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PEOPLE & ARTS Monday 16 March 2020

Continued from page 29 navirus epidemic causing
Of the roughly 5,800 the- many domestic theater
aters in the United States, chains to go to reduced
about 100 were closed seating and many interna-
over the weekend. tional territories to either
Jim Orr, Universal's distribu- completely or partially
tion chief, said the industry close all theaters, as well as
was doing its best to navi- creating uncertainty about
gate the unknown. going to crowded spaces,
"We're still all working all titles have seen larger
through it. The circuits are than expected drops," Dis-
doing a great job of tak- ney said in a statement.
ing government mandates Much of the entertain-
and applying it to their busi- ment world has shut down.
nesses the best they possi- Broadway theaters, ma-
bly can," Orr said. "This is a jor museums and theme
unique point in time in our parks have closed their
industry and maybe in our doors. Concerts have been
nation. But we'll get to the called off. Festivals includ-
other side of it, and the box ing South by Southwest in
office will come back very Austin, Texas, and the Tribe-
healthy. It's just a matter of ca Film Festival in New York A sole spectator watches a film in a movie theatre in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, March 12,
when that might be." have been canceled or 2020.
Health officials urged peo- delayed. Most live-action Associated Press
ple to stay home and mini- film and TV production has
mize social interaction, es- been put on hiatus. James Bond film "Die An- "It's so hard to predict how For now, it's likely more the-
pecially in states that have Hollywood also has post- other Day" have been put this will play out," said Paul aters will soon close their
instituted bans on larger poned most of its upcom- off. Dergarabedian, senior me- doors. Over the weekend,
gatherings. California put ing releases. That means that even if dia analyst for Comscore. cinemas were shuttered in
a limit on gatherings of 250 Next week's most anticipat- movie theaters remain "It's an ever-changing, ev- both New Jersey's Bergen
people; New York set its ed movie, "A Quiet Place open in the coming weeks, er-evolving situation that County and Pennsylvania's
ban at 500 people; Ohio Part 2," has been removed they will have little to play. the entire world is trying to Montgomery County after
banned gatherings of 100 from the schedule. Other Theaters could potential- wrap their minds around. local governments advised
people or more. major releases, including ly play older films to help For the short term, obviously closing all entertainment
"With the worldwide coro- Disney's "Mulan" and the them get by. there's an impact." venues. q