KUALA LUMPUR: Golden Screen Cinema Sdn Bhd (GSC) has provided an update of its plans to increase market share in key locations and consolidate selected locations for operational efficiency.
GSC, in a statement today, said notable developments include the imminent launch of GSC KL East on May 20 and consolidation of GSC Central Square Sungai Petani by early June.
"This integration enables a strategic redeployment to GSC Amanjaya Mall, which is within a 7.0 km radius of the area," the company said.
GSC's commitment to innovation is reflected in its latest venture, GSC KL East Mall here.
With eight halls, including an IMAX hall and the third PlayPark in Malaysia, it caters to diverse audiences, particularly families and youth keen on action and animation.
"At GSC, we are dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences that go beyond conventional norms," said its chief executive officer Koh Mei Lee.
"Through embracing technological advancements and fostering a culture of innovation, we ensure that every visit to our cinemas is an unparalleled journey tailored to the evolving preferences of our moviegoers," she added.
GSC said it has been championing beyond just movies to crafting complete future-ready entertainment experiences.
This is highlighted in its recent launch of Aurum Theatre at The Exchange TRX and Velvet Cinemas by GSC at 163 Mont Kiara.
Meanwhile, in a recent interview with Business Times, Koh said some locations would be close this year as part of GSC's strategic consolidation to optimise operational efficiency across its theatres in adjacent catchment areas.
She explained that the move is prompted by the saturation of malls, particularly in the Klang Valley, where customers have abundant access to diverse entertainment options.
"This resulted in closing older cinemas in malls with less footfall and prioritising the newer cinema locations nearby, such as GSC LaLaport BBCC, which was within the vicinity of the now-closed GSC Berjaya Times Square.
"It will also enable our on-ground crews to focus on strategic locations with higher footfall and population density."
On the evolving entertainment landscape, Koh noted that streaming services and cinemas coexist, each offering distinct benefits to audiences.
While streaming services provide entertainment at home, movies on the big screen offer immersive experiences.
Koh said these dynamics do not pose a primary challenge to the company.
However, she acknowledged recent industry-wide challenges, such as the Hollywood writers' strike in 2023, which halted new content production and postponed key Hollywood blockbusters indefinitely, affecting the industry in the short to medium term.
"As such, the lack of fresh and quality content from Hollywood has affected overall admissions," she said.
Despite this, Koh said this presents GSC with the opportunity to bring in a stronger line-up of regional and local titles, aligned with our commitment to strengthening the local movie landscape.
"We have a strong pipeline of regional titles from China, Indonesia, Singapore, and Korea that have helped to bridge the gap from less Hollywood titles. With fresh and engaging content on the big screens, audiences will continue to flock to cinemas," she added.