The Movie Theater Industry in a Nutshell
The movie theater industry was one of the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. With social distancing measures in place, theaters across the globe were shut down for over a year to combat the virus. But, with the rollout of the vaccine, the film industry is hoping for a much-needed comeback.
The Positive Momentum
One of the most positive signs is the fact that the numbers show an increase in box office sales in recent months. Major titles, such as “F9: Fast & Furious 9,” “Black Widow,” and “Suicide Squad 2,” have brought in significant numbers, giving hope to the industry. In particular, the Marvel movie “Black Widow” caught the attention of many, grossing $158 million in the U.S. for its opening weekend in July. The fact that the $60 million film turned a solid profit after opening during the pandemic is encouraging for the movie theater industry.
Movie Theaters’ Support
Numerous movie theater chains have been promoting the full cinematic experience to regain their pre-pandemic audiences. Giving you and fellow movie-going fans the option of watching films on the big screen, purchasing food, and enjoying the rich audio that can only be found in-theater, as you consume celluloid action of sizable proportions is what sets cinemas apart from other forms of cinematic experience. Despite new alternatives such as online streaming services, executives behind film theaters are betting hard that the on-slot of movies coming to the screens will sway an ignited boom of returning customers.
The Constant Changes
However, the future of movie theaters remains somewhat ambiguous given the continuing persistence of relaxed measures in light of new pandemic waves. Along with the highly contagious delta strain, new restrictions that range from vaccine mandates to wearing masks are crucial to enticing dependable attendance in different regions around the globe. Moreover, the introduction of smaller online groups will too offer users unique massive film-screening together albeit being carved into single-screenings accompanied with private meals, thus homing a revived measure of communal-seating to the entire cinema experience.
Conclusion
It’s apparent that the unfolding drama will continue revealing new plot twists by the day as movie fans, stake holders, and corporations eventually place their hopes on the insight of upcoming movie watches in droves. While unlikely to grow by double digits a year, it is too real that a ‘renaissance’ of theater appears as true when juxtaposed against dramatic impacts on multiple industries during a pandemic. As ever, only time will testify to the movie theaters’ chance of rebounding, reaffirming us with the luxury of choosing amidst encountering the exceptional cinematic experience within the conveniences, smells, angles and multitudes of zealots who, like us, came back to grasp some semblance of regularity.#