Three things for September 7
1. Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” brings in $20.2M as movie theaters reopen
After the global pandemic stalled the movie theater market, Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” brought in an estimated $20.2 million through the holiday weekend in U.S. and Canadian theaters.
According to AP News, this could be the result of the rejuvenation of U.S. cinemas. More Americans went to the movies this weekend than have in nearly six months.
About 70% of U.S. movie theaters are currently open. Theaters in operation are limiting audiences to a maximum of 50% capacity in order to maintain social distancing.
With the majority of the studios’ top productions delayed until next year, the industry is experimenting with how to release its most expensive movies in the COVID-19 era.
“Tenet” played in 2,810 North American locations, about three-fourths of what most major releases typically launch in, according to AP News.
The AMC Classic Bradley Square movie theater has reopened in Cleveland, TN.
“As part of our AMC Safe & Clean initiative, the seating capacity for each showtime is at 40%,” reports AMC. “Because we care about your health, masks are required for guests and crew throughout the theatre.”
Even though social distancing guidelines are creating a unique movie-viewing experience, it is clear many Americans have been eager to get back into theaters.
2. Alabama football coach Nick Saban leads players in protest
Dozens of athletes recently marched in protest of social injustice and police brutality alongside Alabama college football coach Nick Saban.
“This is what helped me grow in my role as a leader, to listen to the players, to learn from the players and give them opportunities to do things that could impact social change today,” Saban said, according to ESPN. “Today, I’m like a proud parent. I’m proud of our messengers over here, and I’m very proud of the message.”
The march occurred last week, following a series of organized events among football players and others in college athletics across the country in the wake of the Wisconsin police shooting of Jacob Blake.
3. Mayor promises police reforms following Daniel Prude’s death
Mayor of Rochester, Lovely Warren, promised reforms are coming to the city’s police department. This decision was made after the fifth night of demonstrations in New York over the death of Daniel Prude in March. Prude lost consciousness after police held him down with a hood over his head.
Warren announced at a news conference on Sunday the crisis intervention team and its budget would move from the police department to the city’s department of youth and recreation services, according to AP News.
Warren did not provide specifics, but said the move would be part of a series of reforms planned for “the coming weeks, months and years.”
Police Chief La’Ron Singletary joined Warren at the news conference and said he supports the need for reform in his department. Singletary is working with experts and clinicians to get outpatient services for people with mental health issues that often bring them into contact with police officers.
