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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 York Post
06-06-2025
- New York Post
US Marshals capture Dominican fugitive wanted for murdering upstate NY family of four — including young kids, 2 and 4
A Dominican fugitive wanted for slaughtering a family of four in upstate New York last summer was tracked down and arrested by US Marshals in the Dominican Republic Wednesday, officials said. Luis Francisco Soriano, 31, allegedly killed two children, ages 2 and 4, and their parents in their Irondequoit, NY, home, which was then burned to the ground on August 31, 2024, according to Fox News. 'Every case is important to us, but this one not only deeply impacted our communities in New York and Puerto Rico, it shook our entire nation,' Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, US Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico said Wednesday in a release. 'The horrific nature of this crime, which resulted in the tragic death of a family, including two innocent children, rocked the very foundation of our society governed by law and order,' Ocasio-Ibarra added. 3 Luis Francisco Soriano was captured by US Marshals in Puerto Rico. USMS 3 Julio Soriano was arrested just one week after the disturbing attack. USMS Soriano, who originally fled to Puerto Rico and then to the DR, was taken into custody outside of a Punta Cana hotel's call center after he finished a shift, US Marshals said. The 31-year-old allegedly committed the heinous crime with the help of his brother Julio Soriano, 34, who was arrested just one week after the disturbing attack, which allegedly targeted a cousin of the Sorianos, WHAM reported. 3 Fraime Ubaldo (right), Marangely Moreno-Santiago, Evangeline Ubaldo-Moreno, and Sebastian Ubaldo-Moreno were found murdered while firefighters worked to put out fires at their home. 13WHAM ABC News/YouTube Fraime Ubaldo, 30; Marangely Moreno Santiago, 26; Evangeline Ubaldo Moreno, 4; and Sebastian Ubaldo Moreno, 2, were killed allegedly by their kin who then fled the United States, according to that report. Soriano faces four counts of second-degree murder and narcotics charges in the United States and will be held in the Dominican Republic pending extradition hearings, according to Fox News.
NBC Sports
03-06-2025
- General
- NBC Sports
Bills OC Joe Brady: It feels like Dalton Kincaid lived here this offseason
The Bills' 2024 season ended when tight end Dalton Kincaid couldn't reel in a pass from Josh Allen in the AFC Championship Game and General Manager Brandon Beane said a short time later that Kincaid 'didn't have the year that he expected or we expected.' Beane went on to say that Kincaid has 'to continue to work on his play strength' after dealing with injuries over the course of the year and it appears that Kincaid took those words to heart. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady was asked about what he's seen from Kincaid at a Tuesday press conference and he said there's been both quality and quantity for the tight end. 'I feel like he lived here this offseason . . . credit to him in the weight room and working with the medical team. Looks like Dalton Kincaid,' Brady said, via Dan Fetes of WHAM. A return to rookie form would be a welcome development for Kincaid and the Bills as they try to get over the hump this season.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Veteran journalist Fauziah Rauf dies at 81
KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran journalist Fauziah Rauf, 81, founder of the Malaysian Entertainment Journalists and Writers Association (WHAM), passed away at Selayang Hospital here yesterday at about 1 am. Her daughter, Nilly Wahida Omar, initially confirmed the passing of Fauziah, who was well-known among creative industry figures and celebrities. It was reported that Fauziah died due to a cerebral haemorrhage. Nilly Wahida said that about a week ago, her mother fell at their home before being admitted to the hospital for treatment. "We, her children, were by our mother's side when she breathed her last. She passed away very peacefully," she said. Fauziah's remains were eventually laid to rest at the Selayang Baru Islamic Cemetery here yesterday afternoon. About 100 people, including family members, relatives, and acquaintances, paid their last respects at the funeral. Among the artiste friends present were famous lyricist, Datuk Habsah Hassan, and actress Rubiah Suparman. Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) CEO, Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, was also present on behalf of the Minister of Communications, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, to hand over a cash donation of RM2,000 to Fauziah's family. WHAM, in a statement, expressed its condolences and sorrow over the passing of Fauziah Rauf, who was also a former journalist for Utusan Malaysia, including Wanita magazine, and the publisher of Nilly Publication. WHAM president, Datuk Tengku Khalidah Tengku Bidin, described Fauziah as a highly respected female journalist in both the journalism and the arts and entertainment industries in the country. "Fauziah was not only an excellent writer but was also among the earliest female journalists to successfully establish her own publishing company, Nilly Publication, which published Pesta Magazine and the Pentas Dunia newspaper," she said. Tengku Khalidah added that in recognition of her significant contributions, Fauziah received the Distinguished Journalist Award at the Malaysian Film Industry Journalism Awards (AKIFMA) 2017, jointly organised by the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) and WHAM. "WHAM extends its condolences to Fauziah's entire family. May her soul be blessed and placed among those who believe and do good deeds," she said. Fauziah is survived by her four children and 13 grandchildren.
The Star
26-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Grandmother's guiding hand a family's strength
Compiled by BENJAMIN LEE, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN SHE is their grandmother, mother and father all rolled into one. Despite her financial struggles, 58-year-old Wan Rosidah Wan Ibrahim takes on the role of caring for her 15-year-old granddaughter, Nur Nasrin Nadhirah Mohd Rizal, and her 11-year-old disabled brother, Muhammad Naufal Nafiz. Harian Metro reported that the resilient grandmother in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, took it upon herself to care for her grandchildren after the deaths of her daughter and son-in-law. She said her eldest daughter, Norziana Ab Rahim, who was the mother of the siblings, died in May last year due to diabetes and seizures. Her son-in-law Mohd Rizal Ismail died in 2023 after suffering from chronic kidney disease. 'I am now both the mother and father to them. I provide for their daily needs and ensure they get an education,' she said. Wan Rosidah acknowledged that caring for Muhammad Naufal has been quite challenging due to the spinal deformity he has had since birth. 'Naufal has no function from the waist down, including both of his legs which are bent, requiring him to wear diapers,' she said. > Veteran entertainment journalist Fauziah Rauf has died at the age of 81 due to brain haemorrhage, Harian Metro reported. Her daughter Nilly Wahida Omar said her mother had a bad fall at their home about a week ago, which led to her being warded at Hospital Selayang. Fauziah, who started the Malaysian Entertainment Writers and Journalists Association (WHAM), was previously honoured with the Entertainment Journalism Icon Award at the Malaysian Film Industry Journalism Awards in 2017. She leaves behind four children and 13 grandchildren. The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.
