What do you think and what rules did I miss?
15 Rules for Movie Goers
1. Show up to the film on time. We start the films at the posted show time. We generally have 3 previews of coming attractions on the screen. At a minute and thirty seconds each, that means that we have about 4.5 minutes of pre-show here at the Rialto. If you show up five minutes late for the film, you have already missed something. Don’t be late.
2. We have to wear shirts and shoes to work and you should do the same. This has generally not been a problem here at the Rialto, but if I don’t mention it, somebody will take it, as tacit approval to come to the theatre wearing nothing but a Speedo, and nobody wants to see that.
3. We cannot capriciously discount the cost of a movie ticket or concessions item, so don’t even ask. We are a business; we are in business to make money. There is no bargaining.
4. Seniors are 55 and older. That is the youngest age for any movie theatre I have ever been to. Be grateful; inform the staff so that you may get your discount. Don’t ask for more.
5. We are a cash business. We cannot accept credit cards at the moment. They take more time than cash transactions, and they charge a percentage of our business. So in order to keep lines short, and keep admissions reasonable, we do not accept credit cards. Checks take way to long to write so save those checks for large purchases like gift certificates and passport cards. Please don’t be angry with our cashier because you don’t have any cash on you. Stop at an ATM before you come to the movies.
6. If there is a problem, please inform an employee. We can’t be everywhere at once and we sometimes are unable to see if something is amiss. They are here to help, be polite; they don’t make enough money to put up with rudeness. We will try to do everything within our power to make it right.
7. While watching a film, have respect for your fellow moviegoers, be quiet. No talking is allowed while watching a movie. If there is a complaint you will be asked to keep quiet. If you are unable to keep quiet you will be required to leave the theatre.
8. Much as you appreciate your children, most others do not. If the child is unable to understand the movie, don’t bring it. No children will be admitted to films rated R and above. If you have a young baby, hire a babysitter. If you cannot afford to hire a babysitter you cannot afford to come to the movies. Stay home and watch the independent film channel. We will still be here when your child can appreciate us. Crying Children will be required to leave the theatre.
9. Show times change on Friday. Read a newspaper, look at our website www.rialtocinemas.com, Read our email (which can be signed up for at the theatre or on our website, or call our recording (525-4840) to find out the show times.
10. Frequently we have special events on Thursday. Please read the ad in the paper carefully to find out if the show time has been canceled for a special event. It is in fine print.
11. Traditionally no outside food and drink is allowed in any movie theatre in the United States. Some mall theatres have an agreement with the other mall food vendors, but not us. It’s rude to bring in outside food and drink to a movie theatre, just like it’s rude to bring in your own bottle of wine to the restaurant, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to McDonald’s. We have tried not to make a big deal out of this, but it annoys us to have to pick up your garbage. So if you pack it in, pack it out. And don’t be surprised if we ask you to finish it outside. Water is the exception.
12. Please look around you before you leave the theatre. We have a fine supply of outerwear and reading glasses in our lost and found. We do leave the theatre dark for the credits as a courtesy to the filmmakers.
13. Please take and keep your film stub with you. It is your cash receipt and should something go wrong, it is the only way to get a cash refund. If we have a black out or a catastrophic mechanical problem, you will be given a pass to come again. No cash refunds are given after the first 20 minutes of the film. The cash is gone. Refunds are not given should you have not enjoyed the film. Although a movie theatre is an amusement, your amusement is not guaranteed, only that we show the film properly is guaranteed.
14. We show a wide variety of films. We show film for all kinds of people. Should something in the film offend your delicate sensibilities, please don’t take it out on the staff. You never know if something that doesn’t sit will with you is an inspiration to others. Have an open mind, it takes all kinds. People like to see film about people like them. Don’t begrudge people this experience.
15. The world is a large place and unlike Star Trek not everybody speaks English. We are the anti Hollywood movie theatre. We therefore tend to show a great many foreign films. We get to pick and choose the best films from around the world. So that we can hear the original voices of the actors, we Americans like to subtitle films. Trust me this is much more progressive than the French insisting that everything be dubbed in to French. No art theatre in the country advertises that the film is subtitled, that would be cutting off some of our audience. So here’s a hint; if the preview has only a voice over and no actor speaks in it, it is probably in a foreign language and has subtitles. You can always call and ask, but we think it is a little narrow minded of you to dismiss a film just because it has subtitles. Give it a chance, after 10 minutes I forget that the subtitles are there and start to think I can understand Chinese.
Excellent!If there's a story behind the Speedo, though, you must give it up to us!
Great post my friend... I would absolutely LOVE to print this and distribute it at the box office with every ticket purchased! I'm sure that the higher ups would NOT care for it.. but I'd love to let theatre patrons in general know that we ARE a business and we do have industry standards.
For example, here's something that happened to us today at my theatre.... Woman comes in to see x movie with her child using Refund Tickets. Ok, so there was an obvious reason why she had the tickets to begin iwth, but I don't knwo the reason.... Anyway, she attempts to use her debit/ATM card to pay for a concession purchase only to realize that she doesn't have her PIN# with her and she has no money. She berates us becuase we can't process her transaction without her PIN#. Yes, people are this fucking stupid sometimes... It gets better.. she demands that we do something... so my assistant wound up giving her a drink and popcorn just to shut her up and get her out of my lobby.
Now I ask you.. what would YOU have done? Would you have given this woman anything free or told her, sorry, no PIN#, no sale, no cash no sale. I mean damn, I didn't take her and her damn kid to raise...
People these days amaze me...
Aside from this minor incident, we had a GREAT wknd.. which is what we needed. Too bad it's the next to last summer wknd we'll have..
Rant mode off.
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The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!
You forgot a rule:
7A: If you take a cell-phone into an auditorium, turn it off so it will not ring. Do not talk on a cell-phone while in an auditorium. While you may think that having your cell-phone ring in a theatre makes others see you as "special" or "important", you may be surprised at how many people would love to severely injure you, since few things cause more feelings of anger than hearing a cell-phone go off. There is no excuse for having a cell-phone turned on in a theatre so that it will emit an audible ring during a movie. If your cell-phone rings and an usher sees you, you will required to leave the theatre.
Oh, here's another:
Do not use any kind of light-emitting device, such as a laser pointer to distract people by shining it on the screen during the show. Anyone caught doing so will be castrated. (I say castrated since I've only seen tennage and pre-teen guys do this).
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Evans A Criswell
Huntsville-Decatur Movie Theatre Info Site
One more point to add:
Do not throw drinks, food or anything else at the screen - it could be worth more than your life 
When he confronted her she acted surprised that anybody cared. She was having fun with the laser pointer and as far as she figured, it was no big deal. I hate to think of how her poor kids are probably going to turn out having grown up with a moron like that as a parent.
SIT DOWN! SHUT UP! SOME OF THE AUDIENCE HAS GUNS AND DON"T LIKE TO BE DISTURBED. COMPLAIN AT YOUR OWN RISK, WE ARE CONNECTED WITH THE LOCAL MAFIA. ALL COMPLAINTS AND PROBLEM CUSTOMERS ARE REFERRED TO GUIDO, WHO HAS A BASEBALL BAT. ENJOY THE SHOW.
Most of the audiences in New York with extremely rare exceptions know how to behave in theatres. I have seen more problems in neighborhood theatres where they are showing second run movies.
If the concession prices are reasonable I will purchase items, but if they are reaching in my pocket and stealing my money...I sneak in my own snacks.
If someone wanted to post their rules that is one thing. If someone handed me a sheet with the rules, I would throw it away.
The old time theatres had slides asking people to behave. A cutsie graphic on a slide can go a long way towards educating folks without being cross sounding.
Like you, I'd probably throw a list of rules away, but I would thoroughly enjoy a 7 minute classic Bugs Bunny and Yos. Sam cartoon slamming rude moviegoers. Heck, I'd even contribute a couple of bucks to get one made!
Do you put your feet on your furniture at home!
Beware, what happened to that obnixous movie goer in Scary Movie could happen to you!
This theater is protected by a pit bull with aids!
1. DO NOT lock patrons in the auditorium by running a broom handle between the two door handles.
2. DO NOT steal light bulbs.
3. DO NOT try to catch the mice or rats during a show.
4. DO NOT scream mouse or EEEK in the middle of a crowded auditorium.
5. DO NOT call your friend on your cell phone because you forgot where you were sitting in the auditorium.
I had a funky weekend.
P.S. I'm looking for a professionally made sign that reads "We Implant Cell Phones Rectally." I need 11, one for each door .
Thanks I can't belive I forgot the cell phone rule. That is the number one rule at the Telluride Film Festival.
I like the idea of a 7 minute Buggs Bunney cartoon to explain all the rules.
Paul.
You beat me to that one. I thought I was the only one that had that happen. Although my caller had a problem with the lens.....
Taplie
I agree! If there is a problem, let the theatre personnel know immediately. But discretely and politely leave your seat to inform them in person, rather than using your cell phone.
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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 Cell: 716-781-4036 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion
Unfortunately, it's that 1% or so that think businesses exist for the purpose of kissing their ass that ruins it for everyone. These people use and abuse our system for their advantage, why the good patrons don't get all the freebies. They think if they bitch and moan loud enough, make enough threats, ect, you will give them free stuff (Unfortunately, they're usually right).
With people like that, I find nothing pisses them off more than saying "no."
Frankly, I don't think any business should go out of their way to appease trouble-making patrons. It just encourages them to create trouble again. It's a fundamental psychological concept: "Behaviour that is rewarded gets repeated." I stay stand up to them, and If they don't like it, they can stay home and smoke their crack.
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Greg Mueller
Amateur Astronomer, Machinist, Filmnut
http://www.muellersatomics.com/
I couldn't agree with you more. When WE make a mistake or do anything that ruins the patrons ability to enjoy the show or their visit to our theatre, we will offer either a pass or refund, along with an apology. However, if we have done nothing wrong and the patron is one of those complainers that is just trying to get something for free... they get nothing! Why should we encourage them to return when it is those patrons that usually ruin the show for the others.
That is why our motto is: "The customer is always right, EXCEPT when the're wrong"!
Rule 10 - Don't shout profanities at the top of your lungs at the pay phone by the box office, especially when police are already at the theatre, two feet away from you, dealing with #9
Rule 10a - If you violate rule 10, don't argue with the cop when he tells you to hang up the phone.
Rule 10b - Playing the race card is stupid and ineffective.. Especially when you are white.
Rule 11 - Don't come back to the theatre after having been thrown out a previous day and refuse to leave until you get a refund. Especially if the cops are still there dealing with the situation in rule 9...
Rule 11a - When violating rule 11, don't claim you are going to sue over the price of your $10 tickets.. It just makes you look like an idiot...
And this was on a Monday.....
Here's something I can't say but wish I could:
"You're just doing that because I'm black."
"Yes, yes I am."
quote:
A drive-in theatre manager that I know had a problem with a laser pointer on his screen during a movie one evening a couple of seasons ago and when he figured out who was doing it it turned out to be a lady who was with her children.
A few years ago I went to a presentation of Aardman shorts at a repertory theater. About halfway into the show I noticed that someone was shining a flashlight on the screen, and it was coming from a family of one mother and several kids. Since I could see who was doing it, it would be easy to report them. Unfortunately, this was a newer auditorium stacked on an older one, and I would have to go way downstairs to get someone's attention. I had to weigh missing part of the show against seeing the rest of it with a flashlight being waved up and down across the screen. Also, the mother would know who complained because she would have seen me go out, and she would probably grouse about how she had to pay full price at a time of day when most theaters charge matinee prices, and how most of the shorts aren't geared towards kids, etc., etc.
Rule 12a - When caught, be thankful you were allowed a refund, and quit whining.
Rule 12b - After causing a big scene and annoying the management with your whining, don't try to sneak her in the next day.
Rule XVI (or whatever we are up to): HAVE YOUR TICKET READY! When loading 800+ people in from a long line, particulalry if it is nasty weather, don't wait until you get to the doorman to go hunting for your ticket. If you have come to the door unprepaired, then please don't stand in the way of the remaining 750 people who are trying to come in. Oh and also STOP laughing about the situation..it is only funny to YOU!
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
Rule 13-Don't grab your crotch and make lewd suggestions to an usher. That will get you banned.
You don't need to applaud at the end of the film. Neither the director, the cast, or anyone else involved with the making of the picture will probably be able to hear you!
***-unless the applause is explicitly directed at the theater staff...
quote:
You don't need to applaud at the end of the film. Neither the director, the cast, or anyone else involved with the making of the picture will probably be able to hear you!
There have been very few movies I've attended in which the audience has applauded at the end. These have been the Star Wars rereleases in early 1997, and only 2 or 3 others since then. This is so rare in my area that it is a sure sign that the audience truly enjoyed the movie, so this certainly should not be a "rule".
That said, the goal of the studios should be to produce movies that make the audience want to applaud when the credits start rolling. They're few and far between.
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Evans A Criswell
Huntsville-Decatur Movie Theatre Information Site
Rule: YOU are responsible for your own personal items. ie, wallets, hats, purses, keys, umbrellas, etc... If you misplace them, rather, forget them, bear in mind that no matter what, it is YOUR MISTAKE NOT OURS. IF said item can not be found, do not demand that MY staff stole your stuff. I highly doubt they have any desire for that paisley umbrella anyway. And as for wallets, should a customer bring a lost wallet to us, we are in absolutely no f'n way responsible for any lost/missing contents. Tough 
. Keep up with your wallet. I could care less that you have 4 kids with you and your attention may have been diverted. If you are that shallow minded you shouldn't be alone with four kids in the first place.
Yes, I'm bitter. We actually had a woman this wknd leave her wallet somewhere in my theatre. At this point, after police talking to my asst, the woman, and a concessionist, I am still undetermined as to where the wallet was left. It's a long story, but the point is this beyyatch (I said I was !) kept us tied up for 2.5 hours trying to make me & trhe police believe that one of my asst't stole her money. Whatever lady. If it were an employee I didn't really trust, who knows, but one I trust with my operations? Hardly.
When will people take responsibiltyies for their own ignorant actions? I politely told the woman that it didn't matter if the wallet were only left for 2 minutes out of her sight, we were simply not held accountable for it.
Rant off.
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The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!
If it happens when I'm projecting, I feel that I've just made several hundred people happy. If I'm in the audience, it makes me glad that I watched film in a theater rather than video/DVD on a television.
I'm curious as to why Steve Scott holds the opposite opinion of audience applause. If audiences are so impressed by the film, even if the applause is directly heard by only a few, word does get passed around.
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Tao Yue
MIT '04: Course VI-2, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Projectionist, MIT Lecture Series Committee
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Greg Mueller
Amateur Astronomer, Machinist, Filmnut
http://www.muellersatomics.com/
I think applause is kind of cool...it means the audience was really caught up in the movie.
Yet another rule: Offering to share your bottle of cheap wine with the manager will not make it ok to bring into a movie. Alcohol is still not allowed. (BTW, my manager has been sober for 12 years and can smell alcohol two counties away.)
Now, if I could only find a paisley umbrella . . . .
Most of the ushers dont set the concessions prices. Its a movie theater, they re overpriced, deal with it, all theaters are overpriced and you know it. If you dont like the price, do what i do, dont buy anything. But please dont complain to the host, they dont set the prices.
Obviously no cell phones in the theater. However, just cuz the credits are running, doesn't mean you can use you phone then. In fact, even after the credits are done, it is still rude to talk on you cell phone in the auditorium--your call can wait the extra minute that it will take you to walk outside.
If someone behind you is talking or kicking your seat, dont wait until aver the 1- 2 hour show to tell us and complain, wanting your cash back. Kindly ask them to keep it down, most people will respect that and shut up. If not, tell a host and they will do something (this especially applies in an imax theater where most theaters are required to staff each show with at least two hosts at the back of the theater). After the show is over there is nothing we can do about it.
Just my few rules in addition to the others.
Anyway, I'd like to suggest these additions to the rules list (with apologies to Ian Price):
1. Patrons must wait until the closing credits before running to the back of the house to make shadow puppets in the projector beam.
2. During showings of "Rocky Horror", you must have the manager's permission before riding your motorcycle down the center aisle.
3. Ticketholders who exit the theater after the "Harry Potter" trailer and then demand a full refund will be bitch-slapped by the assistant manager.
4. In our single screen theaters, customers approaching the ticket counter saying things like "two tickets for (name of movie)" will be singled out for intense ridicule.
Getting to the boxoffice and saying "two tickets for .... uh.... <looking for the menu board> then saying the title!
They made it all the way to the boxoffice and still didn't know what they wanted to see in the single theatre!
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
Just last week, a box office employee told me about a customer whose only clue to the title of the movie he wanted to see was a flapping motion that he made with his arms! 
I read a statistic last year that said 75% of patrons don't know what movie they're going to see when they get to the theater. And then, they think that they can complain about long lines at box offices!
Every major paper in America has a listing of both movie showtimes & DESCRIPTIONS at least once a week! Failing that, theaters ought to have a listing of the descriptions of the films. I don't think that all of this is just wishful thinking.
1. When trying to decide on a movie and looking at all the mylars and times above the cashiers head, don't ask if that's all the movies they have. They're not hiding any.
2. When you've decided on your movie, don't ask if that's all the times they have. They're not hiding any.
3. Don't fling your credit card at the cashier when buying tickets. They take cash only, and will fling it back at you. If you're nice they'll tell you where the ATM is.
4. Don't go up to the window and ask "Is this an AMC?" when there is a forty-foot glowing sign on the front of the building that says "Cinemark."
5. Don't bring a print-out of a no-name website that has out-of-date showtimes or ticket pricings on it. If the website isn't owned by us, we have no control over it and cannot be responsible for what they screw up or don't update.
6. Don't look up show times at our sister theatre, come to ours and bitch because the movie isn't playing at the time you came. The ad clearly states which column is for which theatre. Words mean things.
7. If you have a bad experience at our theatre do to your own utter stupidity, then proceed to act like an ass to the manager, don't demand free passes. We are under no obligation to kiss your ass. Try AMC. 
While my posts may come off as moody, at least they're interesting.
Before I state another rule, I'd just like to point out that ALL the rules listed here are common sense for 99% of the population and only apply to stupid people. Unfortunately, I don't think any stupid people are on film-tech.
One more rule you already know unless you're a total fucking moron: if there are tinsa-barriers across the lobby, that means the lobby is closed. No, the concession stand isn't open. That's why there's ropes blocking access to the concession stand. If we were still selling concession items an hour and a half after the last movie had started, we wouldn't rope it off. The fact that you have to go under, over, or remove a physical barrier should clue you into this. Not that we don't appreciate taking your parents' money, but we have security concerns as well.
I usually get it for them (hey, a buck is a buck) but ARRRRRRGH!!!
So...
1. Observe when a concession station/stand is open or closed.
and another one that I noticed today:
2. If the theater sells Icees, don't call them "Freezies" or "Slushies" or "Mr. Misties", or even (as I actually once had them called) "Coolies"
However, I did come across a woman at the stadium theater near me last Saturday who asked the box office ladies why there was no 7:30 show of The Others. The theater had the sneak preview of Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back. D'oh!
If you want to see a movie that is playing at a DRIVE-IN theatre, think before you call or stop by and ask if there are any matinee shows DURING THE DAY!
1. Don't tell the manager that his kids will grow up to be obese serial killers just because he wouldnt let you change your baby's diaper on the concession counter.
2. Don't tell a 15 year sound engineering veteran that YOU know how sound works.
3. Don't proceed to pour your refilled coke into the candy case and then expect another refill.
4. Don't skateboard into the front of the car driving past the box office at excessive speed.
5. Don't tell the manager that the movie is out of focus when you are only watching the slideshow presentation fifteen minutes before the movie.
6. Don't squish your junior mints into the floor.
7. Nachos are not a screen decoration.
8. Theater jumping directly preceeds patron roof chucking.
9. DTS does not mean Down Town Sound, Direct Theater Sound, Digital Tower Sound, Dolby Theater Sound, Dipolar Triampering Sound, or any other of the stupid things I hear guys tell thier girlfriends.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...
10. MOVIES IN THEATERS ARE NOT ON VIDEO TAPE... WE CANNOT REWIND IT AND START OVER!!!
Could someone please explain to some of the operations staff that there is no rewind button on the projector. I have actually heard that from staff before, even from a few supervisors (now i realize that the supervisors are not technical wizards, but cmon, you should at least know this much).
I am utterly sick of the way the projection depts are the first ones to suffer due to cutbacks. Where the fuck would they be without us? A glorified sweet shop!
Sorry rant over!
) I'm just getting sick of working on the floor sometimes. There's no drinks sold in the booth.
Rule 16b: If you get a refill on whatever (if the theater provides refills) either eat/drink most of it or take it home with you, don't leave it in the chair, aisle, floor, etc.
I've picked up bags & cups that were damn near completely full. I'd have to assume that with the high number of refills we get at the stand, and based on the fact that people usually eat a good deal of food while waiting for the film to start (because they paid for it in the first place & probably wouldn't leave it sit on the floor thru the show), that customers are really wasting this stuff. Our large bags are 170 oz., and when people eat a little off of the top after a refill, they're wasting the supplies that could have gone to another paying customer!
Hence, rule 16c: If you're not going to eat it all, don't ask for all of it, and don't throw the rest on the floor!
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http://www.mullerfamilytheatres.com
So how do we change it now? Good question. I don't have the answer, but I've have often wondered what would happen if we (theatre operators and or employees) went into, lets say, a doctors office and ate something in the waiting room, and left the trash on the floor.
I'd like to hear suggestions on how we can get people to pick up after themselves.
1. Develop a 30 second or 60 second trailer done with humor showing people watching a movie up to their elbows in trash. Then show that same audience walking out and throwing the trash into:
2. Receptacles provided by management. There could be an usher standing by the receptacle thanking the patrons and handing the people using the receptacle, a discount on their next on concessions on their next visit.
3. You may want to make a personal appeal to the audience to carry the trash out and receive the coupon.
Good Evening ladies and Gentleman,
My name is Joe Redifer and I would like to welcome you to tonight's show. The film will begin in just a moment, I want to let you know we now have receptacles outside the entrance (or by the exit doors ) for the popcorn boxes and drink cups. All persons disposing of their trash at the receptacles will receive a coupon for a discount on your next visit.
Thank you and enjoy the show. You never know until you try.
As far as the humorous anti-littering trailer goes, it seems to me that the (fabulous) Byrd Theatre in Richmond, Virginia, did a nice in-house trailer several years ago that was exactly for that purpose.
As I recall it shows people screaming and running out of that theatre, sort of in a campy 1950's "The Blob" style, and then the camera takes the viewers inside to see what the people were running away from. It's TRASH, of course. It's been several years since I've been to the Byrd but maybe our friend Bill Enos can tell us whether my memory serves me correctly or whether I've gone off the deep end.
I agree. Better communication and a little "guidance" will go a long way in helping the audience keep the theatre clean and not disturb others with unknowingly rude behavior (e.g., cell phones or talking during the movie). The vast majority of people want to "follow the rules" and be polite, but sometimes, they just don't know the "rules" or need to be gently reminded and rewarded for following them.
IMHO, the "personal touch" of a live announcement or a "thank you" as people leave is more effective than a stale policy trailer. For example, I find most travelers ignore the pre-recorded flight safety videos, but still pay attention if the flight attendant does the safety demo in person.
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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 Cell: 716-781-4036 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion
I like the coupon/usher thing. We did a somewhat similar thing once...we got a supply of "EntertainMints" from Warner Bros., then everyone who put their cups in the trash got a box of mints. Everyone liked it, but I don't know if it improved our trash situation. I like the coupon idea though.
If I could invent anything, it would be the unremovable cup lid (which would be supplied with the un-tearable paper cup).