With music/film/comedy/art festival SXSW officially cancelling its 2020 iteration due to the spread of the coronavirus, we’re starting to see the effect of the epidemic on a widespread level when it comes to film. In short, movie theatres are emptier than normal, as many patrons are naturally valuing their health over entertainment. I can’t blame them at all. As much as I love cinema, safety precautions are necessary. Whether you believe the media or mass hysteria are blowing COVID-19 out of proportion or not, there is nothing wrong with being safe. This means constant hand washing, sanitizer use, and all of the other many tips we’ve all been told by now. Point is that some people are still wanting to go the extra mile by not going out too often during a time like this.

Studios have already started to do their own part. Eon and MGM have pulled the release of the newest James Bond film (No Time to Die), and have slated a November release (professionals have speculated the worst possibility of when the coronavirus outbreak will “peak” is in May, so it will hopefully be well under control by November). The idea was to prevent people from going to the cinemas, but you can also speculate that the loss of money in box office plummeting had something to do with the decision. That’s where we stand right now. We’re at a time where theatres are already struggling to bring in patrons, as they fight against blockbuster juggernauts and streaming giants.

This could be the ultimate test. I can only foresee many other similar courses of action in the next little while, including the possible shake-up of Cannes (if it isn’t closed altogether). Already, major sporting leagues are either performing their games without audiences present, or they’re highly considering it. Players with any flu-like symptoms aren’t even benched: they’re forbidden from showing up to games. Numerous musicians are postponing tours. We’re in that interesting wasteland of the entertainment industry already, where we’re wondering what will happen in the digital age. Now, with this COVID-19 curveball, and the entire world trying to take care of themselves during this scare, we could see major shifts in these art forms. I’m not entirely sure how, but clearly industries will need to adapt to survive, or they will be wiped out via mass extinction. I don’t think we will actually get to these levels of desperation when it comes to these industries, but it all depends on how long this virus is considerably dangerous for.

Either way, please take care of yourselves during this frightening time. Whether you think you can beast-mode through it or not, think of those that may not be fortunate enough to be able to survive if they get infected. COVID-19 is a silent, airborne virus that may be in your body for days without you realizing it (and spreadable in this state). If you do go to the movies, games, concerts or any other public venues, please wash your hands and/or sanitize periodically. We can worry about these industries later. Protect you and your loved ones first and foremost. Again, whether this is spun out of control or not, it doesn’t hurt to be aware and smart during such a time.

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.

COVID-19 and a Struggling Film Industry