#SHOWBIZ: Finas to kick off special project for veteran actors, crew
KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to improve the welfare of veteran film actors are set to be enhanced by offering them well-paid job opportunities.
This commitment comes from the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas), which aims to collaborate with local production companies to implement the initiative.
Finas chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, hopes this endeavour will help alleviate common complaints from veteran artistes regarding low pay or payments that don't reflect their hard work.
"Following discussions between Finas and the Ministry of Communications, we'll be launching a pilot project for a super telemovie drama where every person involved will be a veteran."
"This includes cameramen, audio technicians, editors, scriptwriters, directors, and actors."
"This project is funded by the Creative Content Fund (DKK) and, if successful, we will continue it in the future," Hans said recently at an event held in collaboration with the Malaysian Entertainment Journalists and Writers Association (WHAM).
Also in attendance were Finas CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, and WHAM president Datuk Tengku Khalidah Tengku Bidin, alongside entertainment journalists from various media organisations.
Hans explained that the project will require producers to return 40 per cent of sales proceeds to Finas, ensuring the social responsibility initiative can be sustained.
"For example, we will provide producers with RM150,000 to create dramas. Producers must spend all of that money on the crew and cast, paying them amounts commensurate with their experience," he said.
"If a veteran actor plays the main character, they must be paid the rate for a lead actor. Producers need to remember that this project isn't for them to make a profit."
He continued: "If they sell this product to broadcasters, 40 per cent of the sales proceeds must be returned to Finas so that this project can continue on an ongoing basis."
Hans also mentioned that Finas will review the list of names of the actors and crew involved before the project begins to ensure that only veterans are employed.
When asked about the potential reception from broadcasters, Hans expressed confidence in the credibility and quality of veteran talent.
"I believe broadcasters will be interested in purchasing this product because most existing veteran actors are still in demand. However, not all actors involved will be veterans; we also consider character suitability.
"Who knows, if this drama receives a lot of attention and high viewership, it might change broadcasters' perspectives," he said.
Hans was appointed Finas chairman on March 26, succeeding Datuk Kamil Othman, who had held the position since Feb 24, 2023.
Previously, Hans was appointed to the same role by the then Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Gobind Singh Deo, on April 8, 2019, replacing Samsuni Mohd Nor, whose contract expired in March 2019. Less than a year later, he was reportedly terminated and relinquished the position on May 22, 2020.
In another development, Finas is advising film producers, especially newcomers, to join industry associations to expand their knowledge.
Azmir said that this would enable them to gain insights from experienced professionals regarding product marketing.
"I always advise film producers to consult the Film Producers Association (PFM) on matters related to film marketing," he said.
"Within the association, we have many individuals experienced in distribution and the Compulsory Screening Scheme.
Most new film producers only know how to make films but lack knowledge in marketing."
He added: "When they join an association, if they face problems with films being withdrawn from screenings or moved to smaller cinemas—which often relates to film quality—at least the association can help them advocate."
"However, if the association doesn't raise a fuss after receiving a producer's complaint, perhaps the film itself is problematic, and Finas cannot offer any assistance."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
SMG grabs top media awards
KUALA LUMPUR: Star Media Group (SMG) grabbed two top prizes at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-PETRONAS Malaysian Journalism Awards 2024. Executive editor of content design Tung Eng Hwa, as well as chief designer Muhammad Hafeez Aminuddin and deputy chief designer Hassan Bahri, took home the gold prize in the Best Infographic category, along with a RM10,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate. The Star senior writer Ragananthini Vethasalam clinched first place in the Best News Reporting category, taking home RM10,000 cash prize for her impactful series: A Stillborn Heart Centre, Heart of the Centre Is Not Beating, Operating a Solution, Three OTs Back in Action, Heart Ops Comes to a Halt and No More Shocks for Hospital. The Star also secured both second and third places in the Best Multimedia category, with the winning teams receiving RM3,000 and RM2,000 in cash prizes, respectively, along with trophies. The second-place team comprised senior news editor Abdul Razak Ahmad Idris, chief news editor Mazwin Nik Anis, deputy chief designer Foo Chern Hwan and chief digital designer Nor Shalina Abdul Samad for their What's In It For You in Budget? series. Third place went to the team of deputy news editor Sheridan Mahavera, senior writer Tarrence Tan, senior writer Ragananthini Vethasalam and journalist Muhammad Shyafiq Dzulkifli for their interactive General Election series. The Star Metro journalist Muhammad Farid Abdul Wahab secured third place in the Best Feature Writing category, earning a RM2,000 cash prize and a certificate. In the Best Environmental, Social and Governance Journalism category, senior chief videographer Juliana Mohd Fauzi took third place for her compelling series: Bring the Forest Back to Life Again, From Forest Guardians to Wildlife Saviours, Custodians of the Malayan Tigers, Foodbanking for the Needy and Braving the Forests to Conserve Wildlife. SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng said the awards serve as an encouragement for the organisation to stay true to its strengths. 'Thanks to MPI for the recognition! This will only spur us on, doing what we do best,' she said, adding that SMG has always championed topics and issues that are close to the people's hearts. 'We have been active in forging the path with digital storytelling as well as the traditional print, which we are proud to defend. 'These awards show that we are going in the right direction. Thanks to our great team!' Tung said he is proud of the team's achievement, highlighting how impactful storytelling can be effectively delivered through illustrations and graphics. 'Through this visual piece on the serious threat of microplastics, we hope to raise greater awareness so that everyone becomes more mindful about our environment and reconsiders their use of plastic,' he said. Ragananthini expressed gratitude to her editors for supporting and shaping the impactful story. 'I would like to dedicate this award to the whistleblower who braved all odds to come forward with this story. 'I am glad to have played a very small part in providing them a platform to amplify the call for action and mount pressure on authorities to act fast,' she said. A remembrance and special award was conferred upon the late Rozaid Abdul Rahman, who previously served as the group consulting editor at The Star. In his speech, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said MPI has provided a platform for media practitioners to foster ethical journalism and uphold the truth, to counter against fake news, conspiracy theories and skewed public perception in the age of digitalisation and artificial intelligence. 'The role of journalists is to filter facts from falsehoods and to speak the truth, even when it is bitter. 'Tonight's event itself is a testament to our shared commitment to upholding ethical and excellent journalism in our country. 'Tonight, we honour our winners but tomorrow the struggle (in upholding the truth) continues,' he said. Zambry also officiated MPI's first scholarly journal e-Jurnal Kewartawanan, which aims at promoting research-based writing in the fields of journalism, media and communication, particularly among local media practitioners.
The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
Star Media Group bags two golds at 2024 MPI-PETRONAS journalism awards
KUALA LUMPUR: The Star Media Group (SMG) bagged two gold awards at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-PETRONAS Malaysian Journalism Awards (HKM) 2024 on Friday (June 20). Executive editor of content design Tung Eng Hwa, as well as chief designer Muhammad Hafeez Aminuddin, and deputy chief designer Hassan Bahri, took home the gold prize in the Best Infographic category, along with a RM10,000 cash prize, trophy, and certificate. Senior writer Ragananthini Vethasalam clinched first place in the Best News Reporting category, earning a RM10,000 cash prize for her impactful series: A Stillborn Heart Centre, Heart of the Centre Is Not Beating, Operating a Solution, Three OTs Back in Action, Heart Ops Comes to a Halt, and No More Shocks for Hospital. The Star also secured both second and third place in the Best Multimedia category, with the winning teams receiving RM3,000 and RM2,000 in cash prizes, respectively, along with trophies. The team that bagged the silver award comprised senior news editor Abdul Razak Ahmad Idris, chief news editor Nik Mazwin Nik Anis, deputy chief designer Foo Chern Hwan, and chief digital designer Nor Shalina Abdul Samad for their What's In It For You in Budget? series. The bronze award for the category went to the team of deputy news editor Sheridan Mahavera, senior writer Tarrence Tan, senior writer Ragananthini Vethasalam, and journalist Muhammad Shyafiq Dzulkifli for their interactive General Election series. The Star Metro journalist Muhammad Farid Abdul Wahab secured third place in the Best Feature Writing category, earning a RM2,000 cash prize and a certificate. In the Best Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Journalism category, senior chief videographer Juliana Mohd Fauzi took third place for her compelling series: Bring the Forest Back to Life Again, From Forest Guardians to Wildlife Saviours, Custodians of the Malayan Tigers, Foodbanking for the Needy, and Braving the Forests to Conserve Wildlife. SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng said the awards serve as an encouragement for the organisation to stay true to its strengths. 'Thanks to MPI for the recognition! This will only spur us on, doing what we do best. She said SMG has always championed topics and issues that are close to the people's hearts. 'We have been active in forging the path with digital storytelling, as well as the traditional print, which we are proud to defend. 'This awards show that we are going the right direction. Thanks to our great team!' she said. Tung said he was proud of the team's achievement, highlighting how impactful storytelling can be effectively delivered through illustrations and graphics. 'Through this visual piece on the serious threat of microplastics, we hope to raise greater awareness so that everyone becomes more mindful about our environment and reconsiders their use of plastic,' he said. Ragananthini expressed gratitude to her editors for supporting and shaping the impactful story. 'I would like to dedicate this award to the whistleblower who braved all odds to come forward with this story. 'I am glad to have played a very small part in providing them a platform to amplify the call for action and mount pressure on authorities to act fast,' she said. A remembrance and special award were conferred upon the late Rozaid Abdul Rahman, who previously served as the group consulting editor at The Star. Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was honoured with the Tokoh Wartawan Negara award in recognition of his extensive experience and significant contributions to Malaysian journalism. Wong has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer.
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Finas to kick off special project for veteran actors, crew
KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to improve the welfare of veteran film actors are set to be enhanced by offering them well-paid job opportunities. This commitment comes from the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas), which aims to collaborate with local production companies to implement the initiative. Finas chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, hopes this endeavour will help alleviate common complaints from veteran artistes regarding low pay or payments that don't reflect their hard work. "Following discussions between Finas and the Ministry of Communications, we'll be launching a pilot project for a super telemovie drama where every person involved will be a veteran." "This includes cameramen, audio technicians, editors, scriptwriters, directors, and actors." "This project is funded by the Creative Content Fund (DKK) and, if successful, we will continue it in the future," Hans said recently at an event held in collaboration with the Malaysian Entertainment Journalists and Writers Association (WHAM). Also in attendance were Finas CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, and WHAM president Datuk Tengku Khalidah Tengku Bidin, alongside entertainment journalists from various media organisations. Hans explained that the project will require producers to return 40 per cent of sales proceeds to Finas, ensuring the social responsibility initiative can be sustained. "For example, we will provide producers with RM150,000 to create dramas. Producers must spend all of that money on the crew and cast, paying them amounts commensurate with their experience," he said. "If a veteran actor plays the main character, they must be paid the rate for a lead actor. Producers need to remember that this project isn't for them to make a profit." He continued: "If they sell this product to broadcasters, 40 per cent of the sales proceeds must be returned to Finas so that this project can continue on an ongoing basis." Hans also mentioned that Finas will review the list of names of the actors and crew involved before the project begins to ensure that only veterans are employed. When asked about the potential reception from broadcasters, Hans expressed confidence in the credibility and quality of veteran talent. "I believe broadcasters will be interested in purchasing this product because most existing veteran actors are still in demand. However, not all actors involved will be veterans; we also consider character suitability. "Who knows, if this drama receives a lot of attention and high viewership, it might change broadcasters' perspectives," he said. Hans was appointed Finas chairman on March 26, succeeding Datuk Kamil Othman, who had held the position since Feb 24, 2023. Previously, Hans was appointed to the same role by the then Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Gobind Singh Deo, on April 8, 2019, replacing Samsuni Mohd Nor, whose contract expired in March 2019. Less than a year later, he was reportedly terminated and relinquished the position on May 22, 2020. In another development, Finas is advising film producers, especially newcomers, to join industry associations to expand their knowledge. Azmir said that this would enable them to gain insights from experienced professionals regarding product marketing. "I always advise film producers to consult the Film Producers Association (PFM) on matters related to film marketing," he said. "Within the association, we have many individuals experienced in distribution and the Compulsory Screening Scheme. Most new film producers only know how to make films but lack knowledge in marketing." He added: "When they join an association, if they face problems with films being withdrawn from screenings or moved to smaller cinemas—which often relates to film quality—at least the association can help them advocate." "However, if the association doesn't raise a fuss after receiving a producer's complaint, perhaps the film itself is problematic, and Finas cannot offer any assistance."
