Latest news with #HansIsaac
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- 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."
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Hans Isaac: Finas to consider ending 'open door policy' for foreign films
KUALA LUMPUR: Following the disappointing box office performance of Blood Brothers: Bara Naga in Indonesia, despite it being Malaysia's highest-grossing film of 2025, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) is considering ending its 'open door policy' towards international films. Its chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, 53, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of reciprocity in how Malaysian films are treated abroad, particularly in Indonesia. "I'm saying this not just as Finas chairman but also as a filmmaker. We open all doors for them to screen their films in Malaysia," he told reporters when met recently. "However, when we take our films abroad, although they grant us entry, the process, marketing, and structural hurdles are extremely challenging." "For example, in Indonesia, they complicate the situation, whereas here in Malaysia, we have always made it very easy," he added. Hans further said that if foreign countries make it difficult for Malaysian films to penetrate their markets, Malaysia should impose the same conditions on them. "If they offer five slots, we'll offer five. If they give ten, we'll give ten. It has to be on a first-come, first-served basis." "We can't reserve special slots for anyone. This is similar to the Mandatory Screening Scheme, which may also be considered for foreign films. However, implementing this will require processes, proposals, and a thorough review," he explained. To further promote local films on the global stage, Finas plans to launch a major initiative around September or October. "Finas will serve as a bridge between countries. We'll help film producers tap into larger markets, even beyond Indonesia," Hans added. "Let's just put it that way for now. If Blood Brothers failed in Indonesia in terms of earnings, I'll prove that their audience was wrong. Finas will take the film to bigger markets elsewhere. Discussions are already underway." It was previously reported that Blood Brothers, which grossed RM76 million at the box office in Malaysia, was screened in only 40 cinemas in Indonesia. Its director, Syafiq Yusof, also revealed that fewer than five Malaysian films were screened in Indonesia in 2024, whereas over 100 Indonesian films entered the Malaysian market with ease.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Hans Isaac: Finas to focus on new Act's implementation
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation (Finas) is currently focused on implementing the new Finas Act, which introduces updated guidelines for managing the creative industry. Its chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, said that the Act is set to be fully in force by the third quarter of the year. "The new Finas Act is going to be the 'big ticket' or 'key' for us to implement. In the past, only minor changes were made to the Act, but this time, it's a complete overhaul," he said. Hans also mentioned that Finas will announce a new national film policy, which will outline the industry's direction for the next ten years. "We'll also be relocating our Finas office from Petaling Jaya to a new, more spacious facility that can accommodate the latest film technology," he added. Furthermore, Hans noted that Finas plans to collaborate closely with all creative industry practitioners to facilitate the digitalisation of films. The original Finas Act, established in 1981, was last amended in 2013, and the new Act is now in its final stages of preparation.
Malay Mail
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Finas to spotlight Malaysian cinema in Beijing with mini film fest this year
KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 — The National Film Development Corporation (Finas) is planning to host a mini film festival in Beijing, China this year, its chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said today. Hans said the festival is expected to feature between 10 and 15 Malaysian films. Finas, he said, is currently discussing the matter with its counterparts and other relevant stakeholders in China. Hans made the announcement at the premiere of Chinese film, Pirate Queen: Zheng Yi Sao, which claims to be the world's first artificial intelligence (AI)-generated film. 'Many AI creators in Malaysia and around the region have worked in this film. 'By 2030, AI is expected to increase South-east Asia's GDP by USD$1 trillion (RM4.4 trillion) and it is something that Malaysia should look at as the frontrunner of AI around the world,' he said. Citing the blockbuster success of Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, Hans congratulated veteran producer and director Datuk Yusof Haslam and his team and said that the film's remarkable box office run proved that the standards of Malaysian movies have increased. Directed by Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra, the action-packed film grossed RM9.2 million within just two days of screening nationwide.
