Shabery: Ministry recognises importance of Film Desk

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Shabery speaks at a press conference after opening the Asean-China Film and TV Co-Production Forum. Also seen are Abang Johari (second right) and Allen Zhu (right).

KUCHING: The availability of filming facilities is crucial to make Malaysia, including Sarawak, a sought-after filmmaking destination that can lure overseas projects and in turn market Malaysia to the world.

Minister of Communication and Multimedia Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said Sarawak was a model for other states to study its experiences and growth in the film industry.

“My ministry recognises the importance of setting up a Film Desk in each of the states which Sarawak already has in place,” he told a press conference after opening the Asean-China Film and TV Co-Production Forum at the Sarawak Tourism Complex in the Old Courthouse here yesterday.

The Film Desk, he explained, was where all the contacts were available to facilitate production as it provided filmmakers the local resources needed for a hassle-free and successful shoot including law and regulations, permit, incentives, facilities, transportations, geographical knowledge of locations and so forth.

“If possible, we want all states in Malaysia to have a Film Desk each to support the film industry. There must be an integrated system in place, networking, strong communication and local participation to smoothen the whole process for filmmakers interested to shoot in our country,” he said.

Shabeery said that films shot on locations in many parts of the world had attracted tourists to the locations and thus generating tourism revenues.

‘Lord of the Rings’ shot in New Zealand and a hit Chinese comedy ‘Lost in Thailand’ shot in Chiang Mai were among the movies which had contributed to an increase in tourist arrivals and tourism dollars to the respective destinations.

Malaysia, he shared, had a scheme that encouraged filmmakers from around the globe especially from Asean countries to come and create their projects in any states in the country.

“Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) under Finas will offer incentives to filming projects done anywhere in Malaysia.

On collaborations with China in the film industry, he said China was now ranked number two after the USA in generating box office revenues.

“We must acknowledge the fact that the Chinese market is important for Malaysia in the film industry. An average of nine new screen openings are made every day in China,” he said.

Following the international success of films such as ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’ and ‘Hero’, he said the co-productions in Chinese language cinema had increased and moving into larger domain with international influence.

“Secondly, we look up to China in terms of their maturity in technologies which will help expose Malaysia to the world through online media such as Youku Tudou Inc.” On possible collaborations with Asean filmmakers, Shabeery welcomed all members of the film fraternity to join the annual Film Leadership Youth Programme to be held in Malaysia this year.

China’s Consul-General in Kuching Liu Quan, Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and Youku Tudou Group senior vice-president Allen Zhu were also present.