Drive-in cinemas may become the typical way to see a movie in post-lockdown life, as popular cinema chains are unable to open due to strict safety measures.
Boris Johnson announced that cinemas can open by the 4th July at the earliest, however inside, cinemas may struggle to strike a balance between getting bums in seats, and maintaining social distancing guidelines.
Karen Anderson, Co-owner of Woodside Cinema Drive-In, Wirral said: “I think people who are uncomfortable or hesitant to go to closed cinemas, can come to our drive-in.”
“With the cinema being a drive-it is already the perfect solution, you aren’t mixing with people, its nice for people who have been shielding to see a movie.”
Oxford Economics reported that, the creative industries are the among the most affected by the current Covid-19 crisis.
“However, drive in cinemas have struggled to gain a foothold in the UK.”
The report forecasted a 74 billion turnover loss for the creative industries over the course of 2020.
However, drive in cinemas have struggled to gain a foothold in the UK. When Woodside drive-in cinema opened in 2018, it was only one of three of its kind.
Drive in-cinemas have always screamed ‘American’, but its not British weather that has stopped them becoming more common, but the lack of profit.
“Covid-19 may be a beneficial factor to help drive-in cinemas take off as we emerge into a post-lockdown lifestyle.”
Mrs Anderson explained that “Once you have paid licence fees, its never really been a successful area unless you can fill a drive-in cinema every night.”
As lockdown restrictions are lifted, drive-in cinemas may be the perfect place to meet up with friends from different households. Drive in cinemas enable movie goers to buy car spaces alongside one another so social distancing can be enforced.
Families can relax from the comfort of their own cars, bring their own snacks, and watch a movie without interacting with anyone else. All tickets being bought before arrival also ensures no cash is exchanged protecting drive-in staff.
As a result, Covid-19 may be a beneficial factor to help drive-in cinemas take off as we emerge into a post-lockdown lifestyle.
Millie Lockhart
Featured image courtesy of @jeremyyappy via Unsplash.
Millie Lockhart
Hi, i'm Millie and I am a 24 year-old Newcastle University graduate. I have recently completed my NCTJ qualification and I am delighted to be part of Empoword Journalism.