Asian cinema operators confident on security

Cinema operators across Asia have moved to assure cinemagoers that adequate security measures are in place, in the light of the mass shooting that took place at a screening of The Dark Knight Rises in the USA.

The alledged gunman, James Holmes, opened fire on the audience in Aurora, Colorado, last Friday, killing 12 people and wounding at least 58.

In the USA, police patrols within and outside cinemas have been stepped up, over concerns of possible troublemakers causing mayhem in copycat shootings.

In the Philippines, malls have been asked to step up security, while in Hong Kong, AMC Cinemas has banned moviegoers from wearing costumes or carrying replica weapons.

However, Singapore's Golden Village cinema chain, which operates at 10 multiplex locations housing 81 screens, has advised that similar measures will not be implemented.

A Golden Village spokesman said that chaim will maintain its security level, adding that "there are very strict gun-control laws in Singapore, as compared to the United States."

As a safety precaution, the cinema operator advised that it is "scheduling frequent (patrols) in cinema halls during screening times."

A spokesman for Singapore's WE Cinemas told the AsiaOne website "our usual security measures are in place. We do random checking of bags, as well as monitor closed-circuit television feeds regularly."

WE Cinemas said their measures were not a response to the shooting.

Australasian Leisure Management is unaware of any security plans by Australian and New Zealand cinema exhibitors following the US shooting. However, Australian cinemas have been asked to pull trailers for the Ryan Gosling film Gangster Squad, as it features a scene where 1940s gangsters shoot up a cinema audience.

The Dark Knight Rises opened globally on Thursday.