Taylor’s University and GSC Sign MoU to Foster the Next Generation of Film-makers

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27 Sep 2024

6 Min Read

The Taylor's Team (Editor)
IN THIS ARTICLE

Taylor’s University, through its School of Media and Communication, has formalised a strategic partnership with Golden Screen Cinemas (‘GSC’), Malaysia's leading cinema exhibitor, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (‘MoU’).

 

This collaboration is part of GSC’s ongoing #GSCKeepingitREEL initiative, which focuses on elevating the local film industry by supporting homegrown talent through co-productions, investments, and advocacy for local films. With this partnership, both Taylor’s University and GSC aim to nurture the next generation of filmmakers, equipping them with industry-relevant skills and offering platforms to showcase their creativity.

(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)

(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)

Empowering Students through Mentorship and Workshops

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.  

(L-R) Mr. Tung Yow Kong, Chief Operating Officer, GSC Movies; Mr. Kok Jia Wern, Programme Director, Taylor’s University; Ms. Shamin Yusof, Producer; Mr. Adrian Teh, Director, Producer and Writer, Mr. Rahmat Adam, Associate Senior Manager, Acquisition and Co-Production, GSC Movies.

(L-R) Mr. Tung Yow Kong, Chief Operating Officer, GSC Movies; Mr. Kok Jia Wern, Programme Director, Taylor’s University; Ms. Shamin Yusof, Producer; Mr. Adrian Teh, Director, Producer and Writer, Mr. Rahmat Adam, Associate Senior Manager, Acquisition and Co-Production, GSC Movies.

GSC's Commitment to Supporting Future Filmmakers

“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.

 

GSC’s commitment to local talent also extends to the animation industry. The Malaysia Animation Film Festival (MAFF), launched by GSC International Screens in 2023, provided a platform for animators to bring their creations to life on the big screen. The festival is set to return for its second edition in October 2024, further reinforcing GSC’s dedication to supporting local creativity.

 

“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.
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