SOCIALLY DISTANCED SHARED EXPERIENCE

Mary Lou Janson

“[drive-in theaters] are back in vogue due to social distancing, the need to be outside and a love of movies.”

Drive-in movie theaters seemed to be on the brink of extinction. The once popular night out for families, friends and couples saw their ranks thin from more than 4,000 theaters nationwide to just above 300 in 2020. As fewer cars angled for optimal views of the big screens, and investors increasingly eyed the large land parcels for commercial development, drive-ins began to dismantle and disappear.

In an unforeseen plot twist, drive-ins became the perfect entertainment escape during a global pandemic. Now, it looks like they will live to play more movies for many more days ahead.

A New Jersey entrepreneur patented the outdoor theater concept in 1933. By simply placing a projector on the hood of his car, tying a screen to trees and designating where to park cars, a new way to watch movies was born.

Eventually, more sophisticated movie houses became bigger box office draws than drive-ins. The convenience of popping in a DVD, downloading a link or watching a firstrun movie on-demand made it easier than ever to enjoy films without leaving home.

Then COVID-19 appeared on the scene and quickly made drive-ins an attractive alternative to being safe but stuck at home. With enclosed theaters temporarily shuttered during the pandemic, loading up the family van with loved ones to catch a film, and remaining safely encased within the car, where masks were not mandatory, was just the ticket to freedom and fun.

Chris Sawyer, president of Sun South Theaters, oversees two Central Florida drive-ins: the Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre in Lakeland and the Joy-Lan Drive-In Theatre in Dade City. He’s definitely witnessed an increase in carloads of newcomers pulling into both drive-ins this summer.

“It’s a fun, different experience and something new for a lot of people,” he said.

Beloved children’s films and blockbusters from the 80s have helped attract movie fans of all ages and fill the film gap created by delays in the release of first-run films.

In Eustis, Florida, a native Floridian and movie industry insider has acquired land to build what will likely be the world’s largest drive-in movie complex, complete with five screens, restaurants, shops and accommodations for RV parking and overnight camping. Construction on the more than 70-acre site where Lighthouse 5 will be built is expected to begin this year.

Spencer Folmar, a filmmaker, producer, director and CEO of Veritas, Inc., hopes the project will attract film buffs who still enjoy the novelty of drive-in theaters, as well as encourage visitors to enjoy extended stays in Eustis and contribute to what he anticipates will be an economic and tourism boon to that community.

“I grew up going to drive-in theaters,” Formar said. “And now they are back in vogue due to social distancing, the need to be outside and a love of movies.”