Virtual cinema

Virtual cinema is a video-on-demand streaming service facilitated by independent film distributors and art-house theaters to release new films and share profits.[1] Under the service, part of the admission price supports a physically-located theater.[2]

Background

As a result of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic, movie theaters were closed down for public safety. In 2020 from March through April, virtual cinema proliferated during the theaters' closures. Several distributors of independent films, including Kino Lorber, Film Movement, and Music Box Films, were early adopters. The initiative grew to involve theater chains and film festivals that were affected by the pandemic.[1] Major specialty chains Alamo Drafthouse and Laemmle Theaters began partnering with the distributors. The strategy is recognized as a way for distributors to make up for lost box office sales and to empower moviegoers to support their local theater.[3]

Examples

In April 2020, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the re-release of actress turned director Lee Grant's documentaries (including the 1986 Oscar-winning Down and Out in America) was re-imagined as one of the first examples of virtual cinema and became "the first virtual repertory series."[4][5][6]

References
  1. Erbland, Kate (April 24, 2020). "Streaming Wars: Virtual Cinemas Offer Haven for Cinephiles and Struggling Theaters Alike". IndieWire. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  2. Kenigsberg, Ben (April 24, 2020). "VOD, Streaming or Virtual Cinema? Your Guide to Digital Movie Options". The New York Times. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  3. Faughderstaff, Ryan (April 8, 2020). "During coronavirus closures, indie movie theaters turn to online 'screenings'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  4. King, Loren (April 24, 2020). "Coolidge Corner Theatre's Virtual Screening Room Spotlights Lee Grant's Documentaries". WBUR-FM.
  5. Keough, Peter (May 1, 2020). "Once blacklisted, Lee Grant went on to win Oscars and make documentaries". The Boston Globe.
  6. Brody, Richard (April 24, 2020). "What to Stream: Three Online Releases of Movies That Would Have Come to Theatres". The New Yorker.
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