It's no secret that many industries have been affected by the pandemic, but one in particular which seems to be struggling is the film industry. Several films were initially delayed for a few months since March, and now many of those same films have been delayed indefinitely.

'A Quiet Place 2,' 'Top Gun 2,' & 'Spider-Man 3′ All Have Been Delayed Due to the PandemicSee the new release dates...www.justjared.com

How the coronavirus outbreak is roiling the film and entertainment industriesMost recently, Disney announced delays to many of its films, including Black Widow and West Side Story.www.vox.com

Even if some parts of the world have been able to contain the spread of the virus, it's unlikely that films will ever be released until the US gets its act together. Regional releases don't seem likely, so would digital releases be a more feasible option? Or will all movies just continue to get delayed until it's safe to release them in cinemas (whenever that will be)?

Cinemas in Malaysia have been reopened, but with no new movies being released there's not much incentive to go watch a movie.

I miss going to the cinema.

Movies won’t open until pro sports can bring back fans. I’m not sure when that will be.

There is an opportunity here for cheap low budget filming to prosper. People can make great movies without having a 100 support cast. CGI is also at the point where who needs actors... Yeah I know it’s not enough but it can fill the gap somewhat at least for a while. I can’t wait to see Tom Cruise in space.

Wow, when you actually see that long list of cancelled appearances that VOX reported, it’s pretty shocking. I guess it’s a good time to be a YouTube star because there’s less else to watch and you can make films by yourself in isolation. I’m in the middle of making one myself.

There was a brief “golden age” for independent films, and independent-minded films made by the studios. It occurred in the early to mid-1980s and included movies such as The Big Chill, Ordinary People, On Golden Pond. The Direct to video market was the catalyst, created as a result of the introduction of the VCR to consumers.

This created an explosion of demand for new content, and distributors we’re willing to throw whatever was completed at consumers. As a result, you saw films that previously wouldn’t be in theaters: the extended life of the film via video rentals meant that a non-blockbuster film could still make money even if it had a limited run in theaters.

You can see a similar “we’ll buy anything and show it because we’re starving for content” reality on the often maligned streaming service, Quibi.

Where do we even start?https://apple.news/ADrHSqRbyRQS-nAudv9nlhg They are kicking a dog that's already quite beaten up. And now they are digging up dirt on Quibi CEO Jeffrey ...cake.co

I think our pandemic movie watching may go through a similar renaissance of original movie story ideas appearing on the streaming services.

Perhaps you’ll see something similar to My Dinner with Andre, where in an updated version the characters have an existential conversation via Zoom.

My Dinner with Andre (1981) - IMDbDirected by Louis Malle. With Andre Gregory, Wallace Shawn, Jean Lenauer, Roy Butler. Two old friends meet for dinner; as one tells anecdotes detailing his experiences, the other notices their differing worldviews.m.imdb.com

Unknown actors may be on an even playing field with celebrities if there isn’t a studio marketing budget for celebrity starring films.

Of course, the studios will catch up to the Indies in the same way they killed the original film era during the 1980s: they will figure out how to create incredibly expensive blockbusters during a pandemic, destroying any advantage that indie filmmakers had in the 1980s and right now.

Until then, maybe we will see new film productions and “new Hollywoods” arising in countries that have successfully flattened their curve.

Here in Florida recently movie theaters are starting to open as single group experiences. The Cineopolis and Cinemark chains both have options to rent the entire theater for your group's private viewing. It is not first run movies, but it is the cinema experience. Big screen, comfortable chair, watching with people. The social distancing rules still apply and the capacity is capped based on the number of seats in the cinema.

I looked at pricing and it is not entirely out of proportion. Cinemark is $10 per person; Cineopolis is $25 per person but includes popcorn and soft drinks. These prices are inline with what they were when buying tickets before March. I am actually thinking of doing the Cineopolis rent out with a few friends.

Now as to Cinema coming back, I think that it is going to be having problems until a vaccine is created. I do think it will come back after that though. The reason is that Cinema, and entertainment in general, have been rather resilient and able to bounce back. I remember at the turn of the century when the Cinemas were going to go out of business because of home theaters. That hasn't happened, in fact it has added to people caring more about the quality of the expereince. Also people want a communal experience, it enhances it. The other thing is "bread and circuses" is a constant thread in history.

Now as to the release and revenue streams, that is a much more complex question. I still believe that people will want to see movies on a large screen, with good video and audio, and get out of the house every so often.

As a former projectionist for AMC and a current projectionist for a small independent theater see this happen to the movie industry really breaks my heart.