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Topic: Canadian screen ad gets call for boycott

Jarryd Beard
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 229
From: Hellertown, PA
Registered: Jul 2004

posted 02-10-2005 08:43 PM

I was posting with the reference intended for U.S. government as well. However, Gordon, in reference to your point about not knowing of the presence of commercial in front of a feature, once you do find out about the ads, don't go back if they bother you. A collective loss of business may make a point to the company. Where do you draw the line for ads, though? Are pre-show slides ads? Aren't previews ads more movie studios? What about a company policy spot before the feature? Moviegoer preferences will shape what the companies do in the long run, not government regulation.

If I had to choose between a theatre running ads, 10 trailers, and a sing-because-you're-happy-at-loew-shittyplex policy or a theatre with no ads and two or three previews, I'd choose the latter. (Most people probably would.) Hopefully Loews would then see this trend when they're reanalyzing their future during the next Chapter 11 and realize this. On the other hand, if a theatre showed some ad, a few previews and saved me a buck or two from their extra income, I think I'd choose that theatre.

I pay for cable. Why do I put up with commercials on Comedy Central? They aren't broadcasting anywhere, they're only available via cable or dish, both of which we have to pay to watch. Should government put a stop to this? These annoying commercials actually INTERRUPT THE PROGRAM!!! At least ads at theatres don't interrupt the movie in progress.

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Michael Schaffer
"Where is the
Boardwalk Hotel?"

Posts: 4143
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Apr 2002

posted 02-10-2005 08:51 PM

I basically agree that political stuff should maybe not be in ads in movie theatres. On the other hand, that coalition's reaction and all the fuss they apparently make is not right either. If they too think it is not right, why do they demand free advertising slots for their own message?

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Phil Hill
I love my cootie bug

Posts: 7595
From: Hollywood, CA USA
Registered: Mar 2000

posted 02-10-2005 10:16 PM

Jarryd, while your platitudes and intent is well-meaning, you fail to understand that WE consumers have NO CONTROL of this issue just like the logos on the TV. It really is annoying... especially all the animated ones or the ones that take a full 25% of the screen! There is no other option if ya wanna watch the show. A "boycott" is a really dumb idea. They very seldom work.

It's a typical example of the money/corporate jerks shoving all this down our collective throats because they can. There is NO other option IF you want to see the "entertainment" that they have full control over and because they feel they have to tout themselves.

THAT'S why the gov should get involved in this form of air pollution and stop being sex police. Ya can turn off the TV, but you are a captured person in a movie theatre.

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Randy Stankey
Film God

Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99

posted 02-10-2005 10:50 PM

quote: Jarryd Beard

Hopefully Loews would then see this trend when they're reanalyzing their future during the next Chapter 11 and realize this.

I agree in principle but not in practice. Too many people are like sheep. They go in, sit down, let the ads permeate their grey matter and walk out when the movie is done. Many people ARE offended. If they thought about it for a while they probably WOULD choose not to go to that theater again.

The problem is that too many people don't walk out or stay away when they know they should. No boycott can work if few people are participating in it.

If you went to a convenience store and bought a carton of milk, some bread, a few other things and a pack of cigarettes but, when you walked up to the counter, they didn't have your brand what would you do? Would you:

1) Take a second choice brand.
2) Not buy any cigarettes?
3) Leave everything behind and walk out?

I would choose #3. In fact, I have done it many times before. I will do it again.

Why should I reward a store by spending my money there when they don't have the things I want to buy? This is a CONVENIENCE store. Is it not? Is not having ALL of the things you want to buy in stock convenient? NO! There are so many friggin' convenience stores that sell bread, milk and cigarettes on just about every street corner that you can't swing a dead cat without hitting one! If the first store doesn't have what I want, the one right across the street WILL! I'll give THEM my money!

I do the same thing in Wal-Mart or any other store. If the store doesn't have the things I stock that I want to buy (assuming they carry the item in the first place) I won't buy anything.

Too many consumers don't understand that concept. Too many clerks in stores don't get it either. More people should get with the program.

If they go to the theater and they don't like what goes on they should either get a refund (before the movie starts) and leave or not go there in the first place. After all, the movie will be out on video two weeks from now, anyway!

Or... If you REALLY want to hit a theater where it hurts... Go to the dollar theater on 50¢ night and refuse to buy popcorn! Just one day of customers boycotting the concession stands would make a theater manager take notice. A WHOLE WEEK of that could potentially bring management to its knees!

But it all depends on enough customers having the same attitude and following through with their convictions.

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