The coronavirus pandemic has been brutal to many industries, including film, with movie theaters forced to close and new releases pushed back indefinitely. Some chains are reopening where regulations allow, but people aren't necessarily eager to sit in an enclosed space with strangers while a respiratory virus spreads.
In August, a Morning Consult study found that only 17% of respondents felt comfortable returning to a movie theater.
Chains are trying novel approaches to offset the disastrous effects of the coronavirus on their business model. Some AMC locations offered 15-cent tickets to popular films like "Black Panther" to entice audiences, though seating is limited to 40% capacity and masks are required.
Even if these measures are helping a bit, the outlook for theaters is bleak. AMC proposed a deal to stave off bankruptcy. Cineworld's stock price fell 76%, and Cinemark's fell 68% in the first half of March and haven't recovered. Drive-in theaters, however, are doing unusually well, which may be another indicator that people aren't ready to return to indoor theaters just yet.
London design studio Layer is taking this unusual opportunity to market its new movie theater seats and maybe change the classic theater look in the process. The Sequel Seat design, which was in the works before COVID-19 even existed, is both a more modern take on the classic movie theater aesthetic and a way to incorporate some safety features.
"We believe that a product like Sequel Seat will play a key role in encouraging people to come back to the cinema" founder Benjamin Hubert said.
Take a look at the seats here.
Tesla tells some laid-off employees their separation agreements are canceled and new ones are on the way
Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department' is the messiest, horniest, and funniest album she's ever made
One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
UP board exam results announced, CM Adityanath congratulates successful candidates
RCB player Dinesh Karthik declares that he is 100 per cent ready to play T20I World Cup
9 Foods that can help you add more protein to your diet
Next Story