Advice for filming in Malaysia

[Thomas Leong]

I’m from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and IMO, for the type of shoot you mentioned, you are either being ripped off or the local company is playing it extremely safe as they may not have a specific list of locations that you want to shoot.

Yes, the govt is always fearful that foreign productions may capture something that may not reflect well on the country or portray it in a prejudicial manner. Most governments are like this.

I do the occasional corp videos. Though I do not shoot personally, I hire cameraman and crew, and when outdoor is required we just go out and shoot – in the streets, wherever. Generally, no licence, special fees, clearance to pay whatever. Of course, if we were to shoot inside someone’s building, office premises, or shopping complex, permission from the owner/premises-occupier would be required.

In public places, the best way to get around the hassle of being potentially questioned by building security personnel is to use smaller cameras, definitely not the shoulder-mount type. Also, consider dressing as a tourist – floppy hat or reversed baseball cap, t-shirt, shorts, etc.

Thomas Leong

[Andy Taplin]

Thanks Thomas

So will we ba able to enter Malasia with a standard list of equipment and then go the client’s offices without any official procedures?

If we are on the street with a shoulder mounted camera will the police hassle us.

I can get a letter form the Malaysian office of our client explaining what we are doing, would this be enough?

Your advice is appreciated.

Andy

[Thomas Leong]

Andy,

So will we be able to enter Malaysia with a standard list of equipment and then go the client’s offices without any official procedures?

I would say yes. Customs is only concerned that you do not sell/leave the equipment behind. So generally, a company letter stating to the Director of Customs, Malaysia declaring that the equipment you are bringing in will be taken out when you leave, should be fine. Just walk through the green lane. If stopped, produce your letter of declaration. Hope you are not bringing cases of equipment!!

The only worry is your entry permit, which if I’m not wrong, does not allow you to be employed in this country. Same with any other countries, I guess. Be prepared with the right answers – that you are not being employed here.

If we are on the street with a shoulder mounted camera will the police hassle us.

I dare say, no, unless someone complains and they are obliged to investigate. Yes, if you have talents, sets, lighting, etc…and need traffic to be stopped, etc. If anything, a discrete tip should take care of it 🙂

I can get a letter from the Malaysian office of our client explaining what we are doing, would this be enough?

This would help if you have any questions from any authority. Basically it shows that you are shooting for a locally based company. Where the shoot ultimately ends up, they need not know.

Your advice is appreciated.

Give me a couple of days to make a few phone calls, and I’ll come back to you with confirmation of what I’ve said above.

Thomas

[Andy Taplin]

That’s really helpful.

Thanks Thomas.

[Thomas Leong]

Andy,

Made a couple of calls today and this is what I have –

1. Yes, a licence is required to shoot out in the streets. It costs about RM300 (<50 British pounds) from City Hall if shooting in Kuala Lumpur, not at any particular premises. Most don't bother applying/paying because by the time the authority concerned comes to know about it and mobilise its 'enforcement personnel', the shoot is completed, packed up and gone anyway.

2. At premises, you would need permission from the building owner/management. For example, if you are shooting within the compounds of the Petronas Twin Towers (the garden and fountain area for example), then the guards will likely come up and ask if you have permission from the management. Perhaps to anticipate this, your client's KL office can apply before you arrive. Else, I have personally shot there with a small DV camera and was never questioned.

3. The police would not be involved in this stuff. It's City Hall or the suburb management, or the premises management or their security personnel. All unarmed 🙂

4. It would help during your outdoor shoot to have a local around (probably from your client's KL office) - not a meek person, but one who can talk his/her way out in the local (Malay) language.

Happy shooting!
Thomas

[Andy Taplin]

That’s really useful advice Thomas – thanks very much. I’m likely to be in KL towards the end of March if you give me your Email or cellphone I’ll give you a call and buy you a couple of beers.

Andy

[Thomas Leong]

Andy,
I’ll be out of the country for 2 weeks in March, returning on March 24, and departing again on 30th for 8 more days – working at my other rice bowl (pro golf officiating).

If you are here in the period in between, we’ll have a beer or two!

Thomas
tleong at streamyx dot com
017-873 0313 (when called locally, else add +6 prefix)

[Leah Manasseh]

Hey Thomas!

My name is Leah, I am producer at Hot Spot Films, a production company based in Dubai, producing documentaries throughout the world.
We will start shooting in a week, and we have already hired a fixer through a production company who has also sponsored us for the work permits.
The field producer has been in touch with the fixer for all the coordination. The fixer recently sent her a price list for the locations that seems outrageous! We have filmed in every corner of the world but we never have had to pay so much for shooting permits.
I was wondering if I could call you tomorrow to verify this info with you. You seem to know how things run in Malaysia.
After this shoot we are planning another shoot in Malaysia as well which require more locations! I am apprehensive about this and would need to have a secont opinion.
Your help and assistance is much appreciated!

Hope to hear from you!

Leah
leah@hotspotfilms.com
917 55 932 4961

[Thomas Leong]

Hi Leah,

Per our phone conversation, I am awaiting your requirements, and shall try to put you in touch with someone else. It’s Thursday here, and I’m off to Korea on Sunday for the whole of next week, so we’ll have to get this done quick.

Generally, permissions and licences are not expensive in Malaysia. But if one has what-we-call “the jalan”, literally meaning the road/path, figuratively the contacts, then things can be quick and smooth, but not necessarily cheaper especially if shooting indoors. Third world country…you know 😉

Waiting for your details.
Thomas leong
tleong49 at streamyx dot com

[Armand Attard]

Hi Thomas, I wonder if you might point me in the right direction for a shoot I small corporate shoot I am trying to put together for Shell. I am trying to find a real person’ Malaysian with exellent english to do a driving story. it would take about three days. I need a little advice on permits too.
We plan to be there at the end of January 2009.

Thanks Armand, Armandattardfilms