Are YouTubers giving bad film reviews really hurting Malaysia’s entertainment industry?
This whole idea started when the Communications and Multimedia Minister, Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah announced that Malaysians will soon need to apply for a license from FINAS to film videos - including personal social media accounts like TikTok and Instagram.
Photo via MalaysiaKini
...and now, one local actress wants YouTubers to apply for a filming license because they are also making money from the platform.
According to the Malay Mail, 50-year-old actress, Ellie Suriaty Omar said: “I don’t care what people want to say about me after making this suggestion. We as actors have our own reasons.”
“Why are they (YouTubers) not paying license fees already? They’re all making creative content as well!” she added.
Not only that, but she also claims that some YouTubers are taking advantage of their fame and the platform to give bad reviews to films, which affects the film’s box office earnings, which could also eventually hurt the local film industry.
Assalamualaikum. Salam Perjuangan Saranan saya untuk youtubers ambik lesen bukan untuk menyusahkan kalian. Akta baru...
Posted by Ellie Suriaty Omar on Monday, August 10, 2020
She further explains that, “Malaysia’s film industry is not like Hollywood. Only 10% of those in the field are rich, while the rest are all B40s,”
“Bad reviews have caused a big loss to producers, directors, and even production crew members because no one wants to watch our film because YouTubers labeled them as trash,” said Ellie.
Imagine the hassle having to apply for a license every time you’re going to make a YouTube video! What do you guys think about this?
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
