Canadian cinemas brace for film release slowdown as Hollywood strikes continue
BNN Bloomberg
Canadian movie theatre owners say they're nervously watching for developments in dual Hollywood strikes and plan to show more classics, cult favourites and live events if the labour disruptions stretch on.
The owners are expecting striking stars represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and talent backed by the Writers Guild of America, to be on the picket lines for months as they seek better wages and protections from artificial intelligence.
The strikes, which immediately stopped the production and promotion of films and television shows, stand to slow down the flow of content as studios and distributors run out of movies completed before the strike to release.
"I am absolutely petrified about it," said Jeff Knoll, chief executive of Film.ca Cinemas, an Oakville, Ont. theatre.
