Cineplex CEO says film delays forcing it to be agile
Chain’s head also blasted Ontario for shutting down Toronto theatres
Cineplex Inc. CEO Ellis Jacob says the country’s largest movie theatre chain is prepared to be “agile and nimble” as it faces historic business challenges and unpredictable COVID-19 restrictions in the pandemic.
The head of Cineplex told investors at the company’s webcast annual meeting on Tuesday that executives will “make the necessary changes” to push through the next six to 12 months, which could see theatres temporarily closed due to the virus, Hollywood films delayed and titles diverted to streaming services.
But Jacob also fired back at a decision by Ontario leaders to force the closure of 22 of its 68 theatres in the province on less than a day’s notice over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
The province tightened COVID-19 restrictions on various gathering spots — including gyms, restaurants, casinos and cinemas — for at least 28 days in
Toronto, Ottawa and Peel Region.
The CEO characterized the move as unfair to cinema operators who have enforced staggered showtimes and distancing measures to meet requirements.
He said Cineplex has seen zero cases of COVID-19 traced back to its theatres since reopening in the summer.
“When we look at movie-going in general, it simply does not pose the same risk as other indoor services and gatherings,” he said.
Revised provincial regulations also forced Cineplex to close two theatres in Moncton, N.B., on Friday, and another 17 in Quebec earlier this month.
Jacob acknowledged there’s a further “risk that we may be required to shut down theatres at certain times” during the coming months, though he anticipated it would be “on a limited basis.”
Ontario’s new restrictions stymied plans to host Cineplex’s annual meeting in person at one of its Toronto theatres, a symbolic gesture of confidence in Canada’s movie exhibition business which suffered another round of blows the past week.
Beyond the temporary closure of some theatres by provincial health authorities, exhibitors also faced another delay of the latest James Bond film until next year, and a decision by Disney to scrap the November theatrical release of Pixar’s “Soul” in favour of its Disney Plus streaming platform.
Jacob said to endure the latest headwinds, Cineplex has several measures on the table, including possible reductions in lease costs and making further cuts to payroll expenses.
The delay of the James Bond film “No Time to Die” left a major dent in the company’s share price, which tumbled nearly 30 per cent after the announcement on Friday.
Several analysts downgraded the stock in the wake of the move, citing worries about rising debt levels.