AMC Theatres Reportedly Working To Raise Millions In Private Offering
As the world tries to get back to its new normal, companies that are tied to the entertainment industry are doing everything in their power to stay afloat until crowds are safe enough and willing enough to gather en masse for fun and distraction. Movie theaters, in particular, are struggling with obstacles presented by isolation and social distancing, but one major chain thinks it has found the life preserver that will help it stay afloat in these treacherous waters.
AMC Theatres has faced all sorts of uncertainty since closing its locations. But a report in The Hollywood Reporter suggests a ray of hope for the massive chain, as it’s being reported that they will raise $500 million from a private offering to offset the company’s debt and increase its liquidity. In a statement, AMC Theaters explained:
That mention of a “partial reopening in July” lines up with what Cinemark stated earlier, that they also plan to open some of its location in July as the industry inches toward normalcy. What that new normal may look like remains a mystery. Will theaters open to half capacity, allowing for social distancing in a multiplex? And what movies will be available if and when theaters open in July?
Right now, Christopher Nolan’s Tenet is holding on to its July 17 release date. But in the same statement, AMC Theatres laments the decisions by Universal and Disney to send titles like Trolls World Tour and Artemis Fowl to streaming services instead of maintaining the exclusive theatrical-run agreement.
Of course, the virus dictates our course of action. These are preliminary plans being put in place should we reach a stage, as a country, where we can implement returns to normal practices, which (for us) revolve around going to the movie theaters to see first-run feature films.
It’s encouraging to hear that AMC figured out a way to stave off those credit warnings from weeks ago, and we can only hope (for the benefit of AMC’s employees nationwide) that we’re all back in a theater together, very soon.
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Sean O’Connell is a journalist and CinemaBlend’s Managing Editor. Having been with the site since 2011, Sean interviewed myriad directors, actors and producers, and created ReelBlend, which he proudly cohosts with Jake Hamilton and Kevin McCarthy. And he's the author of RELEASE THE SNYDER CUT, the Spider-Man history book WITH GREAT POWER, and an upcoming book about Bruce Willis.