With the announcements yesterday of new lockdowns within Germany and France as coronavirus cases and deaths continue to mount, cinemas were announced as part of the businesses required to close.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced last night that the nation will be under a serious lockdown until December 1st, and it’s almost exactly the same as before.
You need documentation when leaving and travelling from your home.
However, schools will remain open. Starting November 30th.
French cinemas have already been struggling heavily against the current climate with delays and a low consumer confidence in returning to the big screen.
France was undergoing some evening curfews, and French distributors were looking to continue to release films despite this restriction.
but the latest news will put a stop to that, and be devastating to the operators and staff within the industry.
Elsewhere Germany also has announced lockdown measures across the country which will see all entertainment venues including Cinemas closing from November 2nd.
We Have To Act, Now
Credit: Pexels
Read more: Did Netflix France Just Reveal When Lucifer Season 5 Release Date
Prime Minister Angela Merkel was notably booed within parliament earlier today when discussing measures.
However, she said, “we have to act, and we have to act now”.
The government is currently discussing what aid they can provide to effected businesses, the restrictions whilst not as harsh as France, prevent non-essential travel, and two households are allowed to meet but only outdoors.
This news comes as the UK government is also under growing pressure to make changes to its current tier system as cases begin to rise further along with deaths which reached 280 today.
However, the first weekend of half-term saw a 40% increase in box office despite major chain Cineworld being closed down temporarily.
Insider reports from cinemas have been reporting favourable rises in admissions during the half-term break, in contrast to the Summer holidays when they just re-opened.
UK To Suffer The Same Fate?
Credit: Odeon Cinemas
Read more: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Review
Should cinemas suffer a similar fate as in Germany and France, we can surely expect further devastation to the cinema industry without a proper furlough scheme in place.
Empire Cinemas, Vue, Odeon have already confirmed some sites will remain closed until the situation becomes more favourable.
What do you make of this news?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
What do you make of this story? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook or Instagram pages!
And if you enjoy listening to film podcasts, why not check out our podcasts, Small Screen Stories and Small Screen Film Club wherever you get your podcasts!
There are no comments
Add yours