The coronavirus pandemic has taken a significant toll on many parts of the American economy. The movie industry, relying heavily on theatrical releases for box office numbers, is faced with a sharp decline in theater-goers and has suffered major losses. A movie release that bypassed theaters, going solely onto streaming services has caused much controversy in the film world recently. Additionally, along with other nonessential businesses, film sets in Hollywood and around have come to a standstill, and there is much uncertainty about how it will affect the industry and the way onscreen media is created and consumed long-term. Because of large gathering concerns with traditional theaters, drive-in theaters may be a viable option for film lovers looking to have a good time from the comfort and socially-distanced safety of their own vehicles.

With services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ already in 40% of U.S. homes, on-demand streaming has been on the rise for years. As a result of the ongoing pandemic, where people must turn to their electronics for entertainment, streaming has seen a 12% increase. This has hit theaters particularly hard, as even before the pandemic, only 14% of adults in the U.S. frequently viewed movies in theaters. “I was an on-demand viewing sort of person to begin with,  but the pandemic definitely isn’t going to inspire me to go to a theater anytime soon,” says Zoe Gainer ‘22, “it’s too closely packed together and I don’t know how well some theaters clean. I’d definitely feel more comfortable watching a movie at home.” On the contrary, however, Greer Marvel ‘23 states, “I love the movies, and once the pandemic is over, I’m definitely going to a movie theater everyday. I may spend 80 dollars there on a movie I could rent for four, but the vibes are immaculate.” The release of “Trolls: World Tour” has sparked tensions between movie production studios and theaters. Universal Studios saw $100 million in profits from the first three weeks after “Trolls: World Tour” came out, but only by violating the theatrical release window where theaters hold the sole license to new releases, instead sending it straight to on-demand streaming services. This outraged an already-struggling AMC Theaters, as well as Cineworld, the owner of Regal Entertainment. Both companies have stated that they will not be showing films that violate these release windows.

The 200,000 and counting deaths from COVID-19 have certainly halted any plans to return to Hollywood film sets for regular production. Shooting in the UK, however, has resumed, and as other European countries reopen their productions, U.S. companies are gravitating towards international shooting. Because of the sheer numbers of people that have to be involved on a film set, it is unrealistic to expect a speedy reopening without danger of any infection. Former screenwriter and Upper School English teacher Robert Dunn believes “the issue isn’t even having actors make contact. It’s the fifty other people handling equipment and sharing craft services and temporary lodging. You can make it safe by requiring tests, temperature checks, and with other precautions, but still, the new Batman movie’s production shut down when Robert Pattinson tested positive. A few days delay on a major project like that probably cost a few million dollars.” Screenwriting itself is changing as writers move towards scripts focusing on individual characters or with the possibility of outdoor shooting. This raises an important question of how long this will last, and if the pandemic will have a permanent effect on screenwriting as an art. “Screenwriters, and everyone, are currently working around COVID, but they won’t have to forever,” says Dunn, “I think these changes are very temporary. The fundamentals of good storytelling don’t change. The raw human material doesn’t change.” There are predictions of small indie films with minimal casts and crew becoming more popular as Hollywood blockbusters are put on pause.

Though the globe is facing many challenges, people’s innovation never ceases to show through. In this case, drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback during a pandemic where large gatherings are no longer safe. With easy social distancing from inside vehicles, the thrill of a theater screening, and a retro touch, drive-in theaters are a fantastic and COVID-safe way to enjoy film. Gainer adds, “I honestly do like the idea of drive-ins and projector showings. I think there’s an aura of nostalgia that comes with it, and we’re still following social distancing procedures.” In a time where everyone is struggling to find a way to stay connected, a simple backyard projector screening can make for an enjoyable experience. 

From on-demand streaming to drive-in movies, European shooting and new approaches to COVID-safe filmmaking, many major changes are happening in the world of Hollywood. Regardless of what choices the industry and individual companies make, the public can rest assured that the creativity of the arts will find a way to continue reaching people around the world.