COVID-19 has taken a serious toll on the film industry. In the past week, films like Black Widow, Antebellum and other highly anticipated films have been pulled. Meanwhile, streaming services like Netflix has suspended production of all projects. Above all else, the three largest theater chains in the United States, AMC, Regal Cinemas and Cinemark, have closed their doors. As a result, many theaters have looked to Congress for assistance.
The National Association of Theater Owners is asking politicians on Capitol Hill for federal assistance for its chains and more than 150,000 employees. NATO is seeking loan guarantees for exhibitors and tax benefits for workers. In addition, NATO is looking for funds to balance out lost ticket sales and concessions.
“This is an unprecedented challenge to the business,” NATO President and CEO John Fithian said.
“We’re looking to Congress and White House to understand this is a cultural institution where people gather,” he continued.
“We want our policy makers to know that at the end of this thing, when people have been cooped up in their house for several months, they’ll need a break to go out and do something collectively that’s affordable and fun and away from what they’ve just been through,” he added.
This push comes on the heels of New York, New York and Los Angeles, California closing some of the nation’s biggest theaters. On Sunday, the U.S. Senate will look to vote on the first COVID-19 stimulus package.
