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I've been getting a lot of e-mails and comments about @warnerbros decision to release a lot of their (is it all?) films theatrically and on @hbomax at the same time. I figured I'd post what I've been saying on here. 1/11
I don't think Movie Theaters are going anywhere. I will always prefer to see a film in a movie theater, and I know a lot of people who feel the same way. ( I mean, I'm a theater historian. It would make sense that I'm friends with people who feel the same way.) 2/11
Theaters have always adapted to the times. When they first opened (nickelodeons) they were small (50-100 seats) and showed short silent films or photoplays. As demand for them increased they got larger, and films got longer. (I'm leaving a ton of history out, btw) 3/11
This lead to the Movie Palace. Here's my favorite - @KingsBklyn. This was built to show films and only had one screen. You'd see a film, some vaudeville acts and the orchestra or organ would play. Going to the movies was an event. 4/11
Eventually, the live performances were largely phased out and it was just a film (or two if it was a double feature.) 5/11
That changed with the rise of the multiplex. Single screen theaters were hard to fill and expensive to heat (and cool) Some were converted into multiplexes, some were sold, some were demolished, and some were left for me to photograph (thanks!) 6/11
@AMCTheatres is mad because @warnerbros made a decision that benefits WB. WB tried in August with the release of Tenet and lost money. It would have done better if NYC and LA theaters were open but the main thing is people do not feel safe going to the movies right now. 7/11
Now that things are getting worse. WB could sit on completed films for another 6+ months or choose a new approach. They chose the latter and I think that's fine. People will always want to go see a film in a theater. 8/11
Movie Theaters were always going to have to change coming out of the pandemic even if WB didn't do this. I think that people will be slow to return to see movies. So what can they do to get people back in? 9/11
Besides obvious things like proper safety precautions (which they are already doing https://www.cinemasafe.org/ )
Maybe bring back dish night? (Seriously, that was a thing. I know people who have full sets from their local theaters.) 10/11
Maybe bring back dish night? (Seriously, that was a thing. I know people who have full sets from their local theaters.) 10/11
Joking aside, I don't know. Some theaters will be forced to close but I have faith that the ones that survive will adapt to the changing times once again. If you feel safe supporting your local movie theater - Great! Do it. If not, I get it. Stay home. Be safe. 11/11
