Our mission at SAW is to foster conversations about this thing we all love (or love to hate): film/TV. Many of our features are designed with you in mind. Your opinions, to be more to the point. You have ’em. We want to hear ’em.
Question of the Day (QOTD) is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a film/TV-related question that we put to you, the reader. The comments section below is like the feedback box at work; except, in this example, we actually read what you write and care about what you have to say.
Movies are a reflection of us and so they change as we change. New technology, shifting economies, war, natural disasters – all change our perspective on the human experience and, therefore, how our art reflects that change in perspective.
We may be too close to the current crisis to see exactly how this will affect our movies and other art, but it stands to reason that it will have an impact. But what shape will those changes take? How will movies change in a post-pandemic world?
The internet is filled with hyperbole. I’ve seen people predict that the shelter-in-place measures governments have taken to stop the spread of coronavirus could mark the end of the movie theater. No doubt, some businesses aren’t going to make it through this crisis, for a variety of reasons. But I don’t think theaters are done for yet. If anything, the business will adapt to fit a post-pandemic world.
Already, drive-in movie theaters are posting record ticket sales. It’s possible that the theater experience will become more niche and tailored to providing a unique experience.
Others have predicted this pandemic will signal the end of the mega budget film era and a return to more sensible budgets. Some are even suggesting Disney could get completely bought out by another company – Apple has been mentioned as a possibility.
I don’t have a crystal ball, so I don’t know what will happen. I feel pretty confident saying that movie theaters aren’t going away just yet. I think some people may have trepidations about sitting too close to strangers in a dark theater once this is over, but I also think a large part of the population is going to be chomping at the bit for social interaction. People are going to be ready to get out, and I think movies will play a role in that.
I also think it’s possible we could see the return of the mid budget film and a waning of the bloated genre pictures that have characterized the last decade. But that might have already been underway. If anything corona may give studios another reason to consider taking smaller risks on individual movies.
But what about you guys and gals? How do you think movies will change once this pandemic has passed?
Tell us what you think in the comments below!
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