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Too many trailers? Here are 4 easy ways to save the moviegoing experience.

We love movies but can we save the movie theater?

By

Erik Barnes

By  Erik Barnes
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movie theaters, economics, film industry, film culture, movies
Photo credit: Canva – What would get you to go to the movies?

For people who love to go to the movies, things are not looking good. As the film theater industry struggles financially and home theaters become less expensive, it’s hard to justify the cost of going to the movies during the age of streaming. It doesn’t help that parents report spending over $100 for a family of four on tickets and snacks, only to watch nearly a half hour of trailers and ads before the film starts. Yet, according to one 2024 study, 30% of Americans stream two movies or more per week while 34% still prefer to watch films in the theater. Since the issue isn’t a love of movies as an entertainment art form, one can believe there are ways to improve the movie-going experience.

In response to this, the mega movie theater chain AMC introduced a warning regarding the length of trailers and a 50% ticket discount on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. However, their response has been criticized by many as tone deaf since those discount days are school nights, and it’s fairly common knowledge among film goers that trailers will take nearly 30 minutes at the start of showtime. Though those efforts missed the mark, there are still some things that could help the movie theater industry stay in business and allow the communal experience of going to theaters live to see the future.

Put trailers at the end (and hold off on debuting them immediately online)

The first change is in response to the AMC warning about trailer length. While trailers have been a part of the film-going experience since 1919, it’s time for a change. As more people end up watching a trailer online, it might be time to move in reverse, not forward. Film trailers got the “trailer” moniker because they used to air after the film trailing behind rather than at the start. It might make showtimes easier if theater goers knew the start time of the film was the actual start time, and could stick around to watch trailers after the credits should they wish. It may also help if studios leaned toward making trailer premieres at the theater first for a week or so before debuting them online so there is more anticipation for them.

Market more special themes or events

The Rocky Horror Picture Show was a flop when it first debuted on screens, and yet it is now celebrating 50 years of showings at movie theaters across the country. This was due to having special rowdy screenings at midnight to cater to the fan base. Doing more special screenings like that could help get more people into the theater experience rather than choosing to wait at home to watch on streaming. This has already proven successful with sing-a-long screenings of Wicked that let the audience sing in their seats and chaotic “Chicken Jockey” screenings of Minecraft. On the opposite end, having screenings specifically for the film experience that seriously reinforce “no talking, no cell phone” rules, like at the steadily growing Alamo Drafthouse theater chain, can appeal to folks who want to ensure a film experience without distraction like they would get at home. Reinforcing a communal experience by leaning into specialty concert-like showings of current films could help increase ticket sales.

Increase the appeal of theater rentals

While the home theater experience is getting cheaper, it’s still not feasible for many people due to space and expenses. However, renting out a movie theater for a private showing among your friends and family can be a nice way to enjoy a current film without fearing distractions from strangers. This move was popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when folks wanted to be in their “bubbles” of family and friends. If further advertised at a good price point, this option could allow people to host their own private screenings of the latest blockbuster at smaller venues or show a digital projection of a beloved classic of their choosing.

Lower prices

While these suggestions can help movie theaters have more appeal to current audiences, the stark reality is that high ticket prices are the main problem. This is because, per a 2024 CNN poll, four out of ten Americans worry that they can’t pay their expenses. By adjusting prices along with the other proposed changes, going to the movies would be seen as less of a financial burden and an opportunity to do something new. Remember, the movies were originally a hit because they were cheaper entertainment than going to a live play or concert, but now film tickets are rivaling those prices. While the film industry struggles, it might be time for them to take a financial risk to survive rather than depending on the general public to do so.

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    Photo credit: @midnightchef_amir on Instagram – Amir Jackson's late night cooking is going viral.
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    Woman documents her nephew’s late night culinary quests as the viral ‘Midnight Chef’

    A 15-year-old cooking late night snacks is inspiring the Internet.

    Erik Barnes

    One night in Apple Valley, California, Morgan Graham rose in the middle of the night. A smell had woken her up. It was pleasant, but at 11:28 p.m. she wasn’t expecting to smell delicious cooking. She went down into the kitchen to see her 15-year-old nephew, Amir Jackson, baking cookies.

    This was the first of several viral videos of Graham’s nephew cooking up a storm late at night. Jackson, who has been staying with his aunt during the summer, is taking advantage of her kitchen to whip up some sumptuous snacks.

    Birth of a Midnight Chef

    Nearly every night, Graham wakes up around midnight to the smell of cookies, cornbread, tacos, or whatever her nephew wants to prepare.

    “I don’t care,” said Graham in the initial video. “He’s very responsible. He’s not gonna burn the house down, so therefore, cook whatever you want.”

    Graham further explained in the video that Jackson looks at recipes daily. He also rummages through her pantry during the day to search for ingredients for his nightly cooking fest. 

    “In his world, he’s having the time of his life. In my world, I just want to stop waking up close to midnight to the smell of food,” Graham joked.

    Graham’s videos featuring her nephew have racked up millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. The commenters soon bestowed the nickname “Midnight Chef” upon Jackson, to general delight. In another video, Jackson explained he liked the peace and quiet of the night while preparing his dishes.

    “I was like, ‘Man, I could go for some cookies right now.’ I saw they had cookie dough, so I started just making them, just randomly,” Jackson told TODAY. “I was trying to make sure nobody was up. My thought process was just like, ‘Man, why not?’”

    Graham is encouraging her nephew to keep cooking even though it wakes her. In fact, Graham set up Jackson’s own Midnight Chef Instagram page for him to post his latest recipes.

    “I just want to experiment while I still got the chance to experiment. I’ll maybe like branch into different fields,” said Jackson. “Explore what I can do while I still got time to.”

    Why do we indulge in late night snacking?

    Jackson’s popularity has brought up a commonly asked question: Why do we crave food randomly in the middle of the night?

    Well, there’s actually a bit of science behind it. Turns out that late night snacking is a result of our circadian rhythm system. As part of our now-defunct survival mechanism, our ancestors would eat large meals at night to store energy in times of famine. This is also why most midnight snackers crave foods higher in fat, salt, and sugar compared to what they’d usually eat during the day. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with late night snacking, it could curb certain health goals if a person is trying to trim down.

    If you find yourself getting up in the middle of the night with a hankering for a snack, it may be worth taking a peek at Jackson’s videos. Who knows what kind of late night cooking it can inspire? Perhaps you’ll become a Midnight Chef yourself.

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    Photo credit: Canva – The European Union hopes to reduce fast-fashion waste.
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    European Union enforces ban on destroying unsold fast-fashion clothing by major companies

    Reduce waste and free up closet space.

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    A new rule adopted by the European Union is intended to reduce landfill waste while holding major clothing manufacturers accountable.

    Starting July 19, the EU prohibits large companies from destroying unsold clothing, accessories, and shoes under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The regulations will expand to cover medium-sized companies in 2030.

    Fast fashion has become a major environmental concern. As retailers rapidly cycle through trends, unsold clothing often ends up in landfills or is destroyed to make room for new inventory. Many garments are made from synthetic fibers that can release greenhouse gases as they break down and shed microplastics that may contaminate soil and waterways.

    What’s the ban’s purpose?

    The ban is intended to reduce the amount of unsold clothing that large manufacturers dispose of. According to the European Environment Agency, between 264,000 and 594,000 tonnes of unused textiles are destroyed across Europe each year.

    Instead of destroying unsold clothing, companies will need to find other ways to keep those products in use. That could mean selling excess inventory at a discount, donating it to charities or social enterprises, or preparing it for reuse through repair, refurbishment, or remanufacturing. When those options aren’t feasible, the materials can be recycled.

    While the regulation is primarily focused on reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact, the EU also hopes it will strengthen the economy by encouraging more sustainable business practices. The ban incentivizes companies to design products that are more resource-efficient, durable, reusable, and easier to repair or recycle. In turn, consumers should benefit from higher-quality products that last longer and generate less waste.

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    Companies may destroy unsold clothing and footwear only in limited circumstances, such as when the items are damaged, unsafe, counterfeit, infringe intellectual property rights, or have been rejected by charitable organizations. Businesses relying on these exemptions must provide supporting documentation, such as test results or other records, to justify the destruction. Even then, they must follow the EU’s waste hierarchy, which prioritizes reuse and recycling over disposal. Companies are also required to publish annual reports detailing the unsold products they have discarded.

    National authorities will enforce the ban and may impose fines on companies that violate its requirements, including failing to maintain records for at least five years to support inspections. To help reduce the administrative burden, businesses may use existing customs and logistics codes when reporting the products they discard.

    Why recycling isn’t enough

    Recycling clothing can be a complicated and labor-intensive process. It often involves separating fabrics, dyes, synthetic fibers, and natural textile materials before they can be reused. That’s not to say it isn’t worthwhile. Instead of ending up in a landfill, recycled textiles can be turned into new clothing, home insulation, carpet padding, and other products.

    Still, recycling isn’t a cure-all. The EU hopes the new ban will encourage companies to keep usable clothing in circulation for as long as possible through resale, donation, reuse, or refurbishment before recycling becomes necessary. In doing so, the regulation aims to create a more circular economy rather than allowing piles of unused clothing to continue growing.

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    This movement hopes to encourage clothing manufacturers to produce higher-quality products and reshape the industry as a whole. Making clothing from higher-grade materials with durable stitching that’s easier to repair can help reduce waste. While critics argue that doing so could reduce the number of garments sold each year, many say better-made clothing is worth the higher price—especially if consumers end up buying fewer replacement items over time.

    What can you do with old clothing?

    There are plenty of things you can do with old clothing around your home. If an item is too damaged to donate, its fabric can be repurposed for crafts or used as cleaning rags. And if you’re handy with a needle, there are countless ways to upcycle old clothes into new outfits, accessories, or other useful items with a little inspiration from the Internet.

    Giant corporations and everyday people alike can do their best to make the most of the materials they have, helping save money and reduce waste.

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    Photo credit: Canva – A new guide has been introduced on how to respectfully broadcast woman athletes.
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    European Broadcasting Union offers guide to reduce sexualizing camera angles of Olympic women athletes

    Focus on the performance over the athletes’ bodies.

    Erik Barnes

    Being an athlete is tough, especially if you’re an Olympian. They sacrifice their time and bodies in order to achieve peak physical condition. There is also the mental pressure to compete against the best. The last thing they should worry about is being objectified and sexualized online. 

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    Focusing on the sport, reducing harassment

    These guidelines come as multiple stories about women athletes being harassed online have surfaced. Many misogynistic posts about athletes have come from slow motion footage focused on certain parts of the athlete’s body. 

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    These new broadcast guidelines and suggestions are backed by Serbian long jumper Ivana Španović, British Olympic pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, and Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlašić. Vlašić has spoken out regarding the equal visibility of women’s sports. Bradshaw has spoken out against the discomfort and sexualization of Olympic women athletes due to their tight-fitting uniforms.

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    “I first-hand have received social media abuse and witnessed inappropriate videos online of myself and colleagues when slow motion content of us competing is captured,” wrote Bradshaw in the guide. “Athletes want to enjoy themselves doing the sport they love without feeling uncomfortable or anxious about the footage being shown live. Many athletes, myself included, have been in competitive scenarios where they are more focused on the cameras instead of their own performance.”

    What the guide provides

    The guide provides visual aids for broadcasters along with insights from the athletes to explain why certain shots would be preferred. Broadcasters are requested to avoid tight shots from the back of athletes. They’re also asked to avoid low camera angles from underneath. They recommend shots above the pelvis or ones that don’t linger onto commonly sexualized areas of the body. They recommend wider shots so the audience can see the technical ability being displayed by the athlete. Overall, the point is to focus on the athletic performance rather than close-ups of the athlete.

    Currently, there is no enforcement of these guidelines or penalties if a sports broadcast doesn’t adhere to them. However, there is value in knowing which broadcasts will focus on the athletic contests rather than an athlete’s appearance. This will help the competitors focus on how they do rather than how they look when the cameras are on.

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