Producers cautious about releasing movies in cinemas

KUALA LUMPUR: Local art industry players are not confident about releasing their movies although most cinemas resumed operations yesterday.

Malaysian Film Producers Association (PFM) chief executive officer Zahrin Aris said they were worried about not achieving the targeted collection.

“Only Roh (Spirit) is scheduled for release on Aug 6, followed by two more movies in September. Usually, an average of six local movies are aired in cinemas per month,” he said yesterday.

He added that although there were standard operating procedures (SOP) for cinemas, producers did not want to take the risk as it involved huge investments.

On June 22, the government agreed that cinema and theatre operations, as well as indoor live events, would be allowed beginning yesterday, with strict adherence to SOP such as limiting the audience to 250 for every show, subject to the hall capacity.

Zahrin said during the Movement Control Order, the industry players sought alternatives by airing movies on local paid television channels.

“Four movies were aired and it is learnt that one of them earned a good collection.

“PFM is getting the approval of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) to screen these movies again in cinemas.”

He said PFM held a discussion with Finas and requested for incentives in terms of promotions and marketing assistance for industry players affected by the MCO, but there had been no feedback so far.

Finas board member (Tamil language content and Indian market) R. Denes Kumar said the reopening of cinemas should be seen as the government’s effort to help the local industry players.

“However, we must understand that we are bound by strict SOP and all directives are based on the Health Ministry’s advice. This is the new normal that must be adhered to by everyone.”

He said Finas was in the process of approving applications for the Digital Content Grant for industry players.

Meanwhile, many cinemas are prepared for their reopening, with operators having conducted disinfection operations, and offering ticket and meal promotions.

TGV Cinemas uploaded a 45second video on Facebook detailing the SOP that audience need to comply with.

GSCinemas released a similar video, besides offering free parking at two of its cinemas.