Smart Cinema: Bringing films closer to movie enthusiasts

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Despite services like Netflix that allow people to watch movies in the comfort of their homes, for many in China, going to the movie theater remains an increasingly popular leisure activity. But what if one doesn't have access or time to go to a physical cinema? A mobile application is trying to solve this by turning your smartphone into a portable theater. CGTN's Sun Tianyuan reports.

With an app and a pair of VR goggles, moviegoers can watch on-screen 3D films in the palms of their hands. Smart Cinema 2.0 brings entertainment closer to audiences, literally within inches.

JACK GAO, CEO SMART CINEMA "It's actually to target to increase the audience through billions of smartphones compared to a few thousand theaters. There will be considerable increase in movie consumption as addition to the physical movie theaters."

In 2018, China's box office scored a record 60 billion yuan, or 9 billion US dollars. However, cinemas are limited.

Last year, over two thirds of films approved for screenplay in China were not shown in physical theaters. Gao says his app may also help these filmmakers find their audiences.

SUN TIANYUAN BEIJING "It is basically a pocket cinema, on the go, with dozens of movies at your fingertips. And with the coming arrival of 5G network, mobile cinema is expected to benefit more moviegoers."

Gao says that 70 percent of Chinese, especially in rural and remote areas, have never been to an actual movie theater.

Take Tibet Autonomous Region for example. The 1.2 million square kilometer area has only 30 theaters and 86 screens. But almost everyone has a smartphone.

JACK GAO, CEO SMART CINEMA "Smart cinema is able to do so because of the enhanced mobile technologies. Now moving to 4K, with current technologies like 3G and 4G. It's not that great. But it's not the case for 5G. So we are looking forward to it."

So far, Smart Cinema has over 2 million views. It is also eyeing overseas markets like Italy and Spain. Gao also revealed plans to tap into North America and other regions to introduce more Chinese movies to foreign audiences.

Sun Tianyuan, CGTN, Beijing.