The movie industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and the theatres are shut down with darkness trapped inside. There is no sign of movies releasing in theatres anytime soon, so, watching movies on the big screen is more like a distant dream.
Even after the halls are reopened, watching movies in theatres would never be the same. Theater owners are going to strictly follow guidelines to ensure that they reopen safely and it’s surely going to change your movie-in-the-hall experience altogether.
It isn’t a surprise that movies are now online released where endless content is available in all kinds of genres. From watching movies online to watching it on the big screen once it reopens, things are changing now. Check out how.
Booming online platforms
The outbreak of Coronavirus has warned you to stay away from public places, which has led you to believe that watching movies on online platforms is a much safer option. During this lockdown period, Netflix, Amazon Prime etc., have witnessed a dramatic rise in subscriptions.
The collection of movies and series they offer keeps one glued to their screens and is one of the preferred ways to kill time. Then there are tons of films and series which are exclusively released on these platforms, which makes you feel all the more privileged.
Direct to home releases
With the theatres being inactive, it’s only obvious that the movies are now being released on online platforms. These platforms are flooded with content catering to all kinds of audiences. A film theatre focuses on entertaining the mainstream audience due to which many deserving movies often miss out on decent screening slots.
On the other hand, online platforms do not deal with such concerns and offer a good mix of both mainstream and art-house cinema. This is in trend now, so, enjoy while it stays.
What changes can you expect once the theatres reopen?
#1. Mask-on
First and foremost, you’d have to wear a mask. Now some halls might have arrangements for disposable masks but you rather not take any risk and carry one for yourself. All staff members will be wearing face masks according to the health guidelines.
#2. Fever checks
Temperature checks at the entrance would separate the sick ones from the rest. But there is always a possibility that one may not have a fever and still be a patient of coronavirus which leaves everybody else at risk.
#3. Online ticket purchase
Tickets will have to be purchased online well before arriving at the venue which not only saves paper but reduces physical contact to a large extent. Online selling of tickets can have better control over how many people are allowed inside and their seating arrangements.
#4. Less number of shows
The frequency of shows will be reduced and the gap between two shows will be longer so that the staff can thoroughly clean each theater.
#5. Contactless payment
For purchasing food and drinks get ready to use cashless options like debit cards, credit cards, or other online payment options. Even signing receipts may be temporarily suspended in order to keep interactions as contactless as possible.
It is expected that theatres will reopen only at a slow pace, initially filling only half of their capacity to ensure the safety of everyone around. Your experience of walking into a theatre is going to be different but watching that movie on the big screen is still going to transport you to another world.
Featured Image Courtesy: Dox