Knoxville is a subtle haven for movie lovers. But is locally based Regal Cinemas at risk?

It seems like TV production gets all the attention in Knoxville, while the impact of the movie industry too often goes unnoticed. Now the movie industry's future in Knoxville has some uncertainty.

Sure, the Scruffy City isn't a top destination for actors, stunt doubles or directors of film. But when it comes to showing a movie, Knoxville-based Regal Cinemas has you covered – in a wide variety of ways.

Regal is owned by U.K.-based Cineworld, which is considering filing for bankruptcy amid consumers' slow return to theaters. But Regal, which closed its theaters and furloughed 40,000 employees when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, is open for business as usual.

While this week's episode of "The Scruffy Stuff" podcast examines the future of the movie theater industry as a whole, co-hosts Ryan Wilusz and Brenna McDermott also look at how Knoxville could feel the impacts of Cineworld's struggles.

Coming to a Knoxville theater near you: $3 movie tickets for one day

Want a Knoxville apartment?: Why you're better off searching almost anywhere else

Each Regal theater in Knoxville is unique, whether it's in the heart of Gay Street or at Downtown West, where obscure films get their moment in the spotlight. Then there's Cinebarre, which brings dining and additional nightlife to the movie-going experience, while the flagship Pinnacle theater in Turkey Creek serves as a model for theaters of the future, with all the latest technology, from 4DX to ScreenX.

While it's unlikely the flagship theater in Turkey Creek will be shuttered, likely Regal is evaluating all of its real estate holdings, including theaters in East Tennessee. "The Scruffy Stuff" team shares some of its biggest takes on how to make the theater experience more enticing in Knoxville and beyond.

Photos: Regal's Pinnacle movie theater has a futuristic look

More: Who will buy the Discovery campus now that it's for sale? Look outside Knoxville

Owning a Regal Unlimited movie pass in Knoxville gives you the most bang for your buck, but not every market receives the same perks as the company's hometown.

It's important to note that Knoxville's status as a movie lover's town goes beyond Regal. Independent theater Central Cinema is alive and thriving, and a second drive-in theater within a 30-minute drive opened last year – and that's just scratching the surface.

Tune into this week's episode on Spotify, Apple or wherever you like to listen for even more ways Knoxville takes advantage of the silver screen and for insight about whether Regal can push through its current challenges.

You also can listen to the episode in the podcast player, below.

The Scruffy Stuff: Listen and learn!

Subscribe to The Scruffy Stuff
iTunes | Google Play Music | Spotify

While Knox News is the best place to find the latest downtown news, "The Scruffy Stuff" podcast is the place to hear newsroom experts and guests push the conversation further.

Weekly episodes answer your burning questions about downtown Knoxville and cover a variety of topics, from business to lifestyle trends in the city's core — basically, anything and everything under the Sunsphere.

Episodes are released each Monday by downtown reporter and host Ryan Wilusz, along with visual journalist and producer Calvin Mattheis.

Growth and development editor Brenna McDermott co-hosts, and other newsroom staff members, whose specialties range from the University of Tennessee to local politics, join the show.

Have an idea? Want to be featured?

Between each episode, you can reach out to Ryan with feedback and your own questions about downtown Knoxville. The questions could become an episode, and your perspective might just be shared on the show.

Reach out to Ryan at ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com, and be sure to follow him on Instagram @knoxscruff. You can also follow Knox News on Instagram @knoxvillephoto.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: How Regal Cinemas movie industry struggles could impact Knoxville