Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Theatre Checking

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Posted by Kevin Baglow (Member # 721) on 07-19-2003, 04:31 AM:

in Oz I operate in a small town 20k population and know of many other operators with the size theatres. The distributors pay a theatre checking service to organize some one local- sometimes recruited throug a bank branch or the local employment service. They are paid $20 or something to buy a ticket an attend a specified show. They then attempt to secretly count heads and are required to fill a form stating numbers, picture & sound quality and what ads are seen. Lately they have found fault with some theatres if the checker buys a ticket for the wrong movie or session time and doesn't tell the staff. I know of one twin theatre that hasn't had a film from one distributor for five years because they were a few heads out. --The owner didn't put free tickets to his family on the box office report.
Is ths the same in other country's?

Posted by Aaron Mehocic (Member # 15) on 07-19-2003, 10:20 AM:

We have them come into our theatre too, but they don't count in secret. The first time they arrive, they'll usually introduce themselves, make no effort to hide their paperwork, and before leaving get a managers' signature for documentation purposes. I've known many through the years, mostly all good people.

Posted by Bill Carter (Member # 156) on 07-19-2003, 01:22 PM:

I think most theaters in America get both "open" checks, where they identify themselves and count heads, and secret checks where the checker poses as a customer and purchases a ticket. Either kind will get you in trouble if what they see doesn't match what you report.