Corona Effect: Drive-In Movie Theaters Are Back in US

Due to Corona Virus pandemic, movie theater business has been drastically hit across the globe. The situation is no different in the US as the cinemas have been shut nationwide and a few are forced to change their policies to adhere to physical distance and health, safety measures. The 100-year-old industry is now struggling to survive due to shutdown and many of Hollywood’s summer releases are forced to postpone.

Now, drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback. The drive-in movie theaters which were introduced in early 1930s are witnessing great demand due to Covid-19 pandemic. Old drive-ins are being reopened and many are building make-shift/temporary movie theaters to make up for the losses. A few are turning the empty parking lots into these theaters and old movies are being screened to the customers. The crowds are gradually increasing at the drive-ins as people want to come out of their houses to enjoy food and movie.

Interestingly, some have even started drive-in movie theater to rake in funds for charity. Kal Dellaportas, operations head at Bel-Aire Diner in Queens, New York, started their own drive-in theater on May 6 . According to him, the tickets they have put for sale for The Sandlot were sold out in just three minutes and there were several attempts made to buy tickets online. Now, classic films like Dirty Dancing, Grease are being showcased at this drive-in theater. Subsequent shows were said to be sold out under a minute proving the audiences love for cinema.

Another business owner 32-year-old Eddie Bernal from Miami had launched his make-shift drive-in theater Carflix Cinemas where he started in a parking lot that accommodates 175 vehicles. Carflix Cinemas was screening Hedghog at 5 pm and original Jurassic Park at 8 pm and interestingly all the tickets are sold out in minutes and driving in crowds on weekends.

Many are wondering whether similar business model picks up in India where movies are a religion. As Indian cities have umpteen drive-ins, there’s a great possibility for them to turn into temporary movie theaters with food and entertainment.