It will remain a topic of discussion for a little while, it seems: how will everything return after COVID-19 is finally contained enough that the world can continue as it was? Mainly, I think we’re all in agreement that the world won’t return to exactly how it once was, even in a minor way. Maybe all of the readjustments we’re experiencing to get through this virus are also going to become long term solutions for past problems industries have experienced. Nonetheless, this is a film blog, and I’m going to keep it very short today with my current proposal for theatre chains.

With the streaming players having to take one for the film industry team — as well as the early digital releases of new films — we are likely going to see a major hit happen to movie theatres big and small. I obviously don’t want to see that happen, and I’m sure many of you are in the same boat. Going to the movies is a privilege for cinephiles. We love that dark room and the big screen; the occasional projection flutter if we get a chance to watch actual film-based films (sadly a novelty in 2020). A fear many movie lovers have had is the seemingly inevitable transition to a completely digital platform, where films are instantly put into streaming services from here on out. Hell, many services already have original works that are being released in just that way. Will the movie theatre become extinct? With the possible repercussions of COVID-19, that nightmare can easily become a reality. If studios are going to utilize these adjustments to get by and realize how their finances will go (suppose they save money by going straight to streaming, and a new form of a box office for all is figured out in this way), then why revert back to a dated platform?

Which is why I have the following idea. Part of the problem with movie theatres nowadays — in the world of unlimited streaming — is the content in theatres at any given time. People often complain about not wanting to see what’s in theatres. Blockbusters, franchises, and sequels have dominated for the last ten years or so. It’s not a secret. Still, any form of an income for these venues is welcome at this point, so the eventual releases of the big films will also help. My suggestion is to also have a whole series of older films, to drive people into the cinemas. I’m thinking movie classics (companies like Cineplex do this anyway), more modern films that can draw massive crowds (Black Panther, Parasite, Avatar in 3-D, even Endgame), and the like. Maybe promote the return of sports by showing early games in theatres as an alternative to bars or being stuck at home. Something.

Of course, all of these suggestions are events that can happen at home, but the idea is people will likely want to be out and about after an indeterminable amount of time of cabin fever and restlessness. Plus, part of the overcoming of social fear is the remembrance of how everything once was. Again, I can guarantee that some things will change in all industries — greatly or in minor ways — and that we can get used to that now. However, if theatre chains and local theatres are looking to recuperate, they’re going to have to do a bit more than business as usual. They must get that influx that can get them back into at least somewhat of a better shape. Not having a game plan of any sort can be the final nail. Who knows? Maybe the local theatres will become permanent cinematheques where we enjoy older works (on film or digital) and streaming will be the permanent platform for new releases. Either way, I’d like to think that theatres can stick around, but a lot has to happen for that to take place it seems (whether they disappear quickly or in the near future).

Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections management from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.

A Post COVID-19 Idea for Movie Theatres