AIBU to think Christopher Nolan is right to be angry about Warner Bros?

[Doyoumind]

They have decided to release all their 2021 films simultaneously on HBO Max (which isn't even available here so I'm not sure what that means for the UK) and in cinemas.

If I was involved in those films and thought it was going to be a big cinema release I wouldn't be happy. I realise streaming is the future to some extent but they are going to completely kill off the struggling cinema industry like this and people will miss that experience in years to come.

The music industry already faced this and survived. WB has managed to learn the lessons from that industry and because they have adapted, will likely survive and help shape the changing entertainment industry.

Better that than stamping and shouting about it and getting left behind.

The music industry is totally different. Live music still exists separately to streamed music.

I'm not talking about revenue for the film or entertainment industry. I mean that cinemas won't exist without the blockbusters.

And? They'll exist the same way music stores still do -- in small quantities, for the people who want to consume their entertainment in a specific manner.

Industries change. Business models adapt or die.

its a good compromise to do both, when they can’t confidently put films out into cinemas for the foreseeable.

I’m sure the would prefer big splashy premieres.

He's right to be angry if he and other directors/creators weren't consulted.

However, outside of that ultimately it's a step towards what was already quite a likely future with more of a focus on watch at home vs watch at a cinema.

Many movie theaters have pementently closed their doors in the US...Regal,Cineworld and Lots of AMC. He needs to get over ot or go without a job.

I miss the cinemas and theatres more than anything. I hope they all find a way forward. The arts are suffering massively. I feel sorry for all actors at the moment. I've been wondering what they've all being doing throughout this. How are the theatre actors managing I wonder? I'm assuming they're all self-employed.

I don’t think cinemas will ever completely go BUT they have become unaffordable for many people. Last time we went, it was over £30 for the two of us and it wasn’t like it was a special 3D screening etc. If they want the industry to survive, and some cinemas too as well, then they have to adapt.

They also can’t keep back all of this year’s films as that will then have a knock on effect for how many are produced going forward and will end up in a backlog (because they can’t also produce and get them all out as people won’t be able to afford the cinema every week because a new blockbuster has come out) - they need to keep some income coming in and if streaming is the way to do it, then it definitely makes sense.

@Bella43

I miss the cinemas and theatres more than anything. I hope they all find a way forward. The arts are suffering massively. I feel sorry for all actors at the moment. I've been wondering what they've all being doing throughout this. How are the theatre actors managing I wonder? I'm assuming they're all self-employed.

My sister and her husband are both out-of-work actors (and both self-employed, though they didn't qualify for any of Rishi Sunak's help) - they're currently working in their local Tesco, packing online shopping orders. They're grateful for the work, of course, but I know they can't wait for their preferred industry to be resurrected! (and I can't wait for theatres to open again)

@Watercoloursky Glad to hear they still have an income. Even if it is doing something completely different. I know a few self-employed people who had to dip into savings to keep going before finding work. A very strange and turbulent time. I hope the theatres and cinemas open sooner rather than later. I'll be the first in the queue 😊👏💕🎬🎥

Look how much Netflix makes compared to cinemas, streaming is largely the future, and its wise for them to tap into that. Cinemas will still exist, just fewer of them. The town over from me has 5 cinemas, and it's not even that big, all are always fairly quiet and it's a mystery how they have remained open. Although job losses are sad, 1 cinema would be enough and probably be successful, even with online streaming.

@Bella43 yes, although different they are still very glad of the income! Plus it's given them a real sense of purpose - I know not all online shops are for vulnerable people, but particularly during lockdown 1 they felt like they were helping shielding people/elderly or otherwise vulnerable people who couldn't get to the shops themselves. Which is a nice way of looking at it!

Even before covid, this was fairly clearly the way the industry was going. With covid the studios have had to adapt whilst blindfolded. Clinging to the past and being angry because a studio has tried a new approach in difficult times seems unrealistic.

To be honest, I think attending a cinema was already in decline, for example Netflix released "The Irishman" on streaming and cinema at the same time.

Covid has actually acted as an accelerant (like it has for many thanks digital), and it will now become the norm to get a cinema release on some sort of pay-per-view.

Personally I don't see the problem, it is the same film, the main thing I'd that there is budget available to make the film.

@Watercoloursky I think they have a great attitude. It must be very rewarding helping those in need. Difficult times have certainly brought out the best in a lot of people.

@tttigress I think it depends where you live. My local cinema is so busy (and very reasonably priced) that you have to pre book your tickets or you'll never get a seat, unless the film has been out for a few weeks.

Going to the cinema is something we always agree on as a family. Very rarely do my children agree on anything! We make a day of it. A meal out first. Then we go off to buy sweets and drinks for the film. I've even been known to take their blankets to the cinema. Talk about making yourselves at home! I found the closures hard during lockdown #1 but now time is getting on, I find it even worse. We love new releases, trailers, even seeing the billboards outside. I'm an 80's girl and used to love video shops for the same reasons.

We have Netflix too but you can't beat the atmosphere of seeing a sad film surrounded by other criers! If it's a happy film, It's fab hearing everyone else's reactions. We all usually clap at the end too 😊 The whole audience I mean, not just my family!

Well I won't be paying high prices for a streamed film whereas I do regularly pay for the experience of seeing a film at the cinema..I will just wait until it is included in what I pay for my already pretty pretty expensive TV package at the moment

The last time I went to the cinema it cost over £30 for two adults, popcorn and drinks. The movie was so loud I could feel the bass vibrating through me and yet not loud enough to cover up the ringtone of the one idiot who never puts the phone on silent. I walked out of there with a migraine for to make me wish I was dead.

In contrast DH and I paid to watch Mulan when it was released on Disney+. We were much comfier, could pause the tv to make a cuppa or get a snack, there was no one coughing through the quiet bits and no mobile phones lighting up the cinema. It was also cheaper. Given the choice I know which I’d pick in future