We are using this downtime to prepare for the moment when the cinemas will be re-opened, that is, for all those tasks that we did not manage to do while working at a normal pace
“As soon as the fight for human lives is over, I am sure that this topic of impact on the world economy and its tectonic movements will continue to be present in the coming years as something that may completely change the economic picture of the world. Of course, the movie industry will be seriously shaken, too” said Director of Cineplexx Panonija, Nebojša Ćetković.
Photo by: Aleksandar Živaljević
How did you organize your business activities?
Cinemas closed on March 17. We are using this downtime to prepare for the moment when the cinemas will be re-opened, that is, for all those tasks that we did not manage to do while working at a normal pace. We are trying to use this period as best we can to improve the organizational system in the company, as well as to lead a socially responsible campaign on social media and our means of communication to urge people to be responsible and in solidarity with one another during this difficult period. The bottom line is that everyone should stay home and that we all wait for the moment when we will be able to welcome again movie fans to movie theatres.
How are you spending your private time during the pandemic?
I spend my private time reading books and watching movies I haven’t got to watch so far, as well as the ones I’ve watched more than once. The family movie I would always recommend is “Realna Priča” (“The Real Story”). In terms of other domestic, more recent films, I would also recommend “Taxi Blues,” a comedy that always comes in handy as a mood lifter in situations like this. Of foreign films, I would definitely like to recommend Tarantino’s new film “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” as a sort of homage to the film as such.
What will you do first after the state of emergency is cancelled?
After the state of emergency is abolished, we will organize people to, first of all, fully prepare the cinemas for reopening, which we will do as soon as the relevant conditions are met. We will further improve our movie theatres and welcome the audience back in an even better light. Of course, we will strive to provide a sufficient number of attractive movie titles to mark this return and prepare other interesting campaigns such as, for example, movie revues and a campaign that would reinstate in people the feeling that cinema-going is a special kind of entertainment and that movie theatres are special gathering places.
What will happen with the economy and film industry after coronavirus?
The pandemic will generally affect the economy to a very significant extent. As soon as the fight for human lives is over, I am sure that this topic of impact on the world economy and its tectonic movements will continue to be present in the coming years as something that may completely change the economic picture of the world. Of course, the movie industry will be seriously shaken too. Initial estimates say the losses are huge. First of all, a significant number of films that were made and were due to be screened in cinemas were not because of the state of emergency, and even worse, the making of the movies that were planned to be screened in the next period was also interrupted. Considering all of this, I’m sure the film industry will be one of the most affected by this pandemic. We have a tough fight ahead to save jobs and recreate the situation similar to that prior to March.