Yusof will return to the director's seat soon, jointly directing a romantic comedy, Aku Bukan Tomboy, with his son.

Ahadiat Akashah, screenwriter/author:

There is no doubt that he was one of the main reasons why Lagenda Budak Setan became Malaysia's most successful love story. He wrote the best-selling novel more than 15 years ago.

His fans supported him by watching the adaptation in the cinemas. There is no doubt that there will be a sequel to Lagenda Budak Setan.