MSC Malaysia and India to collaborate & co-produce 6-8 visual effects driven features

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), South Entertainment Committee, and Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), the driver of the MSC Malaysia initiative met to discuss the promotion of bilateral trade and business matchmaking between Malaysian and Indian creative companies, in a follow up to the Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) the two parties signed on 22 January 2010.

The collaboration between FICCI and MDeC is aimed at strengthening efforts to develop a strategic alliance on activities related to the media and the creative industries. It is also part of MSC Malaysia's efforts to develop world-class co-production initiatives in broadcasting and digital content.

The discussions today involved legendary actor and Chairman of FICCI South Entertainment Committee, Dr Kamal Haasan, founding Chairman of the FICCI Visual Effects Community in India, Madhu Sudhanan, other representatives from FICCI; as well as Chief Executive Officer of MDeC Datuk Badlisham Ghazali and other MDeC officials.

The highlights of the discussion were:
1. Potential collaboration for a slate of 6 to 8 feature films to be co-produced by Malaysia and India
2. Meet and identify MSC Malaysia companies for VFX opportunities
a. Transfer of knowledge and skill on visual effects to the local creative industry
3. Possibility of starting a Visual Effects hub in Malaysia for Southeast Asia market
4. To consider Malaysia as a destination for location filming for Indian production companies

"We are pleased to collaborate with MDeC on a mutually beneficial matter which is of special interest to the FICCI Entertainment division, and we hope this collaboration will enhance and boost the development of the creative and entertainment industry in our two countries," said Kamal Haasan, Chairman of FICCI South Entertainment Committee.

"This is a huge opportunity for the broadcast and creative industries in Malaysia and India to leverage on each other's strengths. We are confident that with this collaboration and other similar efforts, the industries concerned can become a more vibrant sector that will contribute significantly to the Malaysian economy" said Datuk Badlisham Ghazali.

The luncheon was also attended by Malaysian film industry luminaries, the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS), the Malaysian Film Producers Association (MFPA), and MSC Malaysia Status Companies including KRU Studios (KRU).