FINAS wants Malaysia to become preferred destination for post-production, VFX

4 Dec – Base Digital Production Sdn Bhd recently revealed the involvement of local talents in producing the visual effects (VFX) for Disney+ series "The Mandalorian" second season and the movie "Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (Episode IX)".

This indirectly promotes Malaysia as the preferred destination for film production and post-production activities for many overseas production studios.

The production studio's involvement is fully supported by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) through the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI).

FINAS CEO Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri stated that the incentive is not limited to international production studios, as local ones are also welcome to apply for it.

"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," he said.

General Manager of Base Digital Production, Sailash Kumar, said that Base Digital Production has spent years grooming local VFX artists to produce visual effects that are on a par with Hollywood.

"Local talents are also holding supervisorial and management positions in Base Digital Production, which is no simple task as it takes years of experience across different studios.

"With FIMI, we are also able to bring back Malaysian talents that left their families behind and travelled abroad in search of a career in the field of visual effects and animation. Base Digital Production has now recruited approximately 10 Malaysian artists that have been working overseas and provided them with a sustainable platform here in Base Digital Production, allowing them to pursue their passion in visual effects and animation," he stated.

Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary-General, Minister of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM),Shakib Ahmad Shakir said that it is important for KKMM to ensure that business sustainability and employment is secured.

"The ministry also emphasises the training and upskilling of Malaysian talents to ensure they are well-equipped and proficient in this digital era," he said.

The VFX process for "The Mandalorian" took about seven months, starting from April until October 2019, while for "Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (Episode IX)" it was until November, which was a month before its release.

Previously, Base Digital Production also worked on the visual effects for Netflix's action thriller "6 Underground", which stars Ryan Reynolds.