Would you believe me if I told you that you could have a Zoom call in a movie theatre? AMC and Zoom have announced a joint initiative to turn some movie theatres into large meeting rooms available to rent starting in 2023. The announcement came earlier this week on AMC’s website.

During the pandemic, work culture across the globe underwent a paradigm shift. Businesses adapted themselves to remote work, and opportunities began propping up everywhere. More than 5 million people have moved due to remote work opportunities in the US. Earlier, people used to live within an hour away from where they worked. Now people are choosing to move away from bustling places to quieter pastures. Office attendance hasn’t seen the numbers like before and maybe never will as more people are opting for remote work.

While work evolved, entertainment went through changes. Movie theatres have opened again but are not seeing numbers like before. AMC had a better Q3 this year than last but reported more than $200 million in losses. The company needed to look at other ways to generate revenue from its ample seating capacity. The company wants to leverage Zoom’s technology to connect decentralized workforces for “cohesive virtual and in-person events”.

What’s the Idea?

AMC and Zoom plan to combine Zoom’s technology with AMC’s movie viewing experience powered by state-of-art Sight and Sound technology. The first step is to convert theatres in as many as 17 US cities into Zoom Rooms.

“AMC has an abundance of attractive theatres at centrally located venues in city after city after city, each with ample seating capacity, especially so during daytime hours on weekdays when most meetings take place.” Adam Aron, CEO & Chairman of AMC Theatres, said, “Our state-of-the-art sight and sound technology is widely renowned and has made gathering in movie theatres one of the most popular out-of-home entertainment options in the United States. Zoom Rooms at AMC broadens our scope, as we now can participate as well in the multi-billion market for corporate and other meetings.”

How Will Zoom Rooms Work?

Upon launch, AMC users will be able to book Zoom Rooms online. They can select their preferred theatre and time. The Zoom Room can accommodate between 75 to 150 people and will be available for three-hour time slots.

AMC and Zoom will provide the equipment necessary for a fully-functional Zoom Room experience. Additionally, people can order food and beverages. They can also watch movies and get a concierge to handle their meeting needs at an added cost.

Zoom and AMC are companies you wouldn’t expect to come together. The unlikely duo are excited about this new venture, and it will be interesting to see how things play out with Zoom Rooms. If you have ever thought about how you would look on the big screen or wanted to do a Zoom meeting in a theatre, you will find out soon.

The remote working space is more exciting than ever. It is interesting to watch the situation evolve and see what developments take place. After seeing this odd pair come together, three words come to mind – Expect the unexpected. 

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