#SHOWBIZ: Review 40-year-old TV rates, say film stalwarts

KUALA LUMPUR: Renowned figures in Malaysia's creative industry are urging the government to maintain funding and improve payment rates for TV productions in the upcoming national budget, according to a report from Bernama. Datuk Yusof Haslam, vice-president of the Malaysian Film Producers Association (PFM), emphasized the necessity of preserving existing support, warning that rising inflation and operational costs could severely impact the local entertainment sector if not addressed.

Yusof, in a recent statement, urged filmmakers to utilize grant funds responsibly and cautioned against misuse for personal gain. He highlighted the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), which has been instrumental in attracting international film crews and funding local ambitious projects like MALBATT: Misi Bakara. However, Yusof pointed out a critical issue - TV payment rates have remained stagnant for decades, particularly at state broadcaster Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).

He stressed that TV payment rates should be reviewed every ten years, as a drama budget that was around RM40,000 in 1985 has only increased by about RM10,000 in the past four decades. Film producer Nazira Ibrahim echoed similar concerns, highlighting the urgent need for better marketing and distribution assistance for smaller local filmmakers to reach wider audiences.

She also championed the importance of hands-on experience in building real skills, stating that training should focus on practical knowledge for all crew members, including camera operators, lighting teams, visual effects specialists, editors, and sound engineers. The 2027 Budget is set to be presented in Parliament on October 9, with the government currently allocating RM110 million in incentives for local and international filmmakers, including a RM10 million reserve for national-themed projects to bolster the creative economy.