Using technology to revitalise SA’s declining cinema industry
Young moviegoers will be hard-pressed to remember a time when tickets were bought from a person behind the counter. Many would be horrified to learn that not much more than a decade ago, it was impossible to pre-book or buy a ticket online for collection at the cinema. The movie theatre has become a place of constant and quick change, led by digital technology. Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro have invested heavily into their technology at a time when the industry is under pressure from TV and streaming services. Ster-Kinekor introduced hi-tech self-service terminals in 2014. CEO Wanda Matandela says customers can select, process and pay for their movie and snacks by using the terminal and collect the order at the concessionary counter. He says customers are becoming more sophisticated and innovation is non-negotiable for cinemas, which are fighting for their share of the wallet in a competitive entertainment space. "The key is innovation around the cinema experience. The success of platfo...
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