Hollywood and COVID-19

As COVID-19 spread across America, one sector feeling a profound impact was the movie theater business. Most theaters closed for much of 2020, with revenues plummeting. AMC, the nation's largest chain, has teetered near bankruptcy. While some federal relief has been available for small cinemas, the future of theaters overall remains as uncertain as the course of the coronavirus itself. Meanwhile, the pandemic has accelerated changes already at play in the entertainment industry. Streaming services continue to attract customers who prefer the less costly, more convenient option of watching at home — especially on cheaper, better and bigger TVs. Warner Bros. is opening all its films for 2021 simultaneously online and in theaters, a move some fear could hasten theaters' demise. Pay TV also is feeling the impact, as financially strapped consumers drop cable, satellite and telecom subscriptions. Concerns over racial and gender inequity continue to be felt in the industry. So does the impact of China, a top bankroller and market for U.S. films — but one that requires movie makers to censor their work, even for U.S. audiences.