Advice for filming in Malaysia

[Thomas Leong]

Hello Olivia,

Off-hand, I’d say you should have no problems with cameras and tripods. But since you have mics, and multiple cameras, that makes it look ‘professional’ and formal – more than a self-use video shoot.

With Sabah, I’m not too sure as the local government for Sabah is quite autonomous re laws for Sabah. However, the good news is that they are very favourable toward anything to do with encouraging tourism. So I’d advise you to contact the Sabah Tourism Authority for a letter stating that you are in Sabah to document your holiday on video and to request ‘To whom it may concern’ to co-operate and facilitate your shoots.

Thomas Leong

[Gussie Peile]

Hi Thomas,

You seem to be well versed on filming in Malaysia and I have a few questions.

I noted that you mentioned a fixer – can you recommend someone to help put together both an aerial shoot and a green-screen studio shoot with talent?

It is a corporate film so we are on the age-old problem of a very tight budget!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Gussie

[Thomas Leong]

The original fixer I had is now gainfully employed. But I do have another fixer/producer who comes highly recommended by a production house here. Please check your account here at the Cow.

[Thomas Leong]

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[Alice Windeler]

Hi,

I am from Salt TV, a production company in Soho, and am looking to partner with a services company in Malaysia to help with some filming in early January. We will be filming a conference for our client in Kota Kinabalu and I am looking to find out some costs for a camera operator and a sound operator (with sound kit included) for a 3-day shoot.

It would also be great to get a rough estimate for hiring some lights as well. A rough estimate is great as we are just at budgeting stage at the moment – also if there are any regulations or permissions needed to film in Malaysia.

Thanks for your help,

Alice

[Thomas Leong]

AFAIK, as you are filming within the 4 walls of a building, and provided you are not filming any aspect that may put Malaysia in a negative light, the only permission you require is from the building owner, or in this case, the organisers of the conference who would be responsible for you and the crew’s behaviour, access, etc. If your client is from KK itself, they should be in the best position to get permission from the organisers of the conference.

As for a local crew and equipment, Kota Kinabalu is in East Malaysia. I’m in the west, across the South China Sea! To fly a crew and equipment there would not be cost effective if you can get the stuff from Kota Kinabalu instead. Your best bet would be to try the facebook page of the ‘Malaysian Freelance Film and Video Production Crew’. There may be someone from that area – https://www.facebook.com/groups/mfpc2011/

Thomas Leong

[Alice Windeler]

Hi Thomas,

Thank you so much for your advice really useful.

Thanks,

Alice

[Thomas Leong]

BTW, a bit of geography…if anyone in that facebook page says he/she is located in Sabah, that is where Kota Kinabalu is. KK is the capital of the state of Sabah.

Good luck!

[Joel Lee]

Hi Thomas, my name is Joe and i’m from Kuala Lumpur. Do you know the procedure of permit application for shooting corporate video at KLIA2 & KLCC?

[Thomas Leong]

No, I don’t. BTW, I have retired.

At a guess, meet up with/write to the PR Manager of both places may reveal the requirements.
For KLCC, KL Bandaraya near Merdeka Square would be good place enquire for permits (danger of terrorism planning, etc considered).