Could Intermissions Make a Comeback?

If there’s one thing we know about the next generation and how they consume media, it’s short form. Whether it’s second long videos on TikTok or YouTube channels that explore your any interest, we live in a broader world when it comes to how and where we consume content.

Individuals who’ve grown up in this digital world have shorter attention spans. Crafting quality short form content seemed like the answer to reaching these audiences, but then why did a venture like Quibi fail?

I would argue that the younger generation has a greater attention span than we may think. That being said, we, as filmmakers, need to move at a pace that can captivate the modern mind. In my opinion, a slow burn movie simply doesn’t cut it anymore.

Theaters, especially post pandemic, have struggled to get people into seats. Big blockbuster hits (such as Top Gun) are proof that people still enjoy going to theaters - we just need to reframe the theatrical experience.

Top Gun was talked about by everyone in my life - across generations. I, personally, wasn’t too motivated to see the movie. In fact - there were other movies in theaters that I would have preferred to see, but because of the cultural movement behind this movie, I ultimately saw Top Gun over the others.

It feels good to be in the know, when it comes to the hottest TV shows or movies. From office luncheonettes to awkward conversations with relatives, you can always count on the “what are you watching” question to find some common ground. Our shared interest in the media brings us together. It gives strangers something to talk about, and relate to.

The other day I was watching “Barbarian” (2022) with my boyfriend. We paused the film at the midpoint since there was a natural break to prepare another round of popcorn and M&Ms. As I watched the popcorn bag spin in the microwave, we raved about what we had seen so far, pitching possibilities on what might happen next.

By the time the popcorn finished, I was so excited to get back to the movie. A five minute break brought a whole new hunger - not only for popcorn, but for story. Then something crossed my mind.

Perhaps the solution to increasing audiences for theatrical showings is changing the way we present the materials. In live theatre and in the early ages of cinema - intermissions were common. Previously, these intermissions were essential because we were dealing with longer pieces of work, but I don’t think this should be the case in the re-imagination of intermissions.

Here’s my pitch.

What if we reconsidered the way we structured our stories. Without making the content longer - how can we reframe our narratives to allow for a pause in the middle of a feature. A captivating cliffhanger and a six minute break - with a countdown - is the perfect amount of time to grab another snack, stretch the legs, use the bathroom, rave about what you’ve seen so far, then get quickly back to it without losing momentum.

This allows the audience to take a moment to digest what they’ve seen so far, discuss their opinions, fears, and anticipations, and ultimately return to the picture refreshed and more excited about what’s to come.

A brief intermission after a cliffhanger has the potential to double concession sales, which is how theatres make a lot of their money. Not to mention - while the clock counts down on screen - there is a major opportunity for advertisers (Coke, Pepsi, Nestlé - you liking what I’m selling?)

Perhaps there is an world where intermissions make a comeback…

What do you think?