Astro Productions Ties Up with Iskandar Malaysia Studios

ADVERTISEMENT

NUSAJAYA: Astro Productions (APSB) and Iskandar Malaysia Studios (IMS) are collaborating to offer integrated TV content production services at Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios.

The new five-year pact sees APSB as the exclusive provider of equipment and services for the production of TV content at IMS's two HD studios. In return, APSB has committed to undertaking a minimum of 4,500 hours of production per annum at the studios in the first two years and 3,000 hours of production per annum from the third year.

Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Communication and Multimedia Minister said, “The introduction of the Film In Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) in February 2013 and the successful opening of PIMS in June 2014 are testaments to the Malaysian government’s aspiration to spur the development of the creative and content industry. The Malaysian creative industry brought in RM565 million in content export revenues last year, and is expected to bring in RM600 million in 2014. The ministry lauds the collaboration between APSB and IMS to provide comprehensive production services, combining the state-of-the-art PIMS with experienced and cost-effective technical crew, as well as with experienced and proven management. This strategic collaboration will play a vital role in attracting production of regional television programs to PIMS.”

Rohana Rozhan, the CEO of Astro, said, "Team Astro is a firm believer that Malaysia and Malaysians should be a creative force to be reckoned with, not only on this region but also globally. We also believe that this collaboration would play a pivotal role towards making this a reality. For it brings together Pinewood Iskandar, the Malaysian government through MCMC, Malaysian talent, local and global producers, global networks and Astro with the common objective of producing exceptional television.”

Rezal A. Rahman, the CEO of Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios, said, “PIMS aims to spur the development of a conducive creative ecosystem around it ensuring the sustainability of an integrated studio facility. PIMS is committed to support the development of creative content and increase talent skill sets that will be of international standard throughout the ecosystem of the creative content industry in Iskandar Malaysia.”

He added, “This collaboration will ensure full production services including multi cameras, HD cameras, sophisticated lighting and audio system and state-of-the-art outdoor broadcast truck, we are well- placed to provide high quality production for regional and international producers.”