NEWS: Content developers happy with incentives

PETALING JAYA: Creative content developers are happy with the incentives the industry received from the Government during the tabling of the 2010 budget.

They said the Government clearly recognises that the creative industry has the potential to be further developed and can contribute much to the nation’s economic growth.

The Prime Minister announced several incentives for the industry, including the formulation of a comprehensive Creative Industry Policy, the establishment of a RM200mil creative industry fund, and a RM3mil welfare fund for artistes and actors.

These incentives are not limited to the performing arts and music, but include design, animation, advertisement and content development.

Those in the digital content industry said the incentives will help drive the industry forward.

Mohd Nizam Abd Razak, managing director of Animonsta Studios, is happy that the Government has plans for the creative industry.

“I believe this will help more people learn about and understand the industry, as well as what is required to develop it,” he told The Star.

The RM200mil fund is a good move, said Nizam who hopes proper procedures will be put in place to ensure the money is efficiently and fairly distributed.

He suggested that part of the fund should be allocated for marketing and promotions activities.

“These activities can be expensive and a lot of industry players fail to market their products because they cannot afford to promote them,” he said.

Digital artist Muid Latiff hopes that the fund will also be used for organising workshops that will expose artists to other forms of art.

“That way everyone can diversify, which will be helpful in the event of difficult financial times,” he said.

BigBeak Pictures managing director Azlan Pa’wan said it is about time the creative content industry is given a boost.

A new player in the global creative content economy, he said Malaysia needs to leap forward to be on par with other countries that are more established in the creative industry.

“With the Government’s support and the recent stimulus announcements, I believe our creative content developers will be able to compete in global markets,” Azlan said.