Zarina Sotero, Staffwriter |
The entertainment industry has taken a significant blow due to COVID-19. Following strict orders to distance and prevent the spread of the virus, major parts of the entertainment industry have shut down.
One organization that has been severely impacted is the film industry. Popular movie theaters such as Regal Cinemas, Cinemark and AMC Theaters announced in mid-March that they would be closing their doors due to the coronavirus with the aim of prioritizing the health and safety of their employees, as well as their
Before the theater closures, movie ticket sales dropped to the lowest they’ve been in at least 20 years. In addition, highly anticipated movie premieres have been pushed back. Such films include “No Time to Die,” “Mulan,” “A Quiet Place Part II” and “Black Widow.” Other movies have had their production put on pause. These include the live action “Little Mermaid,” “Jurassic World: Domination” and “Matrix 4.”
The music industry is also suffering major losses as a
result of the pandemic. Many artists have either canceled or postponed their
upcoming tours. Pearl Jam was one of the first major bands to postpone their
North American Tour. Other artists that have followed suit include the Jonas
Brothers, Harry Styles and Dance Gavin Dance, just to name a few.
Music festivals across the country are also being canceled
as a result of the pandemic. Coachella had both weekends of their 2020 festival
postponed. While the event would usually take place in April, the popular music
festival is now being held in October. New York’s Governor’s Ball was also cancelled
for 2020, with no other date planned for this year.
The sports industry is also suffering from cancelations due to COVID-19. The National Basketball Association (NBA) as well as the National Hockey Leaue (NHL) have both suspended the rest of their seasons. The NBA suspended the rest of their season after a player from the Utah Jazz team tested positive for coronavirus before a game. Other sports have postponed or suspended their seasons, including Major League Baseball (MLB) and Major League Soccer (MLS). Both leagues are expected to continue their season on May 10 at the earliest.
While many aspects of the entertainment industry are being halted, those involved in these industries are doing their best to keep people entertained from home. Talk show hosts such as Jimmy Fallon and Conan O’Brien have been doing their segments from home and continue to have digital guest appearances for their shows. Celebrities such as Miley Cyrus have been posting Instagram live messages for fans. Multiple artists continue to provide entertainment through streamed and televised concerts with companies such as iHeartRadio and FOX.
The entertainment industry may be feeling the effects of this pandemic for a long time. The film industry is already suffering from huge financial losses as a result of cancelations and postponements. Long-term impacts, however, are difficult to determine due to a lack of information about when this virus will no longer be a national threat.
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