#GSCKeepingitREEL efforts strives to empower future-ready talent as part of GSC’s vision in elevating the local movie landscape.
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| (L-R: Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of School, School of Media and Communication at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor’s University; Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management; Ms. Koh Mei Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Golden Screen Cinemas and Ms. Shirley Low, Chief Marketing Officer, Golden Screen Cinemas) |
Leading cinema exhibitor, Golden Screen Cinemas (‘GSC’) and Taylor’s University - School of Media and Communication have unveiled a collaborative partnership officiated with a Memorandum of Understanding (‘MoU’) signing ceremony. As a homegrown brand, GSC has continuously championed local films with its #GSCKeepingitREEL efforts, including co-producing, investing and advocating for local titles to elevate the local film landscape. Taking these efforts to greater heights, GSC’s collaborative partnership with Taylor’s University focuses on nurturing future talent with a passion for the film industry, ensuring they are well-equipped with the right skills and providing opportunities to showcase their creativity.
This partnership will encompass a series of exciting initiatives, benefiting Taylor’s University particularly the Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) (Digital Media Production) programme students with the inclusion of in-depth mentorship sessions and interactive workshops led by GSC spokespersons, guest lectures by industry partners, screening opportunities for student films at GSC locations, internship opportunities at GSC, amongst other collaborative opportunities. The mentorship and interactive workshops are curated to align with the student’s syllabus, ensuring relevant content focused on specific areas such as pitching, script-writing and more.
Kickstarting the series of exciting initiatives marked under the MoU, a panel session themed ‘Elevating Malaysian Cinema: Nurturing talent, quality and opportunity for the Next Gen’ featuring industry leaders including Mr. Tung Yow Kong, Chief Operating Officer, GSC Movies, Mr. Adrian Teh, Director, Producer and Writer, Ms. Shamin Yusof, Producer, and Mr. Kok Jia Wern, Programme Director, Taylor’s University, provided invaluable insights to students on the real workings of the industry.
“GSC has continuously championed growth of the local movie landscape through investing, co-producing and showcasing support for local titles on the big screens, which gained positive traction in the recent years with improved content quality and compelling storylines. As such, through our collaborative partnership with Taylor’s University, GSC remains committed to empowering and uplifting the pool of potential talents who represent the future of our local movie industry through the #GSCKeepingitREEL programme.,” said Ms. Koh Mei Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Golden Screen Cinemas.
As part of its ongoing #GSCKeepingitREEL initiatives, GSC continues to champion the local film industry through various efforts, including providing opportunities, co-productions and investments aimed at elevating homegrown talent. In June 2024, aspiring young filmmakers from around the world had the chance to showcase their short films on the big screen at GSC Starling Mall during the Taylor’s University Film Festival, a celebration of emerging talents. As part of Taylor’s Professional Development Week, students also gained valuable insights into the industry from the GSC team, equipping them to shape their future careers.
In line with these efforts, GSC International Screens launched the Malaysia Animation Film Festival (MAFF) in 2023, offering a platform for local animators to bring their creativity to life on the big screen. The festival is set to return for its second edition in October 2024, continuing GSC’s support for the local animation industry.
“This strategic partnership with GSC represents a transformative milestone for our School of Media and Communication. It underscores our commitment to integrating academic rigor with industry exposure, equipping our students with not only the creative skills necessary for filmmaking but also a deep understanding of its financial and entrepreneurial dimensions. Through this collaboration, both Taylor’s University and GSC have a shared vision aimed to cultivate a new generation of media professionals who are both innovative and financially-savvy, prepared to lead and shape the future of the film industry" explained Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management.
