Did anyone predict a global streamer taking over a stalwart of the exhibition industry? While it may not have been a prediction for the year, it’s now a reality. We asked Blake & Wang P.A’s Brandon Blake for more details.
Together with Caruso, Netflix will be reopening the Bay Theater in Palisades Village. This legendary venue was forced into closure during the pandemic, and Cinépolis, the previous leaseholder, declined to reopen. This is, of course, not Netflix’s first theater, with the Paris in NYC already in operation and the Egyptian Theater planned to reopen next year in conjunction with American Cinematheque.
The Bay Theater will reopen from October 22nd with some tempting films and free screenings for two family-orientated pictures, no doubt hoping to boost their community profile. They’re certainly pushing to be seen as a family-focused location. It seems it won’t quite go back into full-time operation, but Netflix will be using it for theatrical releases of its productions as well as classic film screenings (in 35mm, even), and special events, which is far preferable to losing a historic exhibition venue. For the opening weeks, free concessions will doubtless prove a drawcard for families, too.
The Bay Theater has a history littered with closures and reopenings. From it’s 1948 design, it was shuttered in 1978, to become a hardware store. Caruso were instrumental in its 2018 reopening with luxury seating and a full restoration of the original design. While the pandemic may have put a thorn in its path, it’s good to see the venue reopen and, hopefully, thrive.
In a way, association with a streamer could prove to be a grace for the historic venue, especially if their plans for live appearances and Q&As pay off, which could bring substantial community investment in the theater. As always, our local entertainment lawyer will keep an eye on further developments.
Film and Television 