JOHOR, MALAYSIA — Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios (PIMS) has opened in South East Asia. Located in Iskandar Malaysia, in the state of Johor, the new facility is designed to serve as a regional hub for film and television production. The integrated facility was opened by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the Sultan and Sovereign Ruler of the State and Territory of Johor Darul Ta’zim.
PIMS is the result of a strategic alliance between the Pinewood Studios Group and the Government of Malaysia’s strategic investment fund, Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah). In February 2014, Japan’s largest post production company, Imagica Corp formed a joint venture with Khazanah to set up a post production facility, Imagica South East Asia, at the Studios.
The 50-acre facility currently offers filmmakers 100,000 square feet of film stages, 24,000 square feet of television studios, post production facilities and complete support services, including production office space, dressing/make-up rooms, workshops and backlots. The complex is one of the largest independent integrated studio facility in South East Asia, if not Asia.
“PIMS is committed to lead in developing a robust ecosystem of creative talent and high quality SMEs around the facility,” says Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, the chairperson of PIMS. “PIMS is not only expected to contribute to the development of the creative industry, it will generate spill-over effects to other economic sectors like tourism, finance and high-value manufacturing. The development of a creative ecosystem in Iskandar Malaysia shall continue to enhance innovation, creativity and stimulate entrepreneurship.”
“For four years now, Malaysia has been eagerly waiting for the Studios to be completed,” adds Michael Lake, CEO of PIMS. “Today, we are delighted to be celebrating the official opening of Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios as it marks the start of our journey towards becoming the center for international film production in Asia.”
Construction was completed in December and the studio has already generated great interest from international film and television producers. In April 2014, the studio inked a deal with independent American multimedia production and distribution company, The Weinstein Company, to shoot the upcoming television series, Marco Polo at the facility.
“We have certainly hit the ground running. Attracting a production the size of Marco Polo is testament to our ability to offer world-class amenities to filmmakers looking for a one-stop shop from script to screen,” says Lake. “We anticipate more projects to come our way as we continue to actively market the Studios internationally. It’s certainly exciting times ahead for the Studios.”