7 Best Asian Countries to Hire a Professional Video Production Company
Asia is home to some of the world’s most talented video production companies. From high-quality equipment and skilled workers, to cutting-edge technology and creative minds, Asian countries are an ideal place for any business looking for a reliable video production partner — let’s dissect the video production industry in Asia, its history and its current status.
Hiring Video Production Services in Asia
In recent years, the demand for video production services in Asia has grown exponentially. This can be attributed to the increased number of businesses looking to reach out to their target audiences with high-quality videos. Companies are turning to video production services in Asia for their expertise in creating compelling and engaging content that resonates with viewers.
Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of outsourcing video production services has also contributed to its increase in popularity. With the help of experienced professionals, companies can produce videos that capture their message and engage their audience without breaking the bank.
7 Best Asian Countries Where You Can Hire Professional Video Production Services
In the following section, we are going to break down a who’s who of video production in Asia — a quick recap of the industry, ending with video production companies in Malaysia. It’s important to note that the continent has a rather extensive history when it comes to film, animation, and video production, in particular when it comes to the first item on that list. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, The Philippines, and China are international hubs whose close proximity to technological superstars like Japan have more or less driven their industry and propelled their ability to quickly adapt to new video production methods and tools. As a whole, the region is known, when it comes to video production companies in Asia, for 4 outstanding factors — factors that all 7 regional hubs, which we will explore in this section, more or less share.
- Cost savings: Outsourcing video production to Asia can significantly reduce costs, as labor and production values are generally lower in Asia compared to other countries.
- Access to skilled talent: Asia has a large pool of highly skilled animators and digital artists, allowing companies to access a wide range of talent at competitive prices.
- Time zone advantages: Asia is in a different time zone than many Western countries, which allows for a more efficient workflow, as work can be done overnight while the client is sleeping.
- High-quality video production: Asia has a rapidly growing industry and has produced many high-quality films and television shows, which demonstrate their capabilities and high standards of production.
Each region, nevertheless, has its singularities, and its history, as well as its key attractive qualities and draws — and its major con. Let’s dissect them.
China
China has a long history of video production, dating back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s and 1930s, Chinese film studios began producing silent films, many of which were based on traditional Chinese stories and legends. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the government established the state-run China Film Group Corporation, which played a dominant role in the film industry.
During the Cultural Revolution – 1966-1976 -, the Chinese film industry was heavily censored and controlled by the government. Many films produced during this period were propaganda films that promoted the ideals of the Communist Party.
In the 1980s and 1990s, China began to open up its economy and relax its censorship laws, leading to a resurgence in the film industry. Many independent filmmakers emerged, and the country began to produce more diverse and high-quality films. In recent years, China has become a major player in the global film industry, with a large number of domestic and international productions being filmed in the country.
Overall, China’s video production history is marked by government censorship and control — a key factor most companies have to take into account.
Thailand
The chronology of film in Thailand dates back to the late 19th century, when the first motion pictures were introduced to the country. The first Thai film, “Phra Aphai Mani,” was produced in 1912. During the 1920s and 1930s, the Thai film industry began to develop, with the production of more feature-length films. However, it was not until the 1950s that the industry began to flourish, with the establishment of major studios and the release of many popular films. In recent years, the Thai film industry has experienced significant growth, with a number of internationally acclaimed films and directors, as well as a thriving independent film scene. Additionally, the industry has also been supported by government funding and tax incentives.
Thailand as a whole has a burgeoning video production industry, one with amazing talent but one that still needs to mature. It is heavily being promoted by its government with great incentives for international investors.
Singapore
Singapore, and its wild movie history, can be traced back to the 1940s, when the first locally produced films were made. They were shoe-string production and in many cases rather home-made.
However, the industry did not fully develop until the 1960s and 1970s, with the establishment of the government-funded film studio, the Singapore Film Commission. The 1980s and 1990s saw a decline in the local film industry, but it started to pick up again in the 2000s with the emergence of independent filmmakers and the government’s efforts to promote the film industry.
In recent years, Singapore has become a popular location for international film and television productions due to its diverse locations and skilled crew. The government has also provided various incentives to attract production and built studio facilities to support the industry. Singapore also has a strong animation and visual effects industry, with several companies specializing in this area. Singapore has also produced a number of films and directors that have received international recognition.
Japan
The long and oftentimes inspiring history of video production in Japan can be traced back to the late 19th century, when the first motion pictures were introduced to the country. The first Japanese film, “The Dull Sword,” was produced in 1899. The industry began to develop rapidly in the 1920s, with the formation of major studios such as Shochiku and Nikkatsu. During this time, the genre of “jidaigeki,” or period dramas, became popular, as well as the emergence of the “yakusa-eiga” or gangster film genre.
In the post-war period, the Japanese film industry experienced a golden age, with the emergence of acclaimed directors such as Akira Kurosawa, Yasujirō Ozu and Kenji Mizoguchi, and the production of internationally renowned films such as “Seven Samurai” and “Rashomon.” However, the industry began to decline in the 1970s due to the rise of television and the diminishing power of the studio system.
In recent years, the Japanese film industry has experienced a resurgence, with the emergence of independent filmmakers and the production of internationally acclaimed films such as “Departures” and “Shoplifters.” Japan is also known for its animation industry, producing popular animated films and series such as “Spirited Away” and “Naruto.” The industry also has a strong video game industry, with many video game companies based in Japan and known for creating popular franchises like Mario, Final Fantasy, and Pokemon.
To put it bluntly, Japan is THE super-star. It excels in almost every stage of video production. It is an award-winning, internationally recognized, video production megastar — with multiple Oscar-winning films under its belt, a smorgasbord of production companies, and more high-quality talent than even in Burbank. Japan truly is, and pardon the pun, the Godzilla of video production companies in Asia. With that prestige comes a cost-prohibitive price tag. It is incredibly expensive to produce films or animation in Japan, that is why most people look elsewhere, primarily to video production services in Malaysia.
India
The Indian film industry, also known as Bollywood, rapidly developed in the 1930s and 1940s, with the emergence of major studios and the production of popular films. During this time, the musical genre, known as “masala” films, became popular, featuring a mix of drama, music, and dance.
In the post-independence period, the Indian film industry continued to evolve, with the emergence of acclaimed directors such as Satyajit Ray and the production of internationally renowned films such as “Pather Panchali” and “Mother India.”
Currently, the Indian film industry has experienced a boom, with the international prestige of independent filmmakers and the production of acclaimed films such as “Slumdog Millionaire” and “The Lunchbox.”
India is also known for its regional cinema, with different language-based film industries like Tollywood, Kollywood, and Mollywood producing popular films. The Indian film industry is also one of the largest in the world in terms of the number of films produced and viewership.
India is also one of the most affordable markets for people who need to work on a tight budget.
The Philippines
The first Filipino film, “La Vida de Rizal,” was produced in 1898. The industry began to develop rapidly in the 1930s and 1940s, with the creation of major studios such as LVN and Sampaguita Pictures, and the production of popular films such as “Anak Dalita” and “Ibong Adarna.”
During the post-World War II era, the Philippine film industry experienced a golden age, with the emergence of acclaimed directors such as Lamberto Avellana and Gerardo de Leon, and the production of internationally renowned films such as “Sisa” and “Genghis Khan.”
The Philippines is known for its horror and comedy genres in the film industry. The Philippines also has a strong television production industry, producing a number of popular dramas and soap operas. The industry has been encouraged by government support and tax incentives — allowing it to reach international markets and secure a strong hold with influencers, and small companies that want to outsource their video production or animation incentives.
Malaysia
The history of video production in Malaysia can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s, when the government established the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) to promote the local film industry — compared to some of its other Asian peers, video production in Malaysia is relatively new. It wasn’t until the 1990s and 2000s that industry began to take off in Malaysia. With advancements in technology and the proliferation of digital media, the industry has grown rapidly, with an increasing number of companies and studios providing video production services.
In the early days, the video production companies in Malaysia were mostly focused on producing corporate and government videos, but over the years, the industry has diversified and expanded to include a wide range of services such as film and television production, animation, and post-production.
The government has also played a significant role in the development of the industry, with various initiatives and funding aimed at promoting the growth of the sector. In recent years, the industry has attracted international clients and collaborations and has become an important contributor to the country’s economy.
Overall, the video production industry in Malaysia has come a long way in a short period of time and has the potential to continue growing in the future — currently it is one of the region’s biggest and hungriest competitors, with companies such as Kasra Design, offering high-quality video service at incredibly competitive prices.
Why Investing in Video Creation Pays Big
It really doesn’t matter whether you’re outsourcing to Asia or predicting your videos in your neighborhood — video creation pays big.
Here’s a quick list on why, right, now video really is your brand’s magic bullet:
- Increased engagement: Video is a highly engaging medium that can capture attention and convey information in an effective and memorable way.
- Increased reach: Videos can be shared and promoted on various platforms such as social media, websites, and email marketing campaigns, allowing your business to reach a wider audience.
- Improved SEO: Videos can also improve your search engine optimization by increasing the chances of your website appearing in page one results, which can lead to more website traffic and higher conversion rates.
- Increased brand awareness: Video can help to establish and strengthen your brand by communicating your message and values to a wider audience.
- Cost-effective: Video production costs have significantly decreased due to technology advancements. And videos offer a cost-effective way to reach and engage your target audience.
- Increased conversions: Videos have been shown to increase conversions, especially when used in product demos, explainer videos, or customer testimonials.
- Increased trust: Videos can help establish credibility and trust with your audience.