You know you love movies. Here's how to support the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, the Coronavirus is causing strife across the world economy. Specifically close to my heart, however, are its effects on the film industry.
For many years, there has been a lingering threat, subtle but growing, of digital streaming platforms taking over the theatrical exhibition model that has subsisted for film’s first century.
This threat bared its teeth occasionally in the last decade as Netflix financed arthouse filmmakers and released what would have, in different times, been major arthouse releases directly onto their platform.
Fortunately there were some structures and policies that kept these threats from growing too unwieldy. Films had to have at least a week-long theatrical release to qualify for the Oscars. Even Netflix titles recognized the value of building buzz at major Film Festivals. Cinephiles and critics still espoused the value of seeing films with an audience in a big dark crowded public space with similarly enthusiastic strangers.
Then Coronavirus struck, subtly and then with sudden destructive force, closing theaters across the world, pushing release dates, and postponing or cancelling film festivals.
Suddenly, we were left with many fewer options for contemporary film consumption. The value of a shared audience experience could not be considered. If you still wanted to watch movies, you had to do so digitally, at home, through a streaming service or online platform.
Studios like Universal were the first to jump on new solutions to this shift. They took their films currently in theaters and dropped them on VOD platforms for up to $19.99 for a two-day rental. At that price, a family of four could enjoy a new release film for quite a bargain rate. More studios followed and raised a serious concern: are theaters and festivals going to be a necessary part of the film landscape when this is all over?
Allow me to voice my opinion: a resounding YES. Theaters and festivals serve an incredibly valuable function. They keep the appreciation of cinema alive in its purest and most passionate forms. Without these avenues, every movie could be immediately accessible at the touch of a button and movies become an oversaturated market, easily taken for granted and easily ignored with all the distractions of modern life at our fingertips. But films take years to make with dozens of tireless cast and crew. They are manifested expressions of artists who’ve spent years crafting their vision. Festivals and theaters appreciate this fact. They celebrate the creators of the work, create an experience around the viewing of their work, and provide spaces for groups of like-minded audiences to celebrate and discuss the work together.
If you agree that there is value in keeping independent theaters and independent film festivals alive, here are a few simple things you can do to show your support and throw your weight in the right directions:
Some of these tips can be applied always, but now is an important time to make educated, intentional, and purposeful choices that show what we as consumers want to see. So spread your money, whatever you can spare, across the organizations you care about. If you don’t have discretionary income, you can still promote these films, fundraising efforts, and filmmakers to your friends, family, and social media.
So spread some love and support to the organizations that keep art interesting, bold, and community-focused. It’s needed now more than ever.
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I will definitely continue supporting Indie cinemas even these days. Thanks for spreading this article!
Let us just give all the support we can give during these times to them.
I think they deserve more support than those who are already established ones.
We are in a tough situation right now and most of us are affected. We'll surely still support you guys! Keep the faith!
This is awesome, I like the content and the information you've shared here.
Supporting independent cinema for me is like supporting independent small businesses in my local area. I love watching indie films because I appreciate the art with low budgets. They're often better than high budgets films.
This is as important as ever these days. I'll take these tips to heart, such an important part of our culture.
If you wanna support them, watch their movies.
Thank you for this! They need us to grow and be better.
The best way for the film industry is to use modern platforms like Netflix and another present video platform.