Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-11-19 10:39Core Insights - The cinema industry is facing significant challenges, with a decline in annual box office revenue per screen dropping below 500,000 yuan, leading to over 15 cinema closures in just half a month [2] - Major cinema chains like Wanda Film and Shanghai Film are adapting their strategies in response to market pressures, focusing on direct management rather than franchise models [4][6] Industry Overview - The number of cinema screens in China is approaching 100,000, yet the market is experiencing a structural downturn, prompting leading cinema investment companies to rethink their operational strategies [2] - The shift from a franchise model to a focus on direct management is evident, with Wanda Film halting new franchise agreements while Shanghai Film continues to expand its franchise network [2][4] Strategic Adjustments - Wanda Film's management has emphasized a strategic pivot towards direct operations, which currently account for approximately 15% of its total box office revenue, as opposed to the 2% from franchise operations [6] - The company is undergoing a transition following its acquisition by Ru Yi Film, moving away from the Wanda Group's influence and focusing on long-term operational sustainability [6][7] Market Trends - The cinema industry is entering a phase of optimization, where the focus is shifting from expansion to enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience [9] - The competition is expected to intensify in non-box office revenue streams, with companies exploring diverse business models to attract audiences beyond traditional film screenings [11][12] Revenue Diversification - Companies are increasingly looking to enhance non-box office revenues through collaborations with popular IPs and gaming, as seen with Wanda Film's partnerships that have generated significant additional revenue [11][12] - The success of films like "Wang Wang Mountain Little Monster" demonstrates the potential for substantial non-box office income, with the IP generating over 2.5 billion yuan in merchandise sales [13]