Cinemas still in the dark about rules
Cinema chains remain uncertain about how they can feasibly operate under level 2 restrictions, the Motion Picture Industry Council (MPIC) says.
The Government announcement on Thursday providing the first information to businesses about how they could operate when the country moves to alert level 2 did not provide enough information for cinemas about their position, the council says.
The council advocates on behalf of the three major cinema chains, Reading, Hoyts and Event, as well as key independent cinemas.
‘‘The outline on alert level 2 from Government today did not provide the clarity our industry requires to determine if it is feasible to open under level 2. We are seeking consultation with Government, as we have a recommendation that we are willing to present as soon as the opportunity arises. Until then no decision can be made,’’ Peter Garner, chairman of MPIC, said.
The Roxy, an independent cinema in Wellington, was similarly unsure of its status under level 2. The cinema also operates a bar and restaurant.
Co-owner Raymond Letoa said the building could hold 100 people but was unsure from the guidance if the cinema would have to limit people in its restaurant and bar, as well as having to limit the amount of seats it sold in the theatre. Letoa stressed safety was his main concern and welcomed the progress made on level 2, but wanted more detail.
New Zealand has more than 100 independent cinemas, plus another 40 or so operated by the big chains.
Event Cinemas has claimed $2.8m from the Government wage subsidy for 499 workers, while Hoyts has claimed $1.6m for 316 staff.
Attendance began dropping off well before the country went into level 4 lockdown and unlike many businesses, cinemas can’t operate at level 3. That has meant a minimum of seven weeks with no income and what happened at level 2 was vital.
When cinemas were allowed to open — possibly at level 2 — owners faced the prospect of half-full theatres because of social distancing requirements.
Another issue cinemas were facing was that there was no fresh content because film productions had been put on hold.
Roxy might use the dearth of new films as an opportunity to run old favourites, perhaps Kiwi classics or short films, Letoa said.
‘‘New releases, if they come out and we can book them in [that would be] amazing,’’ he said.
But Letoa said the theatre couldn’t rely on that happening quickly. However, independents like the Roxy might weather the storm better than the large chains, he said.