Written by Jessica Shelburne
In a time where the world is on pause, businesses of all kinds have taken measures to accommodate for the extenuating circumstances. Whether shutting down completely or providing services through contactless interaction, the COVID-19 outbreak has certainly required businesses to be creative in their methods of offering services to customers.
The entertainment industry is amidst those to switch up their plans. Broadway has been shut down through the beginning of June. Multiple festivals have either been cancelled or postponed. Disney, Universal/MGM, Paramount Pictures, and Marvel Studios have all made adjusted release dates for films. Even the 74th annual Tony awards have been rescheduled for a later date. Generally, the consensus is to push back, postpone, and wait out the pandemic.
Celebrities have taken actions of their own to combat the outbreak and advocate methods to prevent the spread. A video of celebrities including Will Ferrel, Maya Rudolph, and Gal Gadot singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” went viral, spreading hope and positivity (it was cringey tho). Other musicians like John Mayer, Miley Cyrus, and Diplo have livestreamed concerts, some of which will be archived to YouTube. Lady Gaga responded to the situations very proactively, raising $35 million in just one week for the World Health Organization’s Solidarity Response Fund, which will go towards personal protective equipment, testing kits, and other resources that will improve lab capacity. Gaga, the WHO, and Global Citizen are also partnering to create a music festival to be streamed, titled “One World Together at Home” which will go live on April 18. Influencers like Kylie Jenner have spoken out via social media advocating to stay at home and extending their gratitude to healthcare workers and those continuing to work to provide essential needs.
Between the fundraising and other accommodations, the entertainment industry is striving to uphold what is such a major contributor to the American economy.
Every one of us is responsible for helping prevent the spread and flatten the curve by staying at home and practicing good hygiene.
Stay healthy, stay inside.
