Joseph Masher, a New York-based movie theater operator, understands that audiences may be reluctant to return to the movies. After all, it’s been at least a year since most people have stepped foot in their local multiplex — or any indoor recreational space, for that matter.
What those folks may not realize, argues Masher, who runs the theater chain Bow Tie Cinemas, is the work that theater operators have put into making sure that movie theaters don’t become super-spreader hubs. That has included installing state-of-the-art filtration, increased distance between guests, contactless ticket sales and reserved seating, required masks (except while munching on popcorn) and hand-sanitizing stations galore.
“It’s a very safe experience,” he says. “Don’t be afraid. Please give it a try. You’ll feel almost normal again.”