UK Cinema Association has highlighted the survey which flags cinemagoing as “the most missed out-of-home entertainment activity” during the pandemic lockdowns.
Here’s the encouraging news, as reported on UKCA’s website:
“Latest survey figures confirm eagerness amongst UK audiences to return to the big screen is at an all-time high, this as around 80 per cent of UK cinemas are planning to re-open when allowed from Monday 17 May.
The ongoing tracking study, commissioned by the cross-industry body Cinema First from the research agency MetrixLab, confirms that 38 per cent of audiences plan to return within the first month of sites reopening, and another 34 per cent within the first few months of reopening
The survey, which has repeatedly flagged cinemagoing as the most missed out-of-home entertainment activity, also confirms that teens, young adults, and families will be amongst the first to return, re-engaging with the immersive and thrilling experience that only comes from watching the latest films on the big screen. Over 59 per cent of audience members surveyed agreed that the cinema experience cannot be recreated at home, citing spectacular visuals and immersive sound and the unique atmosphere that only the cinema can provide.
Returning audiences will be able to enjoy a strong slate of new films over the coming months and beyond. Just within the first month following reopening, that diverse selection will include: newly-crowned Oscar winners Nomadland, Minari, The Father, Judas and the Black Messiah, Sound of Metal and Another Round; big-hitting sequels such as Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway and A Quiet Place Part II; keenly anticipated crowd-pleasers like Cruella and In the Heights; and global box office smash Demon Slayer.
The recent research also confirmed cinemas as being seen as safer than other indoor environments such as theatres and music venues, with UK venues receiving praise for their response to the pandemic last year and the subsequent implementation of wide-ranging safety measures, all put in place to protect the health and safety of audiences and staff. 93 per cent of cinemagoers who returned last year enjoyed an overwhelmingly positive experience, and 99 per cent were satisfied with the health and safety measures at their local cinema.”
Link to the UKCA web page here
