Malaysia’s National Film Development Corporation To Make Changes To The Industry1 min read
Reading Time: < 1 minuteFrom leading man and filmmaker to high-profile head of the national film corporation since April, Datuk Hans Isaac, 48, remains an easily recognisable face, and the same down-to-earth, friendly man.
Looking fresh as ever, he admits that the last three months have been stressful, since “many things need to be readjusted” at the National Film Development Corporation, or Finas, in Ulu Klang, Selangor.
“The Minister (Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo) says almost every area in the corporation needs restructuring, and we have quarterly targets to meet.
“He wants Finas to shed its image as a place for filmmakers to get help, and instead be a corporation that does not depend too much on the government, and creates and generates its own income, five years from now,” says Isaac, smartly dressed in a grey suit and crisp white shirt.
Upon becoming Finas’ chairman, Isaac and his team came up with the idea of getting film production houses to provide Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (Socso) benefits for actors and film crew members who collaborated in film projects.
“Many actors have welcomed this, but there has been some resistance from film companies. We are still talking to them, they are giving us feedback, and we believe it is always good to hear both sides of the story before this package is finally unveiled.
“As an actor and a producer, I’m able to empathise with both sides. Imposing our dictates on others will never work, and engaging both sides is the best way to find a win-win situation.”
Photo credit: New Straits Times
