This is topic R-Rated Policy Enforced in forum Ground Level at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000075
Posted by John F. Schultz (Member # 590) on 09-18-2000, 11:56 AM:
Since day one as being assistant manager (and now General Manager) I have been very strict and enforce the R-Rated Policy. I am honest with anyone over the age of 18 when I catch them with tickets to a R-Rated movie or skipping theaters. 1)They can change their mind and see a movie appropiate for their age; 2) They can attempt to skip theaters and see the R-rated movie, and I will catch them and kick them out with no refund; 3) or they can get their refund then and there and leave.Its not hard, it just takes the effort to enforce the policy. Don't let parents walk on you, stand behind the policy which makes parents be responsible for what their kids watch, not us as an industry.
What Dateline NBC forgot in their report is how many parents frequently purchase tickets for R-rated movies for their children. They are the problem. We are here to put a show on and entertain people for 2 or 3 hours. Not babysit their kids, but unfortunately nowadays we have no choice.
Just my thoughts on the matter
------------------
John F. Schultz
General Manager
mrboxers@aol.com
http://www.homestead.com/carmike10
Posted by Chad Souder (Member # 343) on 09-19-2000, 07:50 AM:
Gee, I thought it was 17 and over that could see 'R' rated shows. Anyway, if we notice a repeat offender at my theatre, we have a simple form that lists the 'R' rated policy, and then goes on to state that the customer has violated that policy and is not allowed to return to the theatre for 'x' amount of time. Usually 6 months works, unless they're a real pain in the ass. Then, the form goes on to state that if they are found to be on the premises within that time, it is trespassing, and they will be arrested. The correct chapter of the Iowa (list your own state here) law is listed, and you have them sign. If they refuse, write that down, and sign with a witness of refusal. You would be amazed at the results when you have repeated problems with the same kids, what effect this has. Word gets around among juveniles, and the problem simply stops. 6 mos. later, when the customer can come back, they are usually a little more grown up, mature, and in the past have turned in to extra sets of eyes against other kids doing the same. Obviously you don't want to throw this banishment at everyone, but if you have a problem, its incredibly effective. And perfectly legal, thereby giving you something to show a pissed-off parent when s/he comes in to wonder why her child can't go to any more movies.
------------------
"Asleep at the switch? I wasn't asleep, I was drunk!" - Homer Simpson
Posted by Tom Ferreira (Member # 70) on 09-19-2000, 08:21 AM:
What most kids, and some parents, fail to understand is that they're on private property, and their "right" to be there only extends to the policies set by the owner and/or management of that property.
If I say no one under the age of 17 is admitted to a R rated film unless accompanied by their parent, that's the way it's going to be.
If I say no one under the age of 17 is going to be admitted to an R rated film at all, they're going to have to live with it.
Bringing in outside food and drink? If someone gets caught with it, they're subject to ejection for violation of a posted policy.
If a patron uses foul language directed at staff or management, they're out. Throwing things in a theatre? Out.
If K-Mart has a sign that says "no backpacks allowed" for fear of shoplifting, is anyone going to challenge that policy? Not if they want to go into the store. Would anyone buy food at McDonald's and bring it to Burger King to eat because the kids like Burger King's playland better, but prefer McDonald's food.
The point I'm getting at is that more and more we're becoming the Rodney Dangerfield of businesses-we get no respect. Teenagers and adults alike need to understand that we have rules they need to follow too.
I recently discovered that Wal-Mart won't sell an R rated movie on tape or DVD to anyone under 18. Wonder how much CRAP they take before calling security?
Posted by Brian Potts (Member # 429) on 09-19-2000, 12:05 PM:
North Carolina has a law that nobody under the age of 18, can be admitted to an "R" rated movie without being accompanied by a parent or guardian. All it really does, is make our jobs harder when we get movies like Scream, and Scary Movie. 
Posted by Chad Souder (Member # 343) on 09-19-2000, 10:02 PM:
Are you sure this is a law Brian? It was my understanding that no states had this. Maybe I'm wrong. Regardless, I agree with you on the law thing. It would be bad for everyone, getting fined for having an underager in your 'r' movie. Having cops hire kids to try and get in. Wow.------------------
"Asleep at the switch? I wasn't asleep, I was drunk!" - Homer Simpson
Posted by Brian Potts (Member # 429) on 09-20-2000, 01:50 PM:
I could be wrong, but, I am going on what I have been told by other managers, and my district manager. I will do some further looking into it to find out for sure if it is in fact a state law. John, we work in the same city, what have you been told?
Posted by Bruce McGee (Member # 131) on 09-20-2000, 04:23 PM:
I dont think that it is a law in NC.I think that the MPAA rating is enough.
When I was a kid, I couldn't get into an R movie. Dont even ask about an X. They dont show at all here in the mountains. It was a known fact to me that I would be wrong trying to get into a movie that I was not old enough to see. I just didn't try!
You operators should have the last word. It's your job! Toss the kids out! Maybe they will get the idea that maybe you mean business!
Posted by Dave Ganoe (Member # 53) on 09-21-2000, 06:24 AM:
Speaking of ratings enforcement does anyone know if there is available in 35 an explaination of the rating system that could be placed ahead of the feature? I recall some years ago seeing this at a drive-in. Also, I think that the rating of the feature should be placed at the beginning of the movie, not at the end.
Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 09-21-2000, 06:35 AM:
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA) has a web site specifically about the ratings system:
http://www.filmratings.com/ Note they have posters and other promotional/informational material available.
------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Posted by John F. Schultz (Member # 590) on 09-21-2000, 10:30 AM:
Thankfully it is not a law in North Carolina, yet. Since the Dateline NBC report on the committment by the MPAA to Bill Clinton (MPAA agreed to enforce the R-rating policy) I have heard that there is an attempt being made to make it law. Which is ridiculous. Yes I enforce the policy in my theater, but because I choose to. I shouldn't be required by law to babysit everyone's kids. It is ultimately the parents responsibility that their children are not watching R-rated movies. What I do is just follow up at the theater, making sure that parents can feel comfortable leaving their children at the theater. What is extremely irritating is when parents purchase r-rated tickets for their children and then leave. This is the problem...
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 09-21-2000, 07:03 PM:
In Ontario Canada Film rateings are legaly binding. The censor board (ontario film review board now) rates all films and trailors and there classifications are binding on theatres with possible closures, fineas and or imprisonment for ther violation
Posted by Richard C. Wolfe (Member # 431) on 09-21-2000, 10:14 PM:
GordonHow well does your system work? Do theatres generally obey the system? If they don't,is the government strict in enforcing the penalties? And what does the movie going public think of it?
If we in the US had a similar system, do you think it would be a problem for our industry.
And finally, do you think things are better in Canada because of your system?
Posted by Chad Souder (Member # 343) on 09-22-2000, 08:09 AM:
On a similar note, I wonder if anyone of you see this happening ever. Frequently, adults come in to see 'R' rated movies, and bring in with them them small children. I mean small like get-in-free-if-you're-under-age-4 small. And these are movies like 'Kings of Comedy', 'Scream', etc. Its makes me sick, and I wish to kick the parents out sometimes. I wonder if that's considered "contributing to the delinquency of a minor". Is it just me?
------------------
"Asleep at the switch? I wasn't asleep, I was drunk!" - Homer Simpson
Posted by John Scott (Member # 520) on 09-23-2000, 12:21 AM:
Chad -- I so agree with you. That is why I really love Marcus Theatre's "No Children under the age of 6 will be allowed into any R rated feature" policy. Yes parents get upset because we won't let them take their two year old into these R rated movies, but a great majority of those who do go see these movies appreciate the fact that there aren't children in what is so obviously inapropriate for them.
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 09-23-2000, 08:46 AM:
It usually takes a complaint before the board acts but when they do they usually first issue a warning and then it becomes a fine or closure of the theatre (very rare)
Posted by Dave Cutler (Member # 515) on 09-23-2000, 09:25 AM:
Some theatres (I believe AMC among others) have a policy not to let children under the age of 6 into an R-rated movie starting at 6:00pm or later. I think it is a great idea, and should be implemented at any theatre that has a problem with small kids being brought to R-rated films.------------
The big thing I would like to see changed with the ratings policy is more use of the NC-17 rating. Right now an NC-17 rating is suicide for a film. Some chains won't even book prints with an NC-17 rating, I think that's the wrong attitude. I feel that NC-17 ratings should be encouraged, especially for films with graphic violence and stuff that would not be appropriate for children, period. I don't think that a film should get the NC-17 rating for sex or nudity (unless it's almost to the point of porn) though. Something is wrong with the rating system, when nudity is rated stronger than violence.
Just my opinion.
Posted by Rick Fowler (Member # 605) on 11-08-2000, 02:35 PM:
here's an idea for the studios with all the pressure from wasington. get rid of the R rating make it jump to an NC-17. the studios are not making it easy on us the exhibitor they make a movie marketed to teens only to give it an R rating then the media focuses on us. the majority of R movies of late have been very borderline NC-17 to begin with. teens in america are less respectful and ignore authority more so than in the past. I could list dozens of examples of this as I'm sure every theater manager can. Yes it would mean posting a doorman at each NC-17 show but a little extra payroll is a small price to remove the blackeye our industry has gotten. well just an idea that will never happen but what the hell.
Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 11-09-2000, 12:11 AM:
I think that if they make the ratings policy law that the offender should be the one held as breaking the law not the theatre ie: 14 yo Johny sneaks into scream 3 police come and escort johny out give him a fine and call his parents theatre gets no repercussions just a though
Posted by Dave Ganoe (Member # 53) on 11-09-2000, 06:43 AM:
Why is the rating for a film placed at the end instead of the beginning of the feature? No one or rarely does anyone stay til the end. If it was at the beginning it would eliminate the excuse I've heard that "I thought it was pg-13". Also, the mpaa should put out a trailer explaining the rating system and the associated symbols like something I saw years ago. Just my 2 cents on the subject.
Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 11-11-2000, 04:12 PM:
I have noticed that the new MPAA rating logos have a listing of WHY the movie was so rated in a block below the logo now, at least on print ads and possibly posters, Haven't seen it on a trailer green/red band yet though. We'll see...I agree, Its probably high time to issue a new MPAA 'ratings explanation' trailer to theatres (ahh the memories of 'GMRX') and make it MANDATORY to place one at the head of every non-G feature to give these idiots in the audience a clue...
Also place the MPAA rating tag at the HEAD of the feature as it used to be up till the late 70s... maybe use a color code for the tag as well: green for G, blue for PG, yellow for PG13, red for R and black for NC17...
Aaron
Posted by System Notices (Member # 2357) on 02-11-2013, 06:49 PM:
It has been 4475 days since the last post.
Posted by Michael Putlack (Member # 6523) on 02-11-2013, 06:49 PM:
This is the MPAA Ratings Trailer we play before our movies. I highly recommend it!
http://archive.org/details/Drive-inJulieAndrewsMpaaPsa
Posted by Bernie Anderson Jr (Member # 410) on 02-12-2013, 06:42 AM:
That Promo must have been made prior to the ratings systems grades
Posted by Martin McCaffery (Member # 37) on 02-12-2013, 09:44 AM:
"within the creative boundaries of reason and good judgement."
Jeez, if they used that standard today 78% of the films would never clear.
And yes, clearly the pre-1968 introduction of the Rating System. I think "Suggested for Mature Audiences" was introduced around 1963, but I'm too lazy to check.
Posted by James Westbrook (Member # 3690) on 02-13-2013, 02:05 AM:
What theater do you work for, Michael?
Posted by Michael Putlack (Member # 6523) on 02-13-2013, 02:05 PM:
James, I work for an independent two screen theatre here in Fort Collins, Co called the Lyric Cinema Cafe. We play the trailer as a joke because it has Julie Andrews and is pretty funny. Most of the films we play are either unrated or R, but I think our general feeling is it isn't our job to tell people (or their children) can and can't watch. We don't often have anyone "underage" trying to come see R movies, so that isn't usually a problem. Recently, two 16 year old girls wanted to see Anna Karenina and we let them.
I am curious though, how do other theatres handle unrated films? For instance, all of the Oscar Nominated Shorts packages are unrated. Would you all let anyone into that?
Posted by Martin McCaffery (Member # 37) on 02-13-2013, 02:09 PM:
My rants against the MPAA are elsewhere around here if you are interested. Like you most of the films we show are unrated or R and not the sort of things kids want to see. My policy is, if you can get to the theatre I assume your mommy knows where you are. We have a few High School age regulars, sometimes they come with their moms, sometimes not. It is never a problem.
If anyone ever complained to me about letting their kids see something, I would point out that ratings are intended as an advisory for parents, not theatre operators, and it's not my job to keep your kid away from something the MPAA thinks you should keep your kid away from. But it's never come up in the 28 years I've been here.