Over the past year and a half, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered everything, from businesses and commerce to our daily lives and routines. Likewise, the entertainment industry has also been forced to make significant modifications to their typical procedures. In 2020, a substantially low number of only 338 films was released into movie theaters. In contrast, almost three times as many movies were played in theaters in the previous year of 2019.
Cinemas and movie theaters throughout the United States have faced bankruptcy scares and been forced to close down. With national lockdown orders in place, large-scale theater corporations including Regal, AMC and Cinemark were unable to attract an audience. According to a poll conducted by the Morning Consult, a significant 78% of Americans expressed hesitancy and safety concerns about being in theaters.
To attempt to resolve this matter, cinemas installed newly enhanced filtration systems and reinforced mask-wearing, social distancing and proper sanitation procedures. But the efforts were not rewarded. The widely-known AMC was compelled to secure a new debt agreement after almost falling into bankruptcy.
Americans have discovered additional methods of streaming their favorite shows and movies as a result of stay at home orders and safety precautions. Netflix has increased its subscribers by nearly 26 million. Numerous teens have also downloaded the app “Netflix Party,” a Chrome extension developed by Airbnb engineer Stephan Boyer. It allows users to watch Netflix movies and shows in sync with up to 1,000 others at a time. Although the extension had been available for nearly three years, installations peaked in the middle of 2020. This allowed teenagers to connect through socially distanced watch parties.
Countless highly anticipated films scheduled for release were forced to be canceled, delayed or rescheduled. Many producers said that the pandemic would be a detriment to the films’ turnout, net profit, popularity and potential awards. A few examples of movies with altered schedules are Fast and Furious 9, The Little Mermaid, Mulan, and No Time to Die. Additionally, creators were unable to film while following the CDC’s guidelines of mask-wearing, social distancing and limits on gathering size.
Currently, experts predict that the film industry will undergo recovery after 2020. Entertainment networks such as AMC have raised $2 billion in funding from stock sales. CEO Adam Aron plans on using this money to reduce debt from the pandemic and decrease interest costs.
How has COVID-19 affected your movie binging and in-person theater attendance? Consider paying a visit to your local theaters to support them after a challenging pandemic year.
Article by Ellie Noh of Richard Montgomery High School
Photo by May Pham of Walter Johnson High School