The world has faced a massive emergency since the emergence of Covid-19; the virus is impacting the world not just medically, but economically as well. In order to help contain the virus, many businesses that weren’t considered essential, such as movie theatres, were ordered to shut down. What does this mean for businesses such as the cinema industry?
In recent news, AMC has claimed that they may never financially recover due to the virus, and may permanently shut down. The cinema industry already faces competition thanks to streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu that are able to provide on demand shows and new releases without the worry of seats selling out. Aside from competition, cinemas already face trouble staying afloat due to the fairly expensive concession prices; however, that is how cinemas make the majority of their profits. Concessions are essentially the backbone for keeping cinemas open while ticket sales mainly go to the studios which produce the movies.
With that being said, cinemas are at risk of closing and many people will eventually lose their jobs. Depending on how long stay at home orders remain in place, movie theaters may never recover and completely shut down, as was the case with drive-in theatres. It is not only cinemas at risk, but other businesses in similar situations. Gyms, entertainment complexes, casinos, and live theater performances and concerts have also been forced to shutter their doors during the pandemic. Should the pandemic continue as it currently is, the world may fall into a further recession, if not a depression. Some have predicted it couold be the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Already, 20 million Americans have filed for unemployment in the last month.
What can we do to help support these industries? Check and see if your local cinemas are doing DoorDash, GrubHub, or other takeout and delivery services; Marcus Cinemas and Megaplex Theatres for example are offering curbside pickup on some of their menu items.
While we are sheltering in place, make it an authentic movie night. Order a big bag of popcorn along with some candy, and have a family movie night!
Zuzanna Fudala can be contacted at fudalaz@student.morainevalley.edu
