While Hollywood continues to feel the impacts of the dangerous coronavirus, several studios are putting together teams tasked with handling issues related to the disease. So far, movies have been more affected by the crisis than TV shows. Several major films have canceled their China premieres and releases, such as upcoming Bond movie No Time to Die and Sonic the Hedgehog. In the case of No Time to Die, the studio canceled its entire press tour in China. Movie studios also expect to potentially lose billions of dollars in profit, as Chinese movie theaters remain closed. This means many movies that were expected to perform well won't be released for months in some overseas markets.
Some films have also had to halt production due to coronavirus concerns. Mission: Impossible 7 had a three-week shoot planned in Italy, but ultimately had to scrap it. It's unclear at this time if any other overseas productions will have to move locations or stop filming all together. Events like CinemaCon in Las Vegas have also been affected, as Chinese exhibitors recently stated they won't appear. The event is usually an opportunity for studios to showcase upcoming films and share new footage from them.
Per Variety, despite Chinese attendees pulling out of CinemaCon, U.S. studios still plan to attend at this time. However, they are putting together teams who are expected to monitor the coronavirus and the effects it could have. The teams' concerns are both business and personnel-related, as they consider the implication from a monetary standpoint if the disease worsens and movie releases continue to be pushed back. The studios' strategy teams are also focused on helping their overseas employees any way they can, but want to make sure they can work from home if they're able. Disney's upcoming live-action Mulan is said to be a big factor in how other studios will handle movie releases going forward, as they look to see Disney's strategy for the movie.
Aside from Hollywood, gaming is another industry affected by the coronavirus. The mobile game Plague Inc. initially saw an increase in sales, in the rare positive outcome from the disease. However, China recently removed the game from its App Store, citing "content that is illegal in China." The 2020 Game Developers Conference has also seen an impact, as several companies, including major ones like EA, have pulled out. This means that fans will receive far less information than expected about upcoming gaming reveals.
Considering the impact coronavirus has already had on Hollywood, it's surprising that information is just coming out now about strategy teams at various studios. Despite the monetary implications for Disney and others, priority should be on employees who could feel the effects of the disease, and it sounds like that's the case. The world could just be starting to feel the ramifications of a disease that could carry on for some time, so it's smart that Hollywood studios are putting a plan in place now.
Source: Variety