In an industry driven by spectacle and storytelling, Chassy Cortes is crafting a narrative of her own. As the Head of Marketing and PR at Scope Cinemas (Pvt.) Ltd., she is redefining what it means to experience cinema, elevating Sri Lanka’s entertainment landscape to a global standard. Her vision? To make movie-going more than just a pastime—to transform it into an immersive, unforgettable experience.
For Chassy, marketing is not just about promoting a film—it’s about creating an emotional connection between audiences and the silver screen. “At the heart of everything I do is a simple but powerful question—would this make me happy as a customer?” she says. This philosophy has shaped Scope Cinemas into more than just a venue; it’s become a brand that audiences feel a personal connection to.
Whether it’s through meticulously curated movie-themed events or boundary-pushing campaigns, Chassy ensures that every touchpoint—from the website to the cinema lobby—feels special. Her ‘go big or go home’ mindset means that every initiative has intent, purpose, and impact. The result? A cinema experience that lingers far beyond the rolling credits.
Chassy has also played a key role in revolutionizing marketing strategies for Scope Cinemas, ensuring that the company stands out in a competitive industry. Her campaigns are not just about promoting movies—they tell a story, evoke emotions, and create unforgettable experiences. One of her core beliefs is that the most powerful influencers are not celebrities or paid endorsers, but real customers. ‘The most genuine marketing comes from the audience itself,’ she explains. ‘Their posts, experiences, and raw, unbiased feedback are what truly influence others.’ Chassy has tapped into the most authentic form of word-of-mouth marketing by fostering a community that naturally shares their love for cinema.
The media and entertainment space has long been considered a boys’ club, but Chassy has never let that define her path. “I’ve learned to speak my mind without hesitation,” she says. “When I know I’m right, I stand my ground and work to bring people on board.”
Instead of getting caught up in outdated gender biases, Chassy focuses on what truly matters—capability, vision, and execution. “We are seeing more women in leadership, more decision-making power, and more seats at the table. And that’s where my focus is—on the present and the future.”
Despite facing skepticism and the occasional pushback, Chassy has remained resilient. She understands that proving herself in a male-dominated industry requires confidence, hard work, and belief in her ideas. “I don’t dwell on criticism unless it adds value,” she says.
“Negative comments are just noise. What truly matters is pushing forward, proving what we can achieve, and continuously raising the bar.”
To young women aspiring to break into media and entertainment, Chassy offers bold advice: “Be brave. Be bold. Commit.” She believes that innovation happens when individuals are willing to take risks and push boundaries.
“The crazier the idea, the better,” she says. “Never limit yourself. The best ideas often come from the most unexpected places. If your intentions are true and your vision is clear, what once seemed crazy can become a breakthrough.”
Chassy’s own career is proof of this. Her unconventional ideas and fearless execution have not only set new standards for marketing in Sri Lanka’s entertainment industry but have also earned her international recognition—including awards from Hollywood studios
She also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. “The industry is constantly evolving. New platforms, new technology, new trends—you have to stay ahead of the game. Read, research, and always be willing to adapt.”
For Chassy, every accolade is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a win for Sri Lanka. “This country is my second home, and it’s where I realized my potential,” she shares. “I didn’t want Sri Lanka to be left behind. Our people deserve the world, and I wanted to help elevate the industry to a global standard.”
She also emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s own value. “Too often, we downplay our achievements. But if we’ve put in the effort, we should stand tall and claim the recognition we’ve earned.”
Representing Sri Lanka on an international stage has given Chassy a deeper sense of purpose. She is determined to showcase the country’s immense talent and potential to the world. “Sri Lanka has a rich cinematic history and a passionate audience. We have the ability to compete with global players, and I want to help bridge that gap.”
Balancing creativity, leadership, and strategy is no easy feat, but Chassy thrives on the challenge. She attributes her confidence to trust—the trust she has built with her team, peers, and superiors. “When the people around you believe in your instincts and your work, it’s a sign that you’ve done something right.”
Her approach to problem-solving is equally fearless. “There’s never just one answer. It’s never a simple no—there’s always a way forward if you’re willing to find it.” She sees mistakes as stepping stones, never making the same one twice.
Chassy also believes in fostering a strong company culture where creativity and innovation are encouraged. “The best ideas come from collaboration. When you create an environment where people feel empowered to share ideas, that’s when real innovation happens.”
With leaders like Chassy at the helm, Sri Lanka’s entertainment industry is poised for an exciting future. Her passion, innovation, and refusal to accept limits continue to push the industry to new heights. And for anyone wondering what’s next for Scope Cinemas and Sri Lanka’s entertainment scene, Chassy’s philosophy says it all: the best stories are yet to be told.
Looking ahead, Chassy envisions a more dynamic and globally recognized Sri Lankan film industry. She hopes to see more locally produced films gaining international recognition and believes that investing in talent, technology, and storytelling will be key to achieving this goal.
“I want to see Sri Lanka as a major player in the global film industry,” she says. “We have the talent, the passion, and the creativity. Now, it’s about creating the right opportunities and platforms to showcase it to the world.”
As she continues to push the boundaries of marketing and PR in the entertainment sector, one thing is certain—Chassy is not just shaping the future of Scope Cinemas, but the future of Sri Lanka’s entertainment industry as a whole.