AMC Theaters Hold Off On ReOpening Doors Until The Summer Despite Governors’ Green Light

Written By-@Pistolwhippedya

Several Republican Governors have allowed select businesses to reopen; however, AMC Theaters will not be one of them. As of Friday, AMC announced its doors would open a few weeks before the July 17 first summer release,#Tenet hits the big screen.

Like thousands of other cinemas, AMC closed its doors in early March, laying off or furloughing more than 150,000 employees. Included in that number were corporate employees and CEO Adam Aron, all are on a staggered furlough. 

According to Hollywood Reporter, the National Association of Theater Owners spoke on AMC and other circuits’ behalf, advising they were in no rush to reopen movie theaters during the COVID_19 pandemic. The company feels it’s best to resume closer to the release of new films.

At the start of the pandemic, Hollywood studios acted quickly and postponed spring and summer releases. A double blow for AMC, who earlier this month announced a $500 million debt offering in a move designed to avert having to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Fortunately, Wall Street Analyst, Eric Wold, does not predict the company will file bankruptcy. 

“As we plan our reopening, the health and safety of our guests and associates is our absolute highest priority. To be able to open, we also need a line of sight into a regular schedule of new theatrical blockbusters that get people truly excited about returning to their favorite movie theaters. Those blockbusters are scheduled to return this summer, beginning with Warner Brothers’ Tenet  and Disney’s Mulan, with many more major titles scheduled immediately thereafter.” AMC stated. 

AMC will “utilize creative programming of immensely popular previously released films, and we would be wise to do so directly in advance of the release of major new movie titles” and showing these new releases in an environment that is “safe and welcoming for moviegoers.” AMC is currently through the details required to make this happen, and closer to the reopening date will share those details.

CEO Mark Zoradi of Cinemark Theaters also states that they will hold off until the summer out of an abundance of caution. 

What do you think are a few good ideas and safety precautions. AMC and other theater companies should implement to help our movie experience?