Get ready for a glimpse into the future of the film industry, as quarantines and shutdowns are shaking things up like never before. It’s hard to believe that just a week ago, we were eagerly anticipating the release of summer blockbusters like No Time to Die, Black Widow, Fast & Furious 9, and Mulan, as well as industry events like SXSW and NAB. But now, with the world in the grip of a pandemic, the film industry is struggling to make sense of it all.
Movie theaters around the world are shutting down, from big chains like AMC to beloved indie theaters like Alamo Drafthouse. The impact on smaller chains and indie theaters could be catastrophic, which is bad news for indie filmmakers and community film fans. And it’s not just theaters that are affected – movie releases and film sets are being shut down too, with major studios postponing their summer blockbusters.
Indie film festivals like SXSW, TIFF, Cannes, and Tribeca have all been canceled or postponed, leaving hundreds of filmmakers in limbo. But there is some hope on the horizon – festivals are experimenting with new ways of hosting screenings online for juries, critics, and even the public.
Despite all the uncertainty, there is one bright spot – quarantine culture is driving growth in streaming culture. While markets around the world are falling, Netflix is seeing some of its biggest gains ever. And with studios like Universal releasing recent films directly to video on demand, there just might be an opportunity for the film industry to weather the storm.
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