KUALA LUMPUR: Hollywood action thriller 6 Underground which stars Ryan Reynolds featured visual effect shots produced by Malaysians working in Base Digital Production.
According to a news report today, the company owned by Base FX in China was responsible for over 80 visual effect shots for the movie that were created in Malaysia by close to 70 artists who were predominantly locals.
The milestone post-production project involving the Netflix movie was part of the National Film Development Corporation's (Finas) Film In Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) programme.
Base Digital Production's general manager Sailash Kumar said that 6 Underground was the first big budget Hollywood film that featured Malaysian visual effects expertise.
With support from Finas and collaborations with local institutes of higher learning, Base Digital Production was able to create more job opportunities in the Malaysian creative industry.
Sailash added that initially, 75 per cent of visual effect providers were from overseas talent.
But after several years of operations, the company took in and trained more locals.
Currently, 80 per cent of its total workforce consists of Malaysians who hold positions as supervisors and managers.
Base FX CEO Chris Bremble said that 6 Underground was its first big project in the studio.
"This effort has enabled us to develop a talented local creative team and an experienced management group."
"We are excited to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this film and we'll continue to highlight the abilities of local talents," he said.
The visual effect project for the Michael Bay-directed movie became a reality following the FIMI programme by Finas.
It was introduced in order to develop Malaysia into an international film hub that offers local visual effect and post-production services.
Finas CEO Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri said: "I want Malaysians to know that Finas offers incentives through FIMI, not just for film productions but for post-production work as well."
"We work a lot with production companies to encourage the development of the creative industry in Malaysia.
"With this incentive, international films will be able to invest in developing their productions in Malaysia. Finas will provide a 30 per cent cash rebate for expenses incurred in Malaysia.
"Via FIMI, the cost of productions and post-production work is comparable to neighbouring countries, which will result in more job opportunities for the Malaysian creative industry," he said.