The Malaysian delegation to MIPCOM this year, led by His Excellency Dato’ Sri Kamaruddin Siaraf, Secretary General of the Malaysian Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture, comprises of more than 40 strong Malaysian content companies consisting of broadcasters, distributors, feature film, television and animation producers, with 200 new programmes on offer for distribution and acquisition—double the number of completed programmes compared to last year.
Some of the featured new programmes to be announced in MIPCOM for the first time will include Animasia Studio’s Bola Kampung The Movie, Inspidea’s Akis, Giggle Garage’s Boeing The Play Ranger, and Funcel’s Satria: The Warriors of 7 Elements.
H.E. Dato’ Sri Kamaruddin Siaraf, said, “Since the Malaysian Government has identified the Creative Content Industry as a high impact economic growth area to its GDP, the commitment and support from the Government and financial institutes have gradually risen on an annual basis. Creative Malaysia has certainly proven to the world that its creative economy and ecosystem have one of the best synergies to accelerate growth in content development, which is complemented by various funding and incentives, leading-edge studio facilities, strong creative talents, culturally-adapt multi-racial society, supportive government and a competitive economy.”
Most recently announced is the “Film in Malaysia” Production Incentive to be promoted in MIPCOM, which is expected to be a huge boost for both local and foreign producers. Both local as well as foreign productions, including feature films, animations, documentaries, television productions and commercials, will be eligible for a 30% cash rebate on audited in-country spend, as long as they qualify the minimum spend criteria. The Film in Malaysia Production Incentive Rebate will be effective from January 2013. There are also other attractive grants and financial incentives being announced at the show, aimed at helping boost the creative industry’s significance to the Malaysian economy.
Mohd Naguib Razak, Director General of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), said, “In order to stay competitive in the global market, Malaysia has to persistently participate in major markets such as MIPCOM, in search of international partners and projects. The delegation’s main focus this year in MIPCOM will be to aggressively sell programs and encourage more international co-production projects, and promote Malaysia as an attractive filming location.”
