The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is causing the biggest disruption the global entertainment industry has had to contend with in the modern era. In the movie business alone it has shut down cinemas, delayed film releases and halted productions in all corners of the world.
Andrew Wallenstein, co-editor-in-chief of Variety, proposed that now might be an opportune time for studios to finally reach an agreement with movie theaters on release windows. No sooner had the virtual ink dried on his piece Universal Pictures announced it would be distributing some of its current and future theatrical films via premium video on demand. It would, he suggests, be the entertainment industry equivalent of peace in the Middle East.
Wallenstein joins us to discuss this fast moving story and what the future may hold for cinemas and the film industry at large.

‘Frozen 2’ Teases Disney Potential to Rattle the Rigid Windows of Film Biz
https://variety.com/2020/film/opinion/frozen-2-teases-disney-potential-to-rattle-the-rigid-windows-of-film-biz-1203534938/
Disney Plus to Stream ‘Frozen 2’ Three Months Early ‘During This Challenging Period’
https://variety.com/2020/film/news/disney-plus-frozen-2-streaming-early-coronavirus-1203534308/
Universal to Make ‘Trolls World Tour,’ ‘The Hunt,’ ‘Invisible Man’ Available Early on Home Entertainment
https://variety.com/2020/film/news/universal-trolls-world-tour-the-hunt-invisible-man-coronavirus-1203535541/
Strictly Business Podcast
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/variety/strictly-business-2
Coronavirus: Poland, India, Lebanon, Kuwait Among New Countries To Close Cinemas
https://deadline.com/2020/03/coronavirus-poland-india-lebanon-kuwait-among-new-countries-close-cinemas-1202879447/
NCAA Going On, But No Fans
https://deadline.com/2020/03/ncaa-tournament-basketball-no-fans-coronavirus-1202880069/
Uptown Theater, an Iconic D.C. Movie Palace, Shuts Down
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/uptown-theater-an-iconic-dc-movie-palace-shuts-down/2020/03/13/dcfff8a0-655b-11ea-845d-e35b0234b136_story.html