LOCAL filmmakers are welcoming Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil's suggestion that the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas) explore implementing the Korean Box-Office Information System (Kobis).
This system, successfully used in South Korea for 20 years, could bring transparency and real-time data to Malaysia's film industry.
Film director and producer Datuk Afdlin Shauki believes Kobis will help producers track ticket sales and audience numbers more accurately.
"As producers, we invest heavily in promotion and marketing. If the system shows weak response in certain areas, we can take targeted action — like increasing marketing efforts or visibility in those regions," he told BH Online.
Afdlin highlighted that while large-budget films can afford nationwide promotion, low-budget films often rely on social media and word of mouth.
Kobis will allow all producers to monitor film performance and adjust strategies as needed.
Fahmi had earlier praised Kobis after meeting with officials from the Korean Film Council during a recent visit to Busan, South Korea.
He had emphasised that such a system can provide accurate reports and help address broader challenges in the film industry.
Afdlin also pointed out that the system will benefit the government by reducing fraud.
"The system will bring more transparency. I believe Malaysia should adopt this technology."
Beyond Kobis, Afdlin urged the government to look at other best practices from South Korea as a reference to improve how the local Wajib Tayang (compulsory screening) scheme is implemented.
"We need a transparent system to avoid conflicts between producers and exhibitors," he said, stressing the importance of cooperation over competition.
Afdlin also raised concerns about exhibitors doubling as distributors, which can lead to conflicts of interest.
"If an exhibitor is also a distributor, they may prioritise their films over others. This could harm the industry's growth," he noted.
Producer and director Dr Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri agreed, adding that Finas should develop a system to better manage data shared by cinemas.
"Finas has been receiving data from cinemas for years, but they lack a software platform to integrate it all."
Skop Productions producer Datuk Yusof Haslam also backed the idea of a centralised Finas database.
He explained that real-time data on film performance can help industry players stay informed about market trends and make better decisions.
"It's important to have a more systematic, transparent database so everyone can track film collections and industry fluctuations."
He added that this will also help new filmmakers understand the risks involved in the industry, preventing unrealistic expectations.
Yusof, a veteran with 40 years of experience, emphasised that while some films —like 'Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan' and 'Police Evo 3'— have seen great success, the film industry is still a high-risk business.
"Inexperienced producers may think it's an easy way to make money based on a few box-office hits, but they need to be aware of the risks."