FINAS to study residual payment mechanisms for actors

The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) is conducting a feasibility study to introduce residual payments or revenue-sharing mechanisms for actors in the audiovisual sector. The initiative, announced by the Communications Ministry, aims to provide performers with a fairer share of economic benefits when their works are commercially exploited via television, cinemas, streaming platforms, or international markets.

The study will evaluate three primary areas: legal frameworks (including potential amendments to laws or standard contracts), industry structures and business models, and market practices used by international distributors and streaming services. To ensure the mechanism does not compromise the commercial viability or competitiveness of the creative industry, FINAS will collaborate with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). Stakeholder consultations will include various actors' and producers' associations.