Movie theaters in California can prepare to ease back into operation beginning this week. It has been announced that California movie theaters can reopen as early as June 12 with strict social distancing measures in place.
The strict measures have to be in place for at least the first two weeks and they include a limited capacity to 25 percent or no more than 100 people per auditorium. If the relaunch in California goes well, this rule is expected to relax after two weeks which is plenty of time for major theater chains to get ready for TENET on July 17 if Warner Bros. decides not to delay the film.
In addition to reducing capacity to 25 percent, California is recommending other safety measures including limiting the flow of patrons into a theater so as to ensure that patrons are six feet apart, blocking off seats, requiring face masks when entering and exiting the theater, and at the concession stand, consider using disposable or washable seat covers, prop open doors at peak periods of traffic, consider limiting the number of customers using the bathroom at one time and reconfiguring parking lots. All of these measures were revealed in a new industry guidance document issued by the state of California on Monday.
California getting the go-ahead to reopen is great news for studios, even if it has to start with limited capacity. The Los Angeles area is the largest moviegoing market in the country so it was one of the locations the studios were paying close attention to in regards to when they would actually make their move to reopen their theaters. Other than TENET, waiting in the wings we have UNHINGED on July 1, MULAN on July 24, THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN and WONDER WOMAN 1984 on August 14. Movie theaters have shuttered since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The next major area that studios will be watching is New York City, which is currently unclear when their theaters will reopen. New York City is the country's second-largest moviegoing market and is another integral piece of the puzzle that is going into the decision making on delaying release dates or simply moving forward as planned.
I live in Los Angeles county so this is pretty exciting to hear, even if it is limited to start. Of course, they'll have to follow all the necessary safety precautions but it'll be great to get back to the movies again. If you live in California, are YOU ready to get back to movies or do YOU think it's still too soon?