AMC Theatres Announces Bizarre Partnership With Zoom

[underpants]

https://variety.com/2022/film/news/amc-theatres-zoom-1235425471/

In a collaboration that feels very stuck in 2020, AMC Theaters and Zoom will join forces to allow audience members to video chat from the comfort of their local multiplex.

Beginning sometime in 2023, at least 17 AMC venues across the United States will work with Zoom to facilitate conference calls between “small, medium and large-sized groups in different locations,” according to a press release.

It’s AMC’s latest bizarre attempt to expand its business outside of box office as the movie theater business struggles to recover from COVID. After evading bankruptcy and embracing its status as a meme stock last year, AMC invested in a Nevada-based gold and silver mining company and announced plans to sell popcorn in shopping malls around the country.

When the partnership launches, users will be able to book Zoom rooms online at their preferred theater and meeting time. They will receive a three-hour block of time to virtually host their event across multiple markets at the selected locations. AMC and Zoom will provide the necessary equipment for a fully functional Zoom Rooms experience, while auditorium sizes are expected to range between 75 and 150 seats. It’s unclear how much the space will cost.

[relayerbob]

1. This isn't "bizarre"

I take it the author has never been a large multi-venue presentation or meeting.

[underpants]

2. I wasn't thinking about that when I posted.

Interesting. During work hours when I’d guess movie attendance is diminished.

[relayerbob]

3. Exactly.

Seems like a good use of facilities to me.