GSC: Cinema rules ban recording to avoid film piracy

[Len]

The cinema house-rules do not allow recordings, said a Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) representative.

He said that even though handphones are allowed in cinemas, the rules clearly state that recording and photography are prohibited.

"The house-rules are displayed at the entrance of our cinemas, it says no outside food is allowed and that no photography or recording are allowed," he added.

The representative said that during the course of a movie, cinema stewards will be patrolling the cinemas to monitor the audience and check if they are using any recording devices.

"The cinema stewards will visit the hall a couple of times during the screening of a movie. You might not see them, but they are there," he said.

The representative was commenting on the streaming of the Malay movie Kau Yang Satu as a Facebook Live video, which garnered more than 200,000 views before it was removed. The movie was recorded from a cinema.

On the streaming, he said that it seems to be a new occurrence but added that

The representative said streaming a movie on Facebook Live seems to be a new occurrence, but added that GSC has caught people who smuggle in video cameras to record movies.

He added that viewers will self-regulate and will let staff know when filming is happening inside the cinema.

"Anyone found recording will be asked to leave the cinema hall. If you see someone filming in the cinema, please alert the stewards. We will take action against them," he said.

Meanwhile, Kau Yang Satu director Osman Ali told mStar that he was disappointed with the illegal filming of the movie and hopes that production team Global Station will take legal action against the individual.

"I was disappointed after finding out that the movie had been illegally recorded and shared on social media on Saturday," said Osman.

"Although the individual admitted his guilt after receiving our warning, the video has garnered more than 200,000 views, which will undoubtedly affect the collection of the film for the second week," he added when speaking to mStar.

Osman said that the person who uploaded the video on his Facebook page should face legal action.

"He pleaded that no action be taken, but for me, this kind of person needs to be made a lesson to others to make sure they do not repeat this," he said.

He added that the issue is not new, but said that it seems as if people are now willing to do it openly.

"I'm afraid that it will become a trend. They are not taught to appreciate the work and effort of others," he said

Osman said he has brought the matter to the Malaysia Film Producers Association so that steps can be taken to address the issue of film piracy.

Kau Yang Satu is a film adaptation of a novel which was directed by Osman and jointly produced by Global Station, AstroShaw and Nuansa.

The film was released on July 27 and stars Aaron Aziz, Izara Aishah, Hisyam Hamid and Soo Wincci.