… So, there’s been a lot of talk on social media about the article: “Movies, as we know them today, will be dead in ten years.” Catch up HERE.
What do you think?
Me, I’m not convinced. Y’see, we’ve heard all about the death of cinema before: television. Video. Satellite. DVD. Internet. All of these things were apparently going to kill cinema and yet it’s still here. Funny, that.
The author of the article makes some interesting predictions, not least the notion of movies becoming more episodic; I can totally see why he might think such a thing. I think he misses one crucial factor out, though:
The actual experience of cinema.
Whilst television, DVD and streaming all have instant accessibility and convenience, conversely it’s the cinema-going experience that calls the shots.
Yes, you may make the choice to go to the cinema and watch a movie, but you must go to a specific building, at the time they’re putting on that movie. You must sit alongside strangers in the dark. You have no control over this …
… And I’d wager real money it’s this people like.
You’re probably thinking, “WTF?” now, but bear with me. I’ve said it before lots of times: human beings prize novelty. Think about it:
If you can have something whenever you want (such as via DVD or streaming, straight into your living room or laptop), then it becomes “everyday” and whilst you may still love it, it is no longer special.
On the flipside, if you can’t have something whenever you want (who can afford to go to the cinema every day, money OR time-wise? Or fit a cinema-sized screen in their living room?), suddenly going to the cinema becomes an event … A treat, in fact! Watching movies is special again.
And if something is special, then guess what. It has higher value. It means would-be cinema-goers will:
- Take their dates to the cinema
- Go with friends on a night out
- Spend their days/time off there
- Take their children to matinees
- Watch highly anticipated blockbusters
- Go to film festival nights
Go to specialist screenings (ie. theme nights like ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW or foreign language screenings)
…and that’s just for starters. Cinemas are coming up with new ways of engaging with potential punters all the time. It’s no accident many (especially independent) cinemas have restaurants to add to the coffers and help market themselves: “Have dinner, then watch a movie” my local says on the door). Others will host children’s parties.
And let’s not forget rural cinemas. Lots of cinemas are set up in town and village halls, even churches, such is the demand for the big screen – even in the middle of nowhere. And let me tell you: there’s nothing quite like watching a giant monster raze down a city under the watchful eye of Our Mother, or watching a zombie movie then having to walk out through a cemetery!
So, don’t despair at the death knell being sounded for cinema yet again – there’s life in the old dog yet.
Lucy V. Hay is a script editor, author and blogger who helps writers. She’s been the script editor and advisor on numerous UK features and shorts & has also been a script reader for 20 years, providing coverage for indie prodcos, investors, screen agencies, producers, directors and individual writers. Lucy is also an author, publishing as both LV Hay and Lizzie Fry.
