Budgeting for TVC Production in Malaysia: The Complete Transparency Guide

An honest look at the costs involved in professional video production in Malaysia. This article breaks down the line items of a budget to help clients understand where their investment is going and how to optimize it.

2/19/20262 min read

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp

The Myth of the "Fixed Price"

Clients often ask, "How much for a 30-second video?" This is like asking "How much for a house?" The cost is determined by the foundation, the materials, and the location. In the Malaysian market, prices fluctuate based on the "tier" of production you require.

Line-Item Breakdown: Where Your Ringgit Goes

1. Pre-Production (25% - 30% of Budget)

This is the most critical phase but often the most undervalued.

Scriptwriting & Storyboarding: This isn't just "writing." It's psychological engineering. We map out the visual cues that trigger consumer action.
Location Scouting & Permits: In Malaysia, getting a permit for Putrajaya or the KLCC area requires navigating DBKL or Perbadanan Putrajaya regulations. These fees and the time spent on paperwork are baked into the pre-production cost.

2. Production / The Shoot (50% of Budget)

The Crew: A standard professional shoot involves a Director, Director of Photography (DOP), Gaffer (Lighting), Sound Recordist, Hair/Makeup, and Production Assistants. Each is a specialist.
The Gear: The difference between a "home video" and a "TVC" is often the glass. We use vintage anamorphic lenses or high-end Arri/Sony cinema cameras to give Malaysian brands a "European" or "Hollywood" high-fashion look.
Talent: In Malaysia, talent fees range from RM500 for a student extra to RM50,000+ for a "Mainstream" actor or high-tier influencer.

3. Post-Production (20% - 25% of Budget)

Color Grading: This is where we create the "mood." We can make a sunny day in Subang look like a moody evening in London.
Sound Design & Music Licensing: 70% of a video's quality is actually the audio. We invest in bespoke foley (sound effects) and licensed music tracks so your video doesn't sound like a generic YouTube tutorial.

How to Save Budget without Sacrificing Quality

The "Batch Shooting" Method: If you need 5 videos for a year-long campaign, shoot them all in one 48-hour window. The daily rate for gear and crew is your biggest expense; maximize their time.
Location Consolidation: Every time the crew moves locations, you lose 2-3 hours of "light" to packing and unpacking. Pick one versatile location (like a large bungalow or a modern office) that can be dressed to look like three different rooms.
Clear Briefing: The most expensive words in production are: "Actually, can we change the script now that we've started shooting?"