Turnover XXV sets the scene for a cinematic shake-up

Free Malaysia Today

22-05-2025

Founded by actor-director Craig Conway, Turnover XXV will champion regional storytelling and open doors for Southeast Asian creatives through the Independent Film Production Partnership.
PETALING JAYA : A new indie film company from North East England has landed in Malaysia, bringing with it a suitcase full of drama, heart – and an ambitious mission to shake up the screen.
Drawn by the country's cultural richness and cinematic charm, Turnover XXV has chosen Malaysia as its creative home away from home, with a clear vision to tell stories that connect people.
Founded by actor-director Craig Conway and business strategist Amita Krishna, who serves as the company's chief commercial officer, the duo believe Malaysia is the perfect stage for their bold new act.
'Malaysia, culturally, is very diverse. There are a lot of people working together, coming together, and in the British independent scene for film, we need to attract more of that,' Conway told FMT.
The seeds of Turnover XXV were planted over four years ago, born out of a desire to rebuild the industry after Covid-19 hit.
'During the pandemic, the industry didn't know where they were going or how it was going to come through, so it was a perfect opportunity,' Conway said.
'Whenever there's a block or a wall, you have to find ways to either climb it, go around it, or knock it down and build a new one. Instead of walls, we're building bridges.'
Stories with heart
Turnover XXV is all about stories with heart: Conway says the company will shine a light on the human condition and overlooked voices.
'The North East of England has always had a strong working-class culture. Everybody always looked to London, the capital, the big city. But the North East represents many people who built that country.
'Malaysia is the same. There are a lot of people here who work very hard, but their voices aren't heard. Turnover XXV wants to enrich people's voices and look at how as a society, we can come together and tell stories that unite us.'
It's not just the stories that move him – it's Malaysians themselves.
'When I walk into a room or a hotel, Malaysians put their hand over their heart. That gesture says everything to me. That's the heart of Malaysia, and that's what we want to take back to North East England,' he said.
Turnover XXV is partnering with KL-based award-winning integrated creative agency Ampersand Advisory to launch a landmark collaboration that will champion regional storytelling, and open doors for Southeast Asian creatives through the Independent Film Production Partnership.
Together, Conway and Ampersand Advisory's CEO and co-founder, Sandeep Joseph, will co-develop projects, train emerging filmmakers, and build cross-border talent pipelines.
The company also has backing from UK business platform ISS Airview, which supports international creative ventures and helps smoothen the landing for new businesses.
(From left) Turnover XXV head of SEA partnerships Thomas Cherian Anneseri, Conway, and lead talent agent for Newtown Artist Management Andrea Davison, with Ampersand Advisory's Sandeep Joseph during their Malaysia visit.
Rethinking the rules
Turnover XXV is rewriting the script on how indie films get made, embracing new ideas, diverse voices, and fresh approaches to storytelling.
The name itself reflects a few things: a goal of five films a year for their first five years (adding up to 25), the idea of turning over a new leaf, and the industry term 'turnover' – the cue for cameras to start rolling.
What makes the company different is how it works. Inspired by Conway's background in theatre, they rehearse more and shoot less, ensuring every shoot is focused and efficient.
'The Hollywood system has long led the way. This is our time to disrupt the model that we've been told and sold for so long about how things should be done and how things should operate.'
He also called out the opacity in film finance, where investors are often left guessing. In contrast, Turnover XXV aims to bring openness to the forefront – not just in how films are financed and produced, but in how stories are developed and distributed.
'It's not just about how many people go to the cinema: it's about how we get those stories and that content to people, whether it be on your phone or your home screen,' he added.
Two-way street for investment, creativity
By anchoring themselves in the UK and Malaysia, Turnover XXV is creating a two-way street for creativity and investment. They are making the most of the UK's booming film tax credits and regional incentives, while creating a model that supports both inward investment to the UK and collaboration with Malaysia.
This partnership opens the door for Malaysian creatives and investors to gain exposure abroad, while sharing skills, stories, and opportunities across borders.
'There's nothing better than supporting, mentoring, and giving exposure to people, and allowing them to be heard in creative ways,' Conway said.
Turnover XXV's plans for 25 films in its first five years include exploring genres from comedy to supernatural thrillers and, yes, horror. To that end, they are cooking up a major international co-production with renowned genre director Neil Marshall ('Hellboy', 'The Descent', 'Dog Soldiers').
'It will bring together talent both in front of and behind the camera, featuring a great mix of UK, international, and Malaysian stars all working side by side,' he concluded.