What Primeworks Studios does

Primeworks Studios is a Malaysian content creation and production studio that operates as the wholly-owned content arm of publicly listed media conglomerate Media Prima Berhad. The company produces a multi-format content slate spanning 3D animated series for children (Ejen Ali franchise, Alif & Sofia preschool), feature films across genres (Pulang, J Revolusi, J2: J Retribusi, Dendam Pontianak, By My Side, Motif), television dramas (Nur, Family Singing Show), and documentary/travel programming (Jalan Jalan Cari Makan, Dansa, Best in The World Japan, The Prophet's Legacy Unearthed). Its underlying production capability relies on traditional 3D computer graphics animation and live-action production rather than AI-driven pipelines.

The business operates four revenue streams: theatrical box-office distribution (in-house and third-party films across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan via cinema chains GSC, TGV, and CGV), streaming licensing (most notably the Pulang deal as the first Malay-language Netflix Original reaching 190+ countries, plus Astro First pay-per-view), merchandise and brand partnerships (Ejen Ali products through AirAsia OURSHOP and experiential events), and third-party distribution fees (Kingdom, Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2, Upin & Ipin). Co-production and content-supply relationships are central to the model — joint work with WAU Animation produced the Ejen Ali feature film, and joint ventures with Blindspot Studios, Giggle Garage, and The R&D Studio form an animation IP co-development pipeline. Distribution is executed through the wholly-owned subsidiary Primeworks Distribution, while animation partnerships are jointly controlled with retained commercial control sitting with Primeworks.

The studio serves two principal customer segments: general entertainment consumers (Malaysian, regional Southeast Asian, and — via Netflix — global audiences, including family and children demographic cohorts), and business-to-business partners (animation studios seeking co-production support, plus streaming platforms and broadcasters acquiring content rights). Go-to-market is event-driven (theatrical premieres, mall activations, festival circuits including MIPJunior/MIPCOM) and channel-partner driven (Netflix, Astro, AirAsia), supplemented by co-production deals with international studios including Sony Pictures Japan and Nippon TV for cross-border distribution. Commercial concentration is meaningful: the Ejen Ali franchise carries disproportionate revenue weight (RM30.8 million gross at 2019 box office), and two distribution partners — Netflix for global licensing and Astro for domestic pay-per-view — represent anchor revenue relationships.

Name

Primeworks Studios

Legal name

Primeworks Studios Sdn Bhd

Website

https://primeworks.com.my

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Primeworks Studios is a Malaysian content creation studio and wholly-owned subsidiary of Media Prima Berhad producing animated series (Ejen Ali, Alif & Sofia), feature films, and TV dramas for regional Southeast Asian and global streaming audiences.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Film and Television Production

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (512110), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121), Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries (512)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822)

akta.pro primary industry

Animated Feature Film Production (MPADACAH)

Keywords

• Film production services
• Animated content creation
• Content distribution licensing
• Feature film studio
• Television series production

Headquarters

HQ city

Damansara

HQ country

Malaysia

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Theatrical Distribution: Box office revenue from theatrical releases of feature films across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, and international markets including Uzbekistan
2. Streaming Platform Licensing: Exclusive licensing deals with Netflix for original film content (Pulang as first Malay-language Netflix Original), and Astro First for pay-per-view distribution
3. Merchandise and Brand Partnerships: Product licensing and brand partnerships including AirAsia OURSHOP collaboration, merchandise sales, and sponsored activations for animation IPs like Ejen Ali
4. Film Distribution Rights: Distribution rights for third-party films in Malaysia and Brunei markets, including international titles like Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2 and KINGDOM

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Primeworks Studios is a Malaysian content creation and production studio that produces, co-produces, and distributes feature films, animated series, television dramas, and documentary content. The studio also acquires and distributes third-party films for theatrical release in Malaysia and Brunei through its subsidiary Primeworks Distribution, and licenses original content to international streaming platforms such as Netflix and broadcasters like Astro and TV3.

Product overview

Primeworks Studios is a Malaysian content creation and production company (subsidiary of Media Prima Berhad) operating as a multi-platform entertainment studio. The company produces and distributes a diverse portfolio including animated series (Ejen Ali, Ejen Ali: The Movie, Alif & Sofia), feature films (Pulang, Dendam Pontianak, J Revolusi), television dramas (Nur), and documentary/travel content. Content distribution spans theatrical releases, streaming platforms (Netflix), broadcast television (TV3), and direct-to-consumer channels (Astro First). The company also manages international distribution partnerships for its intellectual property.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ejen Ali (Animated Series) Espionage-themed 3D animated series targeting children aged 7-14. Features Agent Ali, a boy recruited as a spy in fictional futuristic city Cyberaya. Co-produced with WAU Animation.
• Ejen Ali: The Movie Feature film adaptation of the Ejen Ali animated series. 12-year-old Ali embraces his role in secret agency MATA as Cyberaya's new line of defence. Co-produced with WAU Animation.
• Ejen Ali 3 (Season 3) Third season of the Ejen Ali animated series where characters reunite for a secret competition at MATA Arena while Ali honours his late mother's legacy.
• Alif & Sofia Pre-school 3D animated series featuring siblings Alif and Sofia in everyday stories, songs, and imaginative play inspired by Islamic life lessons. Targets children aged 4-6. Co-produced with Blindspot Studios.
• Pulang Epic feature film directed by Khabir Bhatia with an RM6 million budget, the first Malay-language Netflix Original film, premiered to 190+ countries.
• J Revolusi Action thriller film featuring Jay, a rogue operative who turns his back on a mission to rescue his sister and discovers he is being manipulated to destroy the UTK. Stars Zul Ariffin and Nur Fazura.
• J2: J Retribusi Action film sequel following Jay Zulkarnain, a retired Special Forces operative who becomes a bodyguard for a 9-year-old girl and must rescue her father from a hostage situation.
• Dendam Pontianak Horror film starring Nur Fazura and Remy Ishak, marking the first distribution partnership between Singapore's Tiger Tiger Pictures and Primeworks Studios.
• By My Side Romance film about childhood friends Faye and Ben from Subang Jaya who develop feelings for each other and must navigate a long-distance relationship when Ben plans to study in Australia.
• Motif Police investigation film with a unique female perspective. Dewi, a police officer from Kuala Lumpur, investigates the disappearance of a wealthy family's daughter in Tanah Merah.
• Rock 4: Rockers Never Dai Latest edition of the Rock film franchise directed by renowned Malaysian director Mamat Khalid, theatrically released in Malaysia and Brunei.
• Nur (Drama Series) Hit drama series broadcast on TV3 with cumulative rating of 11 million views. Season 2 premiered in April 2019.
• Jalan Jalan Cari Makan Longest-running food show on Malaysian television featuring restaurant reviews from sidewalk cafes to 5-star restaurants. 152 episodes produced from 2010-2016.
• Best In The World Japan Travel series exploring Japanese culture, history, and cuisine. 13 episodes, 30 minutes each.
• Dansa Travel documentary series featuring Malaysian dancer Sasha Bashir learning and performing traditional dances from different parts of Asia.
• The Prophet's Legacy Unearthed Documentary exploring remains of Prophet Muhammad enshrined in Jordan and Turkey, transcending physical and spiritual worlds.
• Primeworks Distribution (Theatrical Film Distribution) Wholly-owned subsidiary distributing third-party films theatrically in Malaysia and Brunei, including international titles such as Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2 and KINGDOM, using transaction-based / take rate pricing.

Quantifiable outcome

• RM30.8 million box office gross for Ejen Ali: The Movie
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Big Bad Wolf Book SaleminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 March 2020Launch of Alif & Sofia preschool series in Indonesia during Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Jakarta 2020.
• AirAsia (OURSHOP)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 31 December 2019Ejen Ali merchandise available through AirAsia's OURSHOP e-commerce platform, enabling global reach for fans.
• Tiger Tiger PicturesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 August 2019First distribution partnership for Dendam Pontianak between Singapore's Tiger Tiger Pictures and Primeworks Studios.
• Persatuan Tadika Islam Malaysia (PERTIM)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2019Educational partnership for Alif & Sofia Simulasi Haji Cilik 2019 event targeting preschool children.
• Sony Pictures JapanminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 June 2019Distribution partnership for Japanese blockbuster KINGDOM in Malaysian cinemas.
• NetflixcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 September 2018First Malay-language Netflix Original film deal. Pulang premiered exclusively on Netflix to over 190 countries worldwide.
• Blindspot StudioscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 August 2018Animation co-development partnership announced at Kre8tif! Conference 2018. Partner studio for Alif & Sofia preschool animated series.
• Giggle GarageminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 August 2018Animation studio partnership for co-developed pilot projects as part of Primeworks' strategy to grow animation IP portfolio.
• The R&D StudiominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 August 2018Animation studio partnership for co-developed pilot projects as part of Primeworks' strategy to grow animation IP portfolio.
• Ali HudaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 April 2018OTT platform distribution deal for Emmy-nominated animated series Saladin, targeting Muslim children globally.
• Nippon TVminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 September 2016Co-production of J.K.K Season 2 comedy-drama series with Japanese government support.
• KidZania Kuala LumpurminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 August 2016Partnership between Media Prima Berhad and KidZania for Ejen Ali Theatre Play experiential activity.
• WAU AnimationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Co-production partnership for Ejen Ali animated series and feature film. Primeworks Studios and WAU Animation jointly produced Ejen Ali: The Movie which grossed over RM30.8 million at the box office.
• TV3coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBroadcast partner for Nur drama series which achieved 11 million cumulative TV ratings.
• Sumitomo CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapanese co-production partner for J.K.K Season 2 with government sponsorship.
• Media Prima BerhadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company of Primeworks Studios. Primeworks is the content creation arm of Media Prima Berhad.
• Les' Copaque ProductionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProduction company for Upin & Ipin Jeng, Jeng, Jeng! distributed by Primeworks Distribution in 121 cinemas.
• KRU StudiosminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCo-production partner for Upin & Ipin Jeng, Jeng, Jeng! with Les' Copaque Production.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• GMA Pictures: Film production arm of GMA Network in the Philippines. Regional peer in Southeast Asian local-language film production and theatrical distribution.
• Star Cinema: Philippine film production arm of ABS-CBN, the largest Filipino film producer. Comparable as a regional Southeast Asian theatrical content producer serving a similar domestic-language market with international expansion ambitions.

Direct peers

• KRU Studios: Malaysian film production company producing local animated and live-action features (Upin & Ipin films, Polis Evo). Directly comparable as a Malaysian film/animation studio with theatrical ambitions.
• Astro Shaw: Film production and distribution arm of Astro Malaysia, the country's dominant pay-TV operator. Direct competitor in Malaysian theatrical distribution and film production; comparable in scale and domestic market focus.
• Tiger Tiger Pictures: Singapore-based film production and distribution company. Distribution partner on Dendam Pontianak and regional peer in Southeast Asian genre film production with comparable theatrical distribution approach.
• Les' Copaque Production: Malaysian animation studio behind the Upin & Ipin franchise, the dominant local children's animation IP. Direct competitor in the Malaysian animation market and co-distribution partner (Upin & Ipin Jeng Jeng Jeng distributed via Primeworks in 121 cinemas).
• WAU Animation: Malaysian animation studio that co-produces the Ejen Ali franchise with Primeworks. Closest direct comparable given identical product category (Malaysian 3D animation series), shared IP, and overlapping creative talent.

Broad incumbents

• CJ ENM: South Korean entertainment conglomerate producing films, TV dramas, and animation. Larger, established incumbent in Asian content with global distribution; comparable business model in IP-driven content production but at vastly greater scale.
• Toei Animation: Japanese animation studio behind Dragon Ball, One Piece, and numerous global franchises. Broad incumbent in Asian animation production with established international distribution; comparable in core product (animation IP) but at significantly larger scale and global reach.

Emerging players

• Lemon Sky Studios: Southeast Asian animation and creative content studio based in Malaysia. Emerging peer in regional animation production with growing IP portfolio and international co-production capabilities, directly comparable in geographic focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/primeworks-studios-sdn.-bhd.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Primeworks Studios