Global Showbiz Briefs: Malaysia Production Incentives, Beyond Distribution Names GM
Malaysia Enacts 30% Cash Rebate For Runaway Production
U.S. location scouts can now add Malaysia to the list of countries that offer incentives for offshore production and post work. The Malaysian government enacted Tuesday a 30% cash rebate for foreign film and TV productions that spend a minimum of RM5 million ($1.6million) in the country; for local projects it’s RM2 million. The minimum spend for the post rebate is RM1.5 million. The government aims to draw runaway productions to its new $130 million facility, Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios. Located in Johor in the southern tip of the country, the studios were developed in collaboration with the UK’s Pinewood Studios Group. Five sound stages plus production offices, hair, make-up and wardrobe facilities and construction workshops are due to open in May. Two HD-equipped TV studios and the post facility are scheduled to open in September. “We are in discussions on several projects,” the facility’s CEO Michael Lake tells Deadline. ” Many producers were waiting for the release of these guidelines before committing to film in Malaysia.” The government hopes the “Film in Malaysia Incentive” will also encourage Malaysian film producers to produce content for domestic and international markets.- Don Groves
Fiona Crago Steps Down As Head Of Australia’s Beyond Distribution
Beyond International Limited has appointed Michael Murphy as acting general manager of Beyond Distribution following the resignation of Fiona Crago, who is stepping down to pursue further university studies. Crago joined Beyond in 1997 and has run the international TV sales division for 10 years. Murphy, who has been a non-exec director of Beyond Entertainment Limited since 2004, will be based in the company’s Dublin office. Murphy’s CV includes content director for Yes Television UK, director of programs at TV3 Ireland and director of digital TV for Eircom. Beyond International CEO Mikael Borglund tells Deadline he hopes Murphy’s tenure will become permanent. – Don Groves
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