Small cities play growing role in film market
Updated: 2013-06-12 13:13
By Huang Ying (China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
Theaters being run in third- and fourth-tier cities put their priority on the competitiveness of their ticket prices rather that the sophistication of their projection equipment — normally the opposite of those operated in first- and second-tier cities, said Shen from CIC Industry Research Center.
Group buying and discounts are critical to third- and fourth-tier cinemas, where consumers have less purchasing power than in the bigger cities, he said.
"People in first- and second-tier cities go to the cinema regularly, but in third- and fourth-tier cities, people show up at our cinemas only when there's an extremely popular film being shown," said Yi of CJ CGV China, which runs cinemas in first-tier to fourth-tier cities.
"For example, all of our cinemas were packed when we were showing Lost in Thailand, but when Les Miserables was on, things were different," Yi added.
Theaters themselves tend to be very different, too, in their furnishings and size, depending on where they are, said Zhang Zhao, CEO of Le Vision Pictures (Beijing) Co Ltd, one of China's leading private film companies.
Yang said it's hard to predict when and which Chinese cities will hit saturation point.
"For example, based on the per capita number of screens, Shanghai still enjoys growth potential," said Yang, "while other large cities might be there already."
But he agrees, the greatest domestic potential exists in third- and fourth-tier cities.
"It's expected that theater expansion in the domestic market will continue for another five to 10 years," he added.
Related Stories
Movie premiere kicks off in Shanghai 2013-04-28 15:06
Movies are art not business, says French film producer 2013-02-28 11:03
Movie-themed fortunes 'never guaranteed' 2013-02-22 07:09
A movie that moves 2013-01-13 15:50
Today's Top News
Netherlands opposes EU solar panel duties
A dream launch for Shenzhou X
Russia may offer NSA leaker asylum
Honorary chairman of Kuomintang to visit mainland
High-level inter-Korean talks called off
Turkey police storm protest square in new clashes
Twin blasts kill 14 in central Damascus
Taiwan fisherman shooting reported to justice
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Beijing learns a soggy lesson |
President Xi visits 4 countries |
Showtime for Chongqing |
Hunting for clues to fire |
No giving up in finding survivors |
Help at home is maid to order |