Cornish cinemas warn of uncertain future as film releases get delayed
Venues across Cornwall are encouraging people to come back to the movies
Last updated 9th Oct 2020
Cinemas across Cornwall say the industry is facing an uncertain future as film releases continue to be delayed.
Release dates for the likes of James Bond: No Time To Die, Jurassic World: Dominion, Dune and The Batman have all been pushed back, to name but a few.
It was announced earlier this week that UK cinema chain Cineworld is closing its venues across the UK.
But what does the uncertainty mean for local cinemas in places like Cornwall?
Although many have reopened they have been reporting low attendance figures, as many people still remain unsure about going back to the pictures.
Merlin Cinemas, which has locations in Bodmin, Helston, Falmouth, Redruth, St Ives and Penzance, says it won't be fully operating with major films much before Christmas.
Managing director Geoff Greaves told Pirate FM how the pandemic has created a worrying and challenging time for the industry.
"It's a very challenging and dreadful period with so much uncertainty, the situation of having films withdrawn from us at such short notice, especially with James Bond which we were looking forward to, as we thought that might kick-start things for us and get people going back to the movies.
"It's been difficult, we've put in place all the precautions, the attendances are frankly a bit disappointing, but I think people are very cautious. But those people who are coming back have said to us they didn't realise how safe they would feel.
"We know that we are not going to be fully operating with any major films much before Christmas, and even then this situation has been fluid already now for a number of months. We're planning to try and get through to Easter next year, and hope that by then, having got winter out of the way and a possible vaccine, people might start to feel a lot more confident about coming out to the movies."
Geoff Greaves, Merlin Cinemas
Meantime bosses at WTW Cinemas, which runs venues in Truro, Newquay, Wadebridge and St Austell, say there have been "plenty of sleepless nights and many tears" over the past few months.
The company, which has been around for 75 years, posted a heartfelt message on social media.
It reads that the past few months have presented challenges 'the like of which we have never seen before' and they have taken lots of punches.
Director Mark Williams told Pirate FM they are still open and still fighting on.
"There are far fewer people coming through the doors, to be a sustainable business we do need those films to come out on a fairly regular basis to attract people. There are films being released but they are by nature smaller budget, and perhaps films that people wouldn't normally give a try, but we'd encourage people to do so and support us through this difficult time.
"There are still some films currently on the release schedule for December, we don't know yet if these are going to be moved, I wake up pretty much every day and find another film has been moved. But we are hopeful.
"Everybody has got a memory of going to the cinema for the first time, or of their last visit, or what their favourite film is that they've seen on the big screen. They are a vital part of the community."
Mark Williams, WTW Cinemas
Both WTW and Merlin are encouraging people to come back to the movies and support their local cinemas.