In 2019 film production and distribution ranked among top revenue earners in the global economy with an estimated income of USD136 billion. The industry has been evolving with conventional viewing platforms shifting towards the digital medium. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has lent strength to the digital platform which has naturally influenced the production of content.
Film Industry Facing A Transformational Shift
Responding to this shift the Limkokwing Film Academy is working with the Malaysian film industry associations to establish a channel for industry practitioners to upskill or re-skill and, thereby, stay in-demand and relevant as the industry moves up the new value chain.
On 12 August 2020 six associations, namely, the Professional Workers Association (PROFIMA), Artistes Association of Malaysia (SENIMAN), Film Directors Association of Malaysia (FDAM), Malaysian Society of Cinematographers (MySC), Creative Writers Guild of Malaysia (CGM) and Post Production Association of Malaysia (POSTAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that maps out their areas of collaboration.
Upskilling and re-skilling industry practitioners to embrace the digital shift
The common objective of both parties is to further develop competencies in selected areas of careers involving film production and its promotion as well as upgrade the level of professionalism in the industry through specific training.
This Memorandum of Understanding facilitates not only the development of skills but also to conduct film festivals and awards. Recently the Academy launched the Limkokwing Youth International Film Festival where an international panel of judges will select winning entries from across the world.
“The objective is two-fold. Firstly, to develop training modules that will encompass the whole production process and be aligned to the demands of the digital environment. Secondly, it is to create opportunities for re-skilling and upskilling among practitioners with experience, and to give focus on the diverse components of the craftsmanship involved in the making of any film or digital content,” said Dato’ Kamil bin Othman, Director of Limkokwing Film Academy.
Some 10,000 members from the Associations will benefit from this collaboration. “I think this is the best opportunity for a whole range of industry practitioners – from directors to cameramen, to hair and make-up artists, to now undergo systematic training and obtain the certification they need that endorses their capabilities,” said Kapt Khir Mohd Noor, President of PROFIMA.
“Authentic storytelling can transcend the world. That is why the Guild aspires to create a demand for Malaysian content across the world with stories told in our own voices and set in our own cities and kampungs. To succeed we will require widely different skills to deliver our content using digital methods,” said Ismail Ahmad, Chairman of the Creative Writers Guild Malaysia (CGM)
RM250,000 worth of scholarships for training 100 industry association members
Limkokwing Film Academy also announced scholarships worth RM250,000 to start the training programmes to upskill industry practitioners. This will benefit at least 100 members of the association.
