The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) revealed that over 100 Malaysian talents were involved in the production of The Mandalorian and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX).
Photo via Malaysiakini
Base Digital Production and its team of homegrown talents produced visual effects for The Mandalorian TV series and the ending episode of the Star Wars trilogy.
The engagement was made possible because of the continuous support from the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS).
En. Shakib Ahmad Shakir, Deputy Secretary-General, Minister of Communications Multimedia (KKMM), highlighted that, “The training and upskilling of Malaysian talents will ensure that they are well equipped and proficient in this digital era. I am confident that with the commitments and inspiring outcomes of Base Digital Production, we are on the pathway of shaping a viable future for Malaysia's digital industry with world-class talents."
The recent premiere of The Mandalorian Season 2 on Disney+ caught the attention of many Malaysians after learning that the USD100mil TV series received financial support from FINAS under the Film In Malaysia Incentive (FIMI).
Through FIMI, the Malaysian Government awards international production studios with a 30% subsidy for all expenditures made in Malaysia, be it for filming or post-production activities.
Photo via Twitter (@habibmac) / yahoo.com
By doing so, the Malaysian Government has allowed for the cost of production to be competitively comparable with neighbouring countries while producing exceptional visual effects and providing Malaysian talents with the opportunity to work on Hollywood films.
A total of 78 artists in Malaysia produced a portion of the visual effects for Season 1 and 2 of The Mandalorian TV series with Qualifying Malaysian Production Expenditure ("QMPE") of USD1.5 million, while a total of 70 artists produced a portion of the visual effects for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX) with a QMPE of USD700K.
Photo via The Guardian
Dr. Ahmad Idham, CEO of FINAS, said: "FIMI has attracted big titles to invest in Malaysian-based production companies, and there are more to come. With that said, Malaysia is now gaining recognition internationally 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 develop local talents to position Malaysia as the preferential destination for international productions."
Mr. Sailash Kumar, General Manager of Base Digital Production, said that Base Digital Production has now recruited approximately 10 Malaysian artists that have been working overseas and provided them with a sustainable platform in the company which allows them to pursue their passion in visual effects and animation.
He also added that Malaysia has also seen a spill-over effect as a result of FIMI's successes as local universities such as Multimedia University (MMU) and The One Academy (TOA) have started to enroll in programs on visual effects.
Hopefully in time, with the continuous support from the Ministry and FINAS, the Malaysian film industry will welcome a bigger pool of local talent that will drive the creative industry in Malaysia to greater strength and international recognition.
Keep up the amazing work, guys!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
