The Coronavirus thread

Quote: terapined

Trump and the Governors really have no power regarding starting up the economy
That power rests with the people
Until people feel safe, they will continue to stay home safely
To get people to feel comfortable to start the economy means testing testing testing and tracking tracking tracking

We had a big gathering at a nearby restaurant. They had a band playing outside. The parking lot was full as people ate their takeout listening to music in their cars.

When you say they have no power regarding starting up the economy, well, they do have the ultimate power to NOT open up the economy.

No one thought for a second that the Governor's would say "we are open" and everything would be back to normal. LOTS of businesses will be operating at some fraction of their pre-COVID-19 capacity.
Cruises?
Casinos?
Gyms?
Airlines?
Spectator sports?
Concerts?
I guess I'll have to add Axe Throwing venues.

But let them try.

Quote: terapined

...Exactly
These protestors are nuts because
Trump and the Governors really have no power regarding starting up the economy
That power rests with the people
Until people feel safe, they will continue to stay home safely
To get people to feel comfortable to start the economy means testing testing testing and tracking tracking tracking

We had a big gathering at a nearby restaurant. They had a band playing outside. The parking lot was full as people ate their takeout listening to music in their cars.

Bring back drive in movies.

That would be a multi=fold plus. It might even raise the birth rate?

Quote: petroglyph

Bring back drive in movies.

This is late 60's about 6 miles
from my house. Where the
drive-in was now sits a Target,
Costco, and a bunch of other
stores. This was considered
the 'country' in 1969. Now
it's 10 miles of dense retail.
Malls, hotels, car dealers,
FF restaurants. Like El Camino
Real in Calif.

Future generations will never know what they missed out on.

Unless enough brick and mortar goes belly up, and some old schooler decides to try it again. My folks used to take us when we were kids, it was great, a loving family in the big mobile. Later on, it made for some great dates.

Good for this woman for opening her business!
I like what she said: "If you want to come in, you come in. If you don't, you don't."

She shouldn't have to lose her business just because other parts of the country are having major problems!!

Quote: petroglyph

Unless enough brick and mortar goes belly up, and some old schooler decides to try it again. My folks used to take us when we were kids, it was great, a loving family in the big mobile. Later on, it made for some great dates.

It would never work again. It worked before because there was enough cheap land. Because cars were huge and the kids had room to move around. Because there were bench seats and the girl could cuddle up to her date. Because there were few other entertainment options. Because we had nuclear families back then, not 40% single mothers.

Who on earth wants to sit on one of today's cars to watch a movie like that?

I think I was one of the last to go to a drive-in as a kid. Early 70s. After the mid-70s what they showed was not suitable for families. Back then they often were, the X-rated flick in the picture aside.

There is still a classic drive in here in Buffalo (Lockport, actually). I think it will be opening soon. I'm not a drive in fan. But if the regular theaters are still closed I wouldn't be surprised if I go once this summer.

This looks fun
https://weraveyou.com/2020/05/world-club-dome-throws-drive-in-rave/

I think the coronavirus is going to give a severe kick to the movie theater industry. So far this year only two films have grossed more than $100 million
1 Bad Boys for Life $204,417,855 Jan 17 - Sony Pictures Releasing
2 Sonic the Hedgehog $146,066,470 Feb 14 - Paramount Pictures

There were 31 films last year over $100m with 11 over $200m.

As we all know the older folks are preferring to stay at home and stream movies on their home equipment. The teens still like movies because it gets them out of their parent's house. But teens are increasingly watching movies on tablets in their cars where they are both out of the house and have privacy with their date. Tablets will be replaced with googles and AI environments.

Even if the movie theaters open later this year, it is doubtful that they will sell anywhere near a billion tickets. I think that we won't see big sales in the future as some habits will change.

Average ticket price - year - estimated millions of tickets sold domestic (US and Canada)
$9.11 2020 621 (annualized rate for tickets sold so far this year)
$9.11 2019 1,239
$9.11 2018 1,311
$8.97 2017 1,226
$8.65 2016 1,302
$8.43 2015 1,323
$8.17 2014 1,257
$8.13 2013 1,339
$7.96 2012 1,381
$7.93 2011 1,283
$7.89 2010 1,329
$7.50 2009 1,419
$7.18 2008 1,358
$6.88 2007 1,420
$6.55 2006 1,399
$6.41 2005 1,373
$6.21 2004 1,496
$6.03 2003 1,524
$5.81 2002 1,576 ------------------ peak number of domestic tickest sold: Spider-Man highest grossing film
$5.66 2001 1,476
$5.39 2000 1,397
$5.08 1999 1,445
$4.69 1998 1,444
$4.59 1997 1,385
$4.42 1996 1,305
$4.35 1995 1,222 - Toy Story highest grossing film

Quote: Pacomartin

I think the coronavirus is going to give a severe kick to the movie theater industry.

I am surprised that movie theaters have lasted as long as they have. Little in the way of creativity. So much is sequels, franchises, or licensed off superheroes. Films last a very, very short time then are pulled. No chance for word of mouth. Concessions oversized and overpriced.