After the coronavirus global pandemic forced the postponement of Coachella, SXSW and the cancelation of numerous other events, Hollywood’s biggest industry showcase, is off. The National Association of Theater Owners called off the 2020 edition of CinemaCon after the increasing escalation of the virus began to shut down parts of the industry and it was clear many attendees would not be able to travel from overseas. In a statement, NATO’s John Fithian and Mitch Neuhauser noted:
“It is with great regret we are announcing the cancellation of CinemaCon 2020. Each spring, motion picture exhibitors, distributors and industry partners from around the world meet in Las Vegas to share information and celebrate the moviegoing experience. This year, due to the travel ban from the European Union, the unique travel difficulties in many other areas of the world and other challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic, a significant portion of the worldwide motion picture community is not able to attend CinemaCon. While local outbreaks vary widely in severity, the global circumstances make it impossible for us to mount the show that our attendees have come to expect. After consultation with our attendees, trade show exhibitors, sponsors, and studio presenters, NATO has decided therefore to cancel CinemaCon 2020. We look forward to continuing the 10-year tradition of presenting the largest movie theater convention in the world and joining our attendees in future celebrations of the moviegoing experience.”
Despite the obvious need to cancel the convention (including studios having trouble convincing talent to show up) NATO and the major studios hoped to keep it on schedule. The last message the industry wanted to send to moviegoers was that if they weren’t willing to meet in a larger theater why should you take that chance at your local cineplex? So far, moviegoing hasn’t seen a major drop off because of coronavirus fears. That might change.
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This evening Tom Hanks revealed that he and his wife Rita Wilson had tested positive for the virus while shooting Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis Presley” biopic in Australia. Hanks, who plays Presleys’ longtime manager Colonel Tom Parker in the Warner Bros. production, was as positive and upbeat as you’d expect him to be as he revealed his diagnosis via an Instagram post.
In a statement, Warner Bros did not specifically name Hanks, but noted that “a company member” has tested positive. It’s unclear if any other cast or crew members have been tested and/or if the film will halt production.
“We have been made aware that a company member from our Elvis feature film, which is currently in pre-production in The Gold Coast, Australia, has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus).
We are working closely with the appropriate Australian health agencies to identify and contact anyone who may have come in direct contact with the individual. The health and safety of our company members is always our top priority, and we are taking precautions to protect everyone who works on our productions around the world.
The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 is currently receiving treatment.”
Additionally, the National Basketball Association took an unprecedented step in suspending the current season after a member of the Utah Jazz, Rudy Gobert, tested positive for the virus. There are only 20 or so games left in the regular season with the playoffs set for April. This will create a major programming gap for the NBA’s major partners, TNT and ESPN. Moreover, it’s unclear if the NHL, MLB or the NCAA, which has March Madness beginning next week, will make a similar move. The NCAA had already revealed that many of the first-round games would be played without spectators but still air on Turner and CBS.
Still unclear is whether the French government will force Cannes to cancel or postpone the 2020 festival set to begin this year in mid-May. At this point, Festival President Pierre Lescure has said the historic festival will only cancel if the situation has not gotten better by April.
In Los Angeles, many in the industry are expecting studios and networks to shut down major productions and for non-essential employees to work remotely beginning next week.
