The Oklahoma Film + Music Office’s “Innovation Insight” series profiles a variety of Oklahoma film and music professionals who have found creative ways to continue their craft or businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue adjusting in these uncharted waters, our creatives around the state continue finding innovative ways to use technology and we agree with their mindset: “The show must go on”.
June’s Innovation Insight features Tulsa’s own Circle Cinema, who, despite temporarily ceasing physical operations in March, has committed to retaining its entire full and part-time staff on payroll during this time and through its re-opening scheduled for June 26, 2020.
While not currently offering physical film and event presentations until the end of the month, Circle Cinema is providing virtual cinema experiences by partnering with film distributors to bring independent movies and art house theatre to audiences through their website with portions of each ticket rental directly supporting their theatre. Additionally, the theatre has also offered curbside concessions via its “Circle Cinema & Chill Survival Kit”. These made-to-order kits are available for pickup Friday-Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and include one large bucket of movie theatre popcorn, two fountain drinks, one large candy and four Japanese Kit-Kats for $20.
Circle Cinema has newly announced its safety measures and cleaning protocols for re-opening the weekend of June 26, 2020, starting with a members-only screening of the Oklahoma film “Run with the Hunted”. On Friday, July 3, 2020, the theatre will resume public screenings and events under its new operations plan and continue to follow the guidelines from state and local government and health officials, along with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control.
Find their movie streaming schedule and more at circlecinema.org.
Submit your own stories or nominate another Oklahoma film and/or music professional or business’ innovation, whether they found creative ways to retain employees, bring education or entertainment to new virtual audiences, provide emergency relief or even simply staying in business during these unprecedented times. Oklahomans will come out stronger and better as we rebuild our future. SUBMIT HERE.