Finas to consider drama funding proposal for veteran actors
Chairman Hans Isaac said the existing STAR Fund could be adapted for drama series, subject to changes in documentation and production formats.
Malaysia's National Film Development Corporation (Finas) will examine A.R. Badul's proposal to fund drama series featuring veteran performers. Its chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, said he would submit the idea for discussion by corporation members and a Communications Ministry committee.
Hans said changes to documentation and production formats could allow the initiative to come under the Veteran Artistes Supertelefilm Fund (STAR). He said the fund receives an allocation from the industry's annual budget.
A series could accommodate 10 to 15 veteran actors in one production, Hans said at the National Veteran Figures Appreciation Tribute programme, held ahead of the 35th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM35).
Badul had proposed the funding as a way to give senior performers more opportunities. Although they still receive telefilm offers, he said, the small number of available roles restricts participation.
He hoped broadcasters would make long-running series with veteran artistes taking turns in the cast. Depending on the storyline, he said, such productions could offer work to dozens of actors. He added that opportunities to keep performing mattered more to artistes than other forms of support.
Badul and veteran actress Norlia Ghani took part in a forum moderated by Fedtri Yahya during the tribute programme. FFM35 is scheduled for Nov 21.
