Skip navigation
Reports & Analysis Custom Research Research Subscriptions
Sign In / Create Account Cart
Sign In / Create Account Cart
  • Reports & Analysis
  • Custom Research
  • Research Subscriptions

Resources

  • Press Releases
  • Blog
  • Resources & Downloads
  • Impact Tracker

The Freedonia Group

  • Contact
  • About
  • Our Staff
  • Help Center
  • Career Opportunities
Back to Blog

How Movie Studios Are Reacting to the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Freedonia Industry Studies

March 23, 2020

States are taking a variety of steps to help curb the spread of COVID-19, from limiting the size of public gatherings to shutting down movie theaters and other entertainment spaces. This has caused the nation’s two largest theater chains, Regal Cinemas and AMC Theaters, to temporarily shut down all of their theaters in the US.

Unsurprisingly, theater closures are bad for business for the nation’s movie studios. Theatrical releases are scheduled up to a year in advance, and theaters are the main revenue generator for movies that cost hundreds of millions of dollars to produce and market.

Some studios have opted to delay releasing big-budget films until later in 2020, with the hope that the COVID-19 pandemic will be contained and consumers will feel more comfortable congregating in theaters again. NBCUniversal, however, is taking a slightly different approach. In addition to delaying some its releases, the studio also announced that it would release select movies as a digital rental, priced at $20, at the same time as or recently after its theatrical release.

Granted, the movies that NBCUniversal has selected so far are not among its biggest revenue generators, so the risk of lost sales is not as large. However, for an industry that has long resisted altering its business model even as consumers have changed how they view most of their entertainment, this shift is significant and could have a long-term impact on the theaters that support movie studios’ revenue.

Basically, businesses must address this uncertain environment by considering how they can continue to reach and serve customers, even if they have to use avenues they had previously resisted.

For more information see Freedonia Focus’ Motion Pictures & Video: United States and Recreation: United States reports. Freedonia Custom Research is available for questions requiring tailored market intelligence.

Have unique research needs?

Freedonia Custom Research listens intently to your needs and objectives. Then we work diligently to define and deliver a service to meet them.
Learn About Our Custom Research Services

Subscribe to Our Blog

Stay up to date with the latest information about new market research and news in areas relevant to your business from our analysts and team members.
Subscribe to Our Blog
  • Contact
  • About
  • Help Center
  • Career Opportunities
  • Press
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map
Facebook Linkedin Twitter

Additional Resources

  • Market Size Resources
  • Lawn Mowers Research
  • Global Lubricants Research
  • Global Paint & Coatings Research
  • Global Industrial Valves Research
  • Global Agricultural Equipment Research
  • Indoor Air Quality Equipment Research
  • Global Adhesives & Sealants Research
  • Hardscaping Products Research
  • Residential Landscaping Research
  • Food Packaging Research
  • Global Carpets & Rugs Research
  • Global Residential HVAC Research
Copyright © 2023 MarketResearch.com, Inc. All rights reserved.