AMC(C): American Multi-Cinema Collapse?

Harriet Metcalfe discusses the news about AMC's financial struggles.

Harriet Metcalfe
15th June 2020
Image Credit: Flickr
Like many industries, cinema has suffered the consequences of coronavirus. With big summer block-busters like No Time to Die being pushed back, there's even the question of what cinemas will be able to show if they're able to re-open. I can see back to back screenings of Tenet getting a little dull. But American theatre chain AMC aren't even sure if they'll make it past the impact of coronavirus.

According to Variety, AMC have lost $2.2 billon dollars since the cinemas shut down. Whilst they're looking to reopen in July, there is "substantial doubt" as to the quality and quantity of service they'll be able to provide, given they'll also need to obey social distancing measures.

CEO Adam Aron said the words that you're probably all sick of hearing; "these are truly unprecedented times." But he does believe that the company are "taking the necessary steps on a broad array of fronts to ensure AMC’s future success."

None of this financial news comes at a great time given the recent dispute with Universal

None of this financial news comes at a great time given the recent dispute with Universal, and the threat from AMC to stop showing Universal films altogether. If this does happen - the theatre company will lose access to major franchises like Fast and Furious and Jurassic World - films many people will undoubtedly be looking forward to seeing on the big screen as lockdowns are relaxed.

In the same article, Aron said that “relations with Universal have always been warm. There is nothing personal about this issue with Universal…this is just an issue about money.” Will finance issues become personal issues if AMC struggles to stay open after coronavirus? Will AMC return in sequel that is the second half of 2020? Who knows. But I'm fairly sure that repeat screenings of Sonic aren't going to save them...

AUTHOR: Harriet Metcalfe
English Literature BA student. Loves film, TV, books and coffee. Thinks "Thor: The Dark World" gets too much hate. Twitter: @hattiemetcalfe

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