Pandemic Paradigm in Hollywood… or not?

COVID-19 is the subject on the lips of most souls these days, and why wouldn’t it be? The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on each corner of the world. Anxiety, illness and unimaginable loss of life are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. The blame of political missteps and deficient healthcare lingers in those thoughts as well. Amidst that ugly chaos also lives a necessary (albeit icky concern) for the economy and a longing for life to go back to “the way it was”. But what if it doesn’t? What if this moment in time, this terrifying, global  pandemic does not just remedy itself and go away as we all would like? What if because of this moment our behavior changes irrevocably? Perhaps that shift is bad, but what is that change is good? 

In the past weeks we have all seen normal activities slip away. Outings such as going to the movies have ceased due to “safer at home” orders from the government. While the pandemic situation may make us understand the need for these limitations it cannot replace our desire for wanting activities such as seeing the latest film release. 

Hollywood has also had to respond and react to this new reality by making adjustments in films already showing in theaters or soon to be released. While some productions were pushed altogether (sadly for the crew) and some given a later release date such as the new Bond film, “No Time to Die”, other A-game releases such as “Emma” and “Bloodshot” were distributed early on Apple iTunes for a rental fee of $20 for 48 hours. 

While this early digital release of films from the studios may be warranted only because of the current pandemic climate, will consumers happily return to the days of waiting for a theatrical release or become accustomed to the instant gratification of the digital download? Will we miss our crowded theaters with concession lines and rude patrons texting on their cell phones in favor of our comfy couch and a bowl of popcorn enjoyed in yoga pants? 

Right now may seem like a moment in new behavior, but what if it is in fact a permanent shift?