SOCIAL distancing could become the norm in society and it would be brilliant to incorporate something from the past into the future.
This after Durban, Umhlanga and Hillcrest were identified as the three locations to launch drive-in cinemas.
Drive-in cinemas originated from New Jersey in the 30s and in March this year, a drive-in cinema in Florida has been booming and has been open seven-nights a week.
Although it looks ideal for social distancing and enjoying a nostalgic cinematic experience, there are concerns over the quality of sound at an outdoor cinema and the sometimes unpredictable nature of the weather.
The fact that you’re in a car, hopefully throughout the film you’re viewing – you can still meet social distancing protocols.
Drive-ins allow viewers to bring their own food and drinks.
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The tickets should be purchased online to avoid any unnecessary social contact with other people.
This concept is going to set the trend for the next few months in other countries and could be a smash hit in South Africa too.
To guarantee its success and execution, this concept needs to attract more cinema owners, event organisers and entrepreneurs from other fields in an attempt to adapt their business to changing market conditions.
Vox Cinemas is owned by Majid Al Futtaim holding group.
This company reaches across the Middle East and North Africa and they’re planning on opening a drive-in cinema in the parking lots in the mall of the Emirates.This cinema will open in mid-May and prices vary from the size of the car and every car is limited to two people.
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This concept would be brilliant here! Post-coronavirus of course – I don’t foresee people risking their health to be in public places for the next few months.
Nu Metro, Ster Kinekor and other cinema companies should take on projects like this.
Like Vox Cinema – they could try parking lots (could be ideal for sound) or other public spaces that are used for outdoor concerts and festivals.Another challenge that entrepreneurs could face is that drive-in cinemas are great for classic films like Dirty Dancing and Grease or other film genres like Horror and Thrillers.
Choice could be tricky with regards to picking the right films to view on the big screen.
Although Horrors and Thrillers would be cool in that setting, it also limits the viewing experience because those films owe a lot to how they’re scored and it won’t be the same with a drive-in cinema compared to a normal one.
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