ARTS & CULTURE Movie Theaters

Show’s Over

COVID-19 strikes down on movie industry, hits close to home

Ava Hunt huntava000@hsestudents.org

Going to the movies has been a common outing in America since the 1930s. However, the Corona Virus pandemic has put a strain on the pastime and the lm industry as a whole. According to Forbes, Regal Cinemas have closed their 536 U.S. movie theaters inde nitely. Moviegoers in Fishers have been drastically a ected, as the Hamilton Towne Center IMAX 16 and the 96th street United Artist theaters have both shut down. “I grew up with the theater closest to me,” senior Katie Bagley said. “There were lots of memories made there, some emotional attachments and now the closest theater to me is 20 to 30 minutes away.” In addition to theaters shutting down, some movie releases halted their debut. Movies such as “Wonderwoman,” “Batman” and “Doom” are postponed until next year. The increase in waiting time could heighten the anticipation for the lm, but for junior James Basso, this a ects his excitement. “I’m very upset about movie release dates being pushed back,” Basso said. “I was looking forward to seeing some dope movies in the theaters this year and now I have to wait years to see them. I am not happy about it.” The lm industry su ers beyond the immediate e ects of movie release dates and closing of theaters: it also sets back the

industry longer than the suspected time that COVID-19 will be around. Film literature teacher Glenn Seland understands the repercussions that the virus implements on the industry. “The funding used to make the next lm is going to be an issue to obtain,” Seland said. “Even when we get out of this, it’s not like the movies are going to start showing. A lot of them have had to stop production, which furthers the delay.” The Corona Virus pandemic also reinforced the shi from theater viewing to digital streaming. According to Market. US, 54% of internet users have been watching more shows and movies on digital platforms since March. Due to an increase in at-home viewing, new releases such as “Scoob’’ and “Mulan” were exclusive to streaming services. Basso, Bagley and Seland all agree that these changes to the lm industry could have an impact on future generations’ movie viewing experiences. “Some movies are made to be seen in a theater,” Bagley said. “When it’s put on a smaller scale, it doesn’t have the same e ect. The appeal is di erent. The creators have to maneuver around the fact that more people will be viewing lms at home.” Despite the struggle theaters have endured, some are starting to open back up with multiple precautions. This allows for the tradition of attending a movie theater to stay alive. “For much of my life, going to movies was a pretty common occurrence,” Seland said. “I love going to a theater with popcorn and all that.” The next anticipated movie release is “Let Him Go,” which appears in theaters on Nov. 6. The Castleton AMC is currently open and will be showing the movie.