Purpose: Problems identified in the motion picture production include quality aspect, industry networking, marketing and promotion, and domestic focus of creative development work.Design/methodology/approach: This article aims to develop a structured project management strategy to improve the Malaysian motion picture production.Findings/results: Through the combination of a questionnaire survey and an interview survey, this research determined current barriers related to 10 knowledge areas of Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) in motion picture production projects.Practical implications: This research developed a working model using the 10 knowledge areas in PMBOK for both the production and marketing projects in the motion picture industry in this fasting developing economy.Originality/value: The 10 knowledge areas in PMBOK are consistent and valuable in making the film making processes sufficient. The motion picture production project management model developed in this study is experimental yet gives a fundamental understanding on strategy to focus and to conduct a proper film making or motion picture production.