Malaysian Government Welcomes More Hollywood Film VFX Work with Base Media
Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (“KKMM”) and National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (“FINAS”) announced that they approved the 30% incentive under the Film In Malaysia Incentive (“FIMI”) for the VFX work completed by Base Digital Production, a subsidiary of Base Media, on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX).
Through FIMI, the cost-of-production for studios to outsource production work to Malaysia-based companies is competitively comparable with neighboring regions. The ease of application and the seamless process of FIMI allows for big productions like Star Wars, Netflix’s 6 Underground, and The Mandalorian to obtain FIMI Rebate. Thus, FINAS is welcoming international applicants to take advantage of the incentives that Malaysia has to offer.
Dr. Ahmad Idham bin Ahmad Nadzri, Chief Executive Officer of FINAS has urged international applicants to explore Malaysia-based companies for post-production activities and also utilising Malaysia’s scenic locations for filming.
“The FIMI incentive has brought several blockbuster movies to light in Malaysia. With the tremendous recognition Malaysia has received as a preferred hub for visual effects and post-production activities, FINAS will continue in its efforts to develop the film and creative industry in Malaysia and to also develop local talents to highlight Malaysia as the preferred destination for international productions.”
Chris Bremble, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Base Media, added that they had a positive first year at the studio with several big productions and new staff on board.
“We have significant opportunities ahead of us in Malaysia. We remain focused on local talent and management. We shifted our strategy a bit with the pandemic, and while unfortunate, we are confident we will quickly get back to growth. The Malaysian government support has been a big factor in getting through the last few months and in planning, and we remain confident of our leadership position in the market,” Chris said.
Malaysia is home to an immense number of talented, experienced, and accomplished visual effects artists who have worked on blockbuster Hollywood movies. Aaron Cowan, the Executive Producer of Base Digital Production, believes that the visual effects industry in Malaysia has taken a leap that will propel the country further internationally.
According to Cowan, he believes that they have a strong and capable team in Malaysia, which is on par with team that ha was a part of in New Zealand 10 years ago when WETA started.
“The experience and opportunities I have attained throughout the years have now led me to become an Executive Producer,” he added.
Shakib Ahmad Shakir, Deputy Secretary-General, Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM), said that FIMI rebate is one of the strategic initiatives under the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia to attract international investment and outsourcing services into Malaysia.
“Apart from the economic benefits, the incentive also aims at developing the skills of Malaysian talents, ensuring that they are proficient and accomplished in the digital industry,”
“With the incredible commitments of over a hundred talented digital artists under Base Digital Production for the visual effects of The Mandalorian and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX), Malaysia is shaping the future digital industry with esteemed talents. With Sunac’s investments in Base Digital Production, and with the constant support from the Ministry and FINAS, we are confident that Malaysia will soon be the regional leader as a hub for visual effects in Southeast Asia.”
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