Iskandar Malaysia Studio Plans New Prison, Airplane Sets to Meet Industry Demand

Iskandar Malaysia Studio (IMS) is strategically expanding its facilities to better serve the burgeoning film industry. Recognizing the significant costs associated with building temporary sets, IMS is proactively collaborating with major production houses such as Astro Shaw and Skop Production. Their input has guided the development of new, in-demand sets like a prison and an airplane interior, alongside historical and community-themed structures.

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We do not want to build a facility without demand. Therefore, we work with producers based on their production plans.

This initiative is crucial for supporting local and regional productions, which often struggle with the financial burden of constructing bespoke sets. By offering a diverse inventory of pre-built sets, IMS aims to make filmmaking more accessible and cost-effective for these productions. This approach not only streamlines the production process but also fosters a more robust domestic film ecosystem.

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These sets are very much needed by production because they involve high costs if built on a 'one-off' basis.

IMS has already seen success with its hospital and police station sets, attracting clients from Singapore, Hong Kong, and local companies. The studio's evolution from a basic empty stage in 2013 to a facility with diverse offerings reflects a successful adaptation to industry needs. The shift in clientele, with 50% now being local productions compared to a predominantly international base previously, highlights IMS's growing importance to Malaysia's creative economy.

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IMS has a very large space to be developed, around 30 acres to be seen as a big potential for future investment to build more outdoor facilities.