GSC MEDIA NIGHT 2012

Sorry with the quality yea! Still adjusting to new-found skill of requiring to take picture from a tab

Last Friday (13 January), I was invited to the 2012 GSC Media Night, all thanks to Ms Tan Gaik Lian, marketing manager of GSC Sdn Bhd. The event was held at GSC Signature, The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur and was attended by most of the GSC top guns as well as members of the media. Though I was a little dark on what the event was all about, but I suspected it may have something to do with their showcase and what to expect for the year 2012.

Realizing that it won’t be fun to attend such an event alone, I managed to pull my movie-partner-in-crime, Reno to attend it. We reached quite early and were instantly greeted with the smiles from the registration counter as well as goodie bag. It contained GSC memorabilia, GSC vouchers and some little mandarin oranges – just perfectly orchestrated in time for the arrival of the year of the dragon.

Thanks to our marketing manager of GSC - seen here with the dragon!

Right on time, we were served with gorgeous buffet dinner at Paradiso and Dessert Bar. I knew how delicious the food was going to be because it wasn’t my first time treating my taste buds there. Plus, Reno complimented how tasty the food was. We both agreed and expressed our regrets for not taking the second round!

During the buffet dinner, we have some opportunity to talk about movie distribution in general as well as some info on GSC Movies, a distribution wing for the company with Mr. Tung. According to Mr. Tung (Sr. Manager Distribution), GSC Movies is responsible to bring some of the biggest Hollywood, Hong Kong and local productions to the Malaysian audience over the years. He also noted and alerted us some of upcoming movies which will be released in coming months. We asked if there are any criteria for selecting movies to bring in and for that he revealed yes, there are, and though are basically Marketing 101 rules of thumb. It was a pleasure to have Mr. Tung to talk about the GSC Movies, a pure opportunity of a lifetime.

After a satisfying dinner, we proceeded to the Premiere Hall 1 for special presentation. Right on my suspicion, the media night was all about presenting what’s up for the year 2012 for GSC. This year marks the 25^th anniversary for the Malaysia’s leading cinema exhibitor. The silver jubilee will be not complete if there aren’t any special and delighting programs that will fill the year ahead.

Here are some highlights for the year to come:

As a part of the silver anniversary program, GSC will add a total of eight new cinemas with the total of 71 screens. These new cinemas will add up to its current established total of 191 screens in 23 locations nationwide. These new cinemas will include:

• GSC Setia City Mall in Shah Alam (May 2012, 9-screen)
• GSC Paradigm Mall in Kelana Jaya (May 2012, 9-screen)
• GSC City One Mall in Kuching (Quarter 3 2012, 10-screen)
• GSC Palm Mall in Seremban (Quarter 4 2012, 10-screen)
• Amanjaya Mall in Sungai Petani (Quarter 4 2012, 8-screen)
• GSC Nu Sentra KL (quarter 4 2012, 11-screen)

Also in line with the aforementioned six cinemas, GSC will be launching the latest branding known as GSC Lite which will embody cinematic entertainment in a lighter, modest and accessible manner to cater to the smaller markets. The other two new cinemas that will be launching under this new brand – the 6-screen GSC Mentakab Star Mall (scheduled for Jan 2012) and 8-screen GSC Bintang Mall in Miri (Nov 2012). The current GSC locations at GSC Pelangi Leisure Mall (Johor Bahru), GSC Central Square Sg Petani, GSC Ipoh Parade, GSC Terminal 1 Seremban and GSC Berjaya Megamall Kuantan will be converted to GSC Lite cinemas.

Asides from launching new cinemas, the anniversary will also be filled with various key activities such as the 25^th Anniversary dinner in April for key business associates and partners, free offer to the public on April 1 (anniversary date), Goodie Bag day to reward GSC customers (3^rd Quarter), Nationwide contest (4^th quarter), Carnival Saturdays in key locations (4^th quarter) and a major CSR project towards year end. GSC also plans to introduce GSC Mobile App (Android) for the Samsung Tab 10.1”, online purchase for concession items and include more payment mode for online purchase with Hong Leong Connect and AmBank Group this year.

(L-R) Mr. Tung (Sr.Manager Distribution), Ms. Koh (CEO), Mr. Irving (General Manager), Mr. Heng (Sr. Manager Corp Services), Mrs. Liew (Sr. Manager Exhibition)
Photo credit: GSC

Ms. Koh Mei Lee (CEO of GSC) shaking hands with a loyal supporter of GSC
Photo credit: GSC

After engaging to a half-hour presentation, we proceed to the preview screenings organized thereafter. We were given the choice to choose between ‘The Viral Factor’ and ‘The Iron Lady’; both of which are some of the highlights of GSC Movies in coming months. We chose the former as it seems more ideal with the CNY celebration coming around the corner and love to watch something oriental for the time been. Please do check out Green Tea Movie’s review on ‘The Viral Factor’ soon.

Special thanks to Golden Screen Cinemas once again for setting up a great media night as well as for the invites. By the way, I saw Timothy and Audrey that day, just didn’t have a chance to say hello to them.