All Warner Brothers 2021 releases going to HBO Max

[exboyfil]

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/03/warner-bros-to-release-every-2021-movie-on-hbo-max-at-the-same-time-as-theaters.html

AT&’s Warner Bros. announced on Thursday that all of its films scheduled to launch in 2021 will be released on HBO Max at the same time they are available in theaters.
It’s an example of how AT&T is adapting to the coronavirus pandemic, allowing people to safely watch new movies at home without having to venture out to a movie theater
It’s currently a one-year plan.


This is going to change the economics of big budget movies. Box offices for the expensive blockbusters are probably going to be a 1/3rd of what they were before Covid. Of particular concern to me is Dune which will be the first half of the book. How much will they spend to film the second half now?

Stars are going to be taking smaller pay days or not working. The number of big budget movies are going to go down as well as the amount that is spent on these movies.

Disney will probably soon follow. I am guessing Universal/Peacock as well.

[dubyadiprecession]

1. Hollywood is looking forward to a vaccine, very soon.

I’m sure the stars of the big screen are just barely making ends meet.

[NCDem47]

2. COVID has forever changed the business model for studios and movie theater chains.

Even when COVID is behind us, I think more consumers will want their movie experience to be in their homes. Wasn't it already trending that way before COVID?

Picture and sound systems are economical now. I just don't buy the big PR push by Hollywood to have to see big spectacles in theater surroundings with fully immersive and multi-sensory delights. Me personally? I just don't like being around others who ruin the experience with bad manners. And don't get me started on the exorbitant concession costs.

If I want a night out, I can think of others diversions than going to a movie theater. Still love movies though!

[exboyfil]

3. Covid just sped up the process

but I still think the three tier model was workable (movie, PVOD, and streaming).

Things will become more episodic in an attempt to hold customers (kind of like the current HBO model).

[pressbox69]

5. Theaters of Death?

I predicted this would happen when VCR's came out. Just don't see the reason for people squeezing together in one place, just to watch a movie. Audiences will long remember when such actions became dangerous, and count the days before they become dangerous again.