Back to the ’60s: Rome to reintroduce drive-in theaters to tackle anti-coronavirus social distancing measures
Are you ready for a blast from the past? Talks about lockdown exit strategies are on the table, and different industries are trying to understand how to get back in business with the new measures on social distancing. How will the entertainment industry readapt to these new anti-coronavirus measures when gatherings and events are at the core of their models? One of the possible solutions is the “Live Drive In”, a project that aims to transform select locations into special drive-in theaters equipped with mega screens and stages for summer 2020.
Yes, you read that correctly: social distancing might bring drive-in theaters back to life. For summer 2020 in Rome we might experience the famed drive-ins that were once so popular in the States. Iconic venues that we’ve seen in many movies that could now become the solution for concerts, performances, cinemas and theaters to resume business safely.
Rome phase two: the drive in format
CNA Rome was the first to present the project “CineDrive”: drive-in movie theaters that would take place in large outdoor spaces and parking lots allowing spectators to watch movies directly from their cars.
After CNA Rome suggested their drive-in movie theater project, industry leaders asked “why stop there?” That’s when Utopia Srl, Zoo Srl, Italstage and 3D Unfold – leading companies in their respective fields linked to production, set design and event planning – presented their “Live Drive In” concept. From movies to live music concerts and theater performances, get ready to experience the famed drive-ins. But the drive-in concept of the past that will be remodelled into a new version with zero impact thanks to the use of renewable energy generators, self-sanitizing bathrooms and eco-sustainable materials.
While nothing is official yet, one thing is for sure: if this project were to take place, it will be a dejavu for the many Romans who lived them and a journey back in time for all those generations who, up till now, had only seen the famed drive-ins on movie screens.
Where will the Rome drive-in theaters be?
Not just Rome, many other Italian cities have joined the project, too: Milan, Florenze, Turin, Bologna, Naples, Verona, Catania, Genova, Bari, Cosenza, Mantova, Avellino, Reggio Calabria, Lamezia Terme, Lido di Camaiore, Olbia, San Benedetto del Tronto and Palermo.
In addition to the Sunset Drive in at Cinecittà Studios (which is confirmed), even if not all official yet, here’s some other locations they’re planning on setting up stages and mega screens for the drive-ins in Rome: Ponte Milvio, the Laghetto dell’EUR (EUR lake) and Caracalla. Stay tuned!
