Canada’s largest movie theatre chain says audiences are returning to the big screen in Charlottetown and Summerside.
Sarah Van Lange, executive director of communications for Cineplex, said because they are a public-traded company she can’t release specific numbers but they are on par with expectations.
“We’re pleased," Van Lange said when asked about the audience bounce back on P.E.I. “(The numbers are) in line with what we’re seeing across Atlantic Canada. The numbers are strong; they’re promising; we’re pleased and we’re particularly pleased with the response for the new releases."
Cineplex closed its theatres March 16 in response to the pandemic. Charlottetown reopened in July but seating was limited and there was no new product to show.
Things have changed these past few weeks. New content has returned and there are potential blockbusters on the horizon with the latest James Bond film, No Time To Die, and the Wonder Woman sequel set for release before the end of the year.
Van Lange said it’s a step in the right direction but adds that reduced seating capacity will be the norm for the foreseeable future. Staffing levels have also not returned to what they were.
Showtimes have also been reduced due to health and safety guidelines. That means movies that appeal to a bigger audience might have to be shown in more than one auditorium.
“There might be fewer options and titles that you would see as a result of that because we only have a certain number of auditoriums and a certain number of show times. There are only so many hours in the day when we can welcome people into our building."
Van Lange said it’s impossible to speculate on what the road ahead might look like. In terms of capacity, Cineplex is taking guidance from each of the provincial governments.
“Because we operate in 164 communities across Canada, that tends to be a complicated process but it is an important one because health and safety is paramount for our employees as well as our guests."
