The Impact of Coronavirus on Movies and Movie Studios

A lot can change in a couple of months. Just a few months ago, many expected the global pandemic to be nearly contained, leading to optimism that movie theaters would re-open by the summer. Movie studios had hoped to have a partial summer blockbuster season if theaters did reopen nationwide by the middle of summer. It was believed that it would be unsustainable for movie theaters to remain shuttered for such a long time. However, as we look at the current state, the summer movie season is winding down, and the prospect of a full re-opening anytime soon remains uncertain.

Movie Theaters and Summer Blockbusters

Now, with relief from the pandemic seemingly nowhere in sight, it is evident that the current situation is unlikely to permit immediate re-opening of theaters at full capacity. Re-opening theaters will be necessary for the movie industry to become economically viable once again. Despite the uncertainty, many movie studios are working to squeeze every last bit of value from the few summer blockbusters they have left. However, several have had to push back their release dates multiple times until the studios reluctantly declared them "TBD," the safest bet given the current circumstances.

It is inevitable that there will be a large backlog of movies waiting for theaters once the pandemic is over, assuming movie theaters survive and the pandemic ends. The disrupted release schedules and delayed film productions will inevitably need to be revised once the situation allows. The current state of the movie industry is undoubtedly shifting, with many studios forced to adapt and find new ways to distribute their films.

Resuming Film Production

In light of the uncertain situation, some movie studios are beginning to resume film production in countries where the situation is more favorable. In Australia and New Zealand, for example, the industry is slowly starting up again. Such places managed to stem the spread of the virus early on, allowing for safer resumption of production. Actors, directors, and essential crew members must undergo COVID-19 testing and quarantine for two weeks before they can enter the country. Tom Cruise, for instance, is determined to resume filming on Mission Impossible 7, and Warner Bros. has greenlit both The Matrix 4 and The Batman to start shooting again. This region seems to be the exception rather than the rule, however.

The Challenges Ahead

In the U.S., the situation is more challenging. As states began to re-open, the curve quickly spiked, particularly in states like California and several "Red States" including Arizona, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The anti-mask sentiment in the U.S. only compunds the difficulty, as many people believe masks are either ineffective or harmful. The progress in the U.S. will require further control measures to ensure the safety of all involved in film productions.

While the industry is slowly opening up and attempting to resume business as usual, it's crucial that they follow proper safety protocols and remain vigilant. The future of the movie industry is uncertain, but with careful planning and adaptation, the industry can find a way to continue and thrive once again.

Conclusion

The global coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on the movie industry, affecting everything from the release of summer blockbusters to the production of new films. As the world continues to navigate this uncertain time, the movie industry has shown resilience and adaptability. Whether through virtual releases or safely resuming film productions in favorable regions, the industry is working to find new ways to deliver movies to audiences. Only time will tell how this global crisis will shape the future of movies and movie studios, but one thing is clear: the industry will continue to evolve and adapt.