“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 9: Entertainment and Pop Culture
Story 01: The Pandemic’s Impact on Movie Theater Culture
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Profound impact
- Extended period
- Restrictions
- Trailers
- Buzz
- Hybrid
- Engagement
- Cornerstone
- Viable option
- Innovation
Read or Listen to the following passage:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on movie theater culture. With the closure of theaters and the restrictions on gatherings, the movie industry had to quickly adapt to a new reality. The pandemic has led to changes in how movies are released, marketed, and consumed.
Firstly, the pandemic led to the closure of movie theaters for an extended period, which forced studios to either delay the release of their films or explore new ways of distribution. This led to the rise of online streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, which offered a platform for studios to release their movies directly to viewers in the safety of their own homes. This change in distribution has had a significant impact on the movie industry, with many studios now exploring hybrid release strategies that combine both in-theater and online streaming releases.
Secondly, the pandemic has impacted the way movies are marketed. With the closure of theaters, traditional marketing tactics such as trailers, posters, and billboards were no longer effective. Instead, studios shifted their marketing efforts online, focusing on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to reach audiences. This change in marketing has been a success, with many films achieving high levels of social media engagement and buzz.
Lastly, the pandemic has impacted how people consume movies. With theaters closed, many people turned to online streaming services as a way to access new releases. The rise of online streaming services has challenged the traditional movie theater experience, which has been a cornerstone of the movie industry for over a century. While many people still prefer the in-theater experience, the pandemic has accelerated the trend towards online streaming, making it a more viable option for studios to release their movies.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on movie theater culture. The closure of theaters has forced studios to explore new ways of distribution, marketing, and consumption. While the pandemic has led to significant changes in the industry, it has also presented new opportunities for innovation and growth.
Comprehension Questions:
- How did the pandemic impact the release of movies?
- What new platforms have emerged for movie releases?
- What impact did the closure of theaters have on movie marketing?
- What new methods of marketing have studios adopted?
- How has the pandemic impacted the way people consume movies?
Conversations Starters:
- How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the movie theater culture in your country?
- What profound impact do you think the rise of hybrid release strategies will have on the movie industry?
- Do you prefer watching movies in a traditional movie theater experience or at home on a streaming service? Why?
- Describe the last time you went to a movie theater? What did you watch?
- What new ways of distribution do you think will become popular for movies and TV shows in the future?
- Have you experienced a hybrid release movie in both in-theater and online streaming formats? How did the experience compare?
- Do you think social media engagement is an effective way for movie studios to market their films? Why or why not?
- What is your favorite movie genre and why do you enjoy it?
- Have you ever seen a movie that had a profound impact on you? What was it and why did it have that effect on you?
- Do you prefer to watch movies at home or at the theater?
