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angry voicemail hall of fame
This Caller Is Incredibly Unhappy With Movie Theater's No-Texting Policy
By Chris Morran on June 6, 2011 4:15 PM 0 views

There are few things more annoying than someone so selfish she thinks it's perfectly okay to text in the middle of a dark movie theater. On the flipside, there are few things more amusing than when said texter gets kicked out of the theater and later calls back to leave a lengthy, profanity-laced rant on the theater's voicemail.

Luckily for everyone, the folks at Austin's Alamo Drafthouse not only have a "text and we'll kick you out" policy, they also have no qualms about putting the aforementioned voicemail on YouTube.

While it's funnier when you can hear the actual call, the Drafthouse folks have subtitled — very accurately — the entire call so you can just read along if you don't want your boss to hear.

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Now that's how you do it. Damm multiplex people!

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Granted, I've only been to one, but I think all the other Alamo Drafthouse theaters are multiplexes as well...
 

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Posted by Jonathan Froes (Member # 5861) on 06-06-2011, 07:29 PM:
 
I guess what i meant to say was your "reglar" multiplex goer.
 

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Posted by Jake Spell (Member # 5294) on 06-06-2011, 11:33 PM:
 
I think I'v watched this 8 times already. I love it when a business is willing to satnd up to say, No your wrong to a customer. (one that actually IS wrong of course).

Id love to see the reaction on this girls face if she saw this... lol
 

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Posted by Julie Fundenberger (Member # 6319) on 06-07-2011, 02:07 PM:
 
I saw/listened to this online yesterday and wish that my theater could run it before all the R rated movies. It's genius.
 

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Posted by Frank Cox (Member # 6258) on 06-07-2011, 04:00 PM:
 
There is a short article about this issue in the Globe and Mail.

The posted comments after the story are the best part.

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Woman who texted in theatre gets the door, and her own PSA
Zosia Bielski
Globe and Mail Blog
Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 9:27AM EDT

131 comments

She came. She texted. She got the boot.

A Texas theatre incurred a woman's wrath after staff kicked her out for texting during a movie.

The woman responded with a rambling, expletive-laden voicemail message about being "ripped off" and having her rights curtailed in this, "the Magnited States of America."

She also admitted to being a prolific theatre texter, claiming she's texted in all of Austin's cinemas without a lick of trouble: "I'd rather go to a regular theatre where people are actually polite," she says.

Now, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is using the rant as a new "Don't Talk or Text" PSA that will air before all of the theatre's R-rated films. (Listen to the uncensored or censored version.)

The Alamo, an alternative theatre that also hosts the rancorous Air Sex Championships, also bans talking during movies.

"When we adopted our strict no talking policy back in 1997 we knew we were going to alienate some of our patrons. That was the plan," founder and CEO Tim League wrote on the company website.

He also claims that the texting woman was given two warnings before she was turfed out, while the woman feigned ignorance of the cinema's rule.

"Ma'am, you may be free to text in all the other theaters in the Magnited States of America, but here at our 'little crappy ass theater,' you are not," Mr. League concluded.

Is texting at the movies worthy of the boot? What are your top pet peeves at the cinema? The talker? The snorer? The popcorn bag ruffler?

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Posted by William T. Parr (Member # 677) on 06-07-2011, 04:10 PM:
 
That is too funny. Note to self centered BITCH. I hate it when you fuckers that go into a dark theater while a movie is in progress yaking on your cell phones or texting to people or playing games on them. That bright light is distracting and annoying. SO GET OVER IT. You deservered to get booted. It is a matter of Courtesy and Common Sense you dumbass ditz.
 

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Posted by Pravin Ratnam (Member # 1417) on 06-07-2011, 06:33 PM:
 
BEST AD OF THE YEAR
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 06-07-2011, 06:39 PM:
 
Is it possible that "society" will eventually take care of this problem? That texting in a movie will eventually come to be a social taboo, the way smoking is now? I hope so.

Around here it's less of a problem, because the kidz know that Mike's eagle eye is watching! When I do catch somebody, I almost feel bad because they've gone to SUCH trouble to conceal their texting activity. It's sad that people are so addicted. (I also wonder if the addiction will ever be seen for what it is?)
 

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Posted by Frank Cox (Member # 6258) on 06-07-2011, 07:14 PM:
 
I have two signs that say "turn off your cell phone" beside the entrance to my auditorium. Plus I immediately stomp anyone who has their cellphone out when the show is on; as soon as I see that light I'm walking down the aisle. And the kids have all learned that so I really encounter little problem with this issue.

A few months ago I did have one girl who I told once to turn her phone off, and when I saw it again I told her to come out to the lobby with me. I then made her read my sign out loud and asked her if she understood what it means. And that was all that it took to sort that situation.

Since I got my digital cinema I've started putting one of the Cinetize cell phone announcements at the start of all of my movies. That does a world of good -- I see all kinds of cell phones getting dragged out of pockets and turned off when that announcement plays.

Mostly, I have the folks around here pretty well trained. They know that if they're doing loud talking or on their cell phone they'll be getting a seat-side visit from me and that's all it takes. I've even heard some kids telling each other to turn their phone off before the "movie man" gets them.
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 06-08-2011, 01:16 AM:
 
The funniest thing I ever heard was, I was approaching some kid who was misbehaving and I heard his little buddy say "Shut up, the big guy is coming!" I about died laughing on that one....since I am a lot of things, but a "big guy" is definitely NOT one of them!

quote: Frank Cox

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Since I got my digital cinema I've started putting one of the Cinetize cell phone announcements at the start of all of my movies. That does a world of good

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quote: Mike Blakesley

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Is it possible that "society" will eventually take care of this problem? That texting in a movie will eventually come to be a social taboo, the way smoking is now? I hope so.

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I don't know Mike, people use their cells EVERYWHERE nowadays -- seems like a universal thing. I mean, crossing streets in NYC and not paying any attention to anything else around them and at any time of the day or night -- 3am and they are babbling on their cells -- it amazes me.

What I hope is that the damn FCC finally gets with it like is allowed in Europe, and OKs cell phone signal blocking in theatres and restaurants. That would be a lot faster than having to wait for evolution to create mutations that will fix the stupidity and impolite genes -- you know, the ones that evidence now shows are becoming more dominant rather than recessive.
 

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Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 06-08-2011, 09:31 PM:
 
The industry could ask for an exemption or an NPRM (Notice of proposed rule making) from the FCC. Louis
 

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Posted by Jonathan Goeldner (Member # 4854) on 06-09-2011, 05:13 PM:
 
some of the newer phones have better reception now, but both Landmark's E Street and Bethesda theaters because they are in basements affect a majority of phones NOT being able to be used.
 

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Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 06-09-2011, 09:37 PM:
 
Mike, why not suggest to Cinetize what it is exactly that you'd like them to say? They seem helpful in that regard.
 

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Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 06-09-2011, 11:07 PM:
 
The "Magnited States of America" PSA made our local news as a story this evening. I have to wonder if it stemmed from me posting it on Facebook and other friends sharing/re-posting the video. Hardly anyone else had heard of the video when it started circulating here on Film-Tech. When I first saw it on YouTube it had only 300 views. The Alamo Drafthouse's PSA has met with overwhelmingly positive response around here. Perhaps it might give the go-ahead for Lawton movie theaters to ban talking/texting on cellular phones in theaters.
 

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Posted by Jonathan Goeldner (Member # 4854) on 06-10-2011, 10:18 AM:
 
the only time I lost it was a screening of 'Beowulf' (Navy Pier IMAX) and some young lady was using her phone prior and right at the beginning of the film, I leaned over and stated: 'I did NOT spend 15 bucks to see or hear you on your goddamn phone' - tactless and blunt, sure, but she did not once look or flip open her phone - nope.
 

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Posted by Frank Cox (Member # 6258) on 06-11-2011, 03:53 PM:
 
This issue was just posted on Slashdot, so I anticipate a large number of interesting comments will be posted there.
 

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Posted by John Joseph Fink (Member # 3619) on 06-13-2011, 12:04 AM:
 
Funny you mention Beowulf, Jonathan - I had an experience where I had seen Beowulf in 3D at an AMC and in the middle of the film I heard talking from below - in the portal entry was the security guard on his cell phone - in the theatre - during the film.

This pissed me off - I got up, walked down the stairs to the portal and looked at him - he asked "can I help you" and I said "sure, you take your call outside" he then claimed "I'm on the phone with my boss" and I said "fantastic - can you take the call outside" and then he getting all high and mighty (he was a kid, about 20) pulled an attitude and actually said "do you know who I am, I'm the security guard" - - meanwhile...there were people sitting in the aisles of the stadium seating theatre - a fire hazard if you ask me.

I complained to the management, and like they always do they offered a free pass. I insisted that I preferred an apology from the security guard or his boss and they informed me that he was a subcontractor and they couldn't make him apologize. I really just wanted this idiot to akwowledge how wrong he was for talking on his cell phone during the film - let along ignoring a fire hazard.

Normally though when I see someone texting, using their cell phone or engaging in a conversation I politely ask them to continue the conversation in the lobby if they must talk. 75% of the time it shuts them up.

On another note, I had the pleasure of catching screenings at both the Alamo Ritz and South Lemar during SXSW and found both to be first rate in ways AMC's Dine In Theaters can never be: the design of both theaters is perfect: unless your in the very front you won't notice the servers. You order on slips of paper and if it's all good they give you a thumbs up, if they need clarification they lean in and whisper to you. The service is fast and quick. AMC's Dine in system with lights, very slow service and lots of distractions is almost as bad as texting: I need to see True Grit again because all I recall from it was being pissed it took an 45 minutes to get drinks and an hour to get our meals, in addition to getting other's orders wrong and hearing them complain rather vocally during the feature about this.

Tim League and company run a truly first rate operation - I just wish they'd come to NYC already.
 

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Posted by Sean Weitzel (Member # 244) on 06-20-2011, 10:25 AM:
 
Interesting article from the AP out today:
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18315064

Silence less golden in movies with talking, texts

By Christy Lemire

Associated Press
Posted: 06/20/2011 08:15:16 AM PDT
Updated: 06/20/2011 08:15:18 AM PDT

LOS ANGELES -- It seems like such a quaint notion: Folks would go to the movie theater, buy their tickets at the box office, then sit down, shut up and pay attention for two hours to what was on the screen.

Now, the piercing glow of cell phones lights up the darkness like so many pesky fireflies, and people talk to each other in a packed auditorium as if they were sitting in the privacy of their own living rooms.

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin, Texas, did something about this trend by kicking out a patron who refused to adhere to the theater's rule against talking or texting, then turned the ranting, profane voice message she left into a hilarious public service announcement. It's gotten over 1.75 million hits on YouTube in just a couple of weeks.

But what happened to our attention spans? Why must we talk, text and tweet in the middle of a movie? And what -- if anything -- can theaters do to stop this erosion of cinema civility?

Matt Atchity, editor-in-chief of the Rotten Tomatoes film review website, crafted "10 Commandments for Movie Audiences" including "Thou shalt not text." But the ubiquity of cell phones makes these sensible suggestions hard to enforce.

"Even 10 years ago, not everyone had a phone, not everyone was text messaging. The younger generation grew up and the kids who were texting in class are now the kids who are texting in movies," Atchity said.

He added that Hollywood's focus on the 18-24
demographic is also a factor. "A big opening release is like going to Chuck E. Cheese," Atchity said.

While adults might believe what's on screen deserves their full attention, kids nowadays view the movie-going experience as interactive, said Bill Goodykoontz, film critic for The Arizona Republic and father of four.

"They can't imagine seeing anything, including a movie, without immediately supplying their reactions," said Goodykoontz, who's also chief film critic for Gannett.

Producer Barry Mendel ("Bridesmaids") believes the reliance on social media and 24-7 information has bled into every part of our lives -- even places that are meant to provide an escape.

"It's very rare in our society to sit and stare at something intensely and without distraction for two hours. People just don't have that muscle anymore," said Mendel, a two-time Oscar nominee for best picture for "The Sixth Sense" and "Munich."

"It makes me worry for my profession, for making movies," he continued. "In order for a movie to be good, someone needs to sit down and read a screenplay and help the writer make it better. Instead they start reading a script, then they stop reading it and pick it up later."

Rachael Harris ("The Hangover," "Diary of a Wimpy Kid") said a guy recently walked in late to a private screening of the new independent film she stars in, "Natural Selection," sat down next to her and immediately checked his BlackBerry.

"As an actor, you do have a sense of: 'How dare I not be riveting enough that you have to check your email?' You react personally but then you realize it's not personal. It's just bad manners," she said.

But many of the young people who engage in these practices don't think it's a problem because everyone does it. Thirteen-year-old Will Barnes of Frisco, Texas, says he texts sometimes during movies, but tries to be courteous.

"I didn't really like 'Thor,' so I just pulled out my phone and texted a little bit. It was during the day so nobody was really in the theater at the time," Barnes said. "I'm just looking at the screen, I'm not paying attention to what other people are doing. But you see adults doing it and I think it's a little immature for their age to be texting during a movie."

Fourteen-year-old Andrea Lopez of Newhall, Calif., says she leaves her phone on during movies but keeps it on silent: "Normally I'll just text during the end of the movie to have my mom or dad come pick me up."

But when others are blatantly using their phones, Lopez said, "that's ridiculous. Then they're just ruining the movie for everyone else. The least they can do is go outside and talk."

But not all offenders are adolescents: "I am the worst. It annoys my kids," said Tracy Tofte, a 40-year-old real estate agent and mother of two in Santa Clarita, Calif. "If it's a slow part of the movie I can't help looking at my phone and going, 'Oh, I have an email.'"

Theater owners have tried a variety of methods to get folks to keep quiet and stay off their phones, from showing amusing messages beforehand to having ushers sweep through the auditorium during the show, said John Fithian, president of the National Association of Theatre Owners. Some have experimented with dividing moviegoers into over-21 and under-21 auditoriums, but that can get disorganized.

"It's an educational process but we and our members and the people who write about our industry know that the beauty of cinema, first of all, is that it's a shared experience. That means there are shared responsibilities," said Fithian.

With the expansion of the international movie market, mobile phone etiquette has also become an issue in overseas theaters.

Before a movie starts in India, warnings flash on the screen asking people to switch off their phones or put them on silent, yet some folks continue to chat anyway and theater workers don't kick them out.

Compliance is far better in Hong Kong, where patrons generally heed a message urging them to turn off or silence their phones before the movie.

In Britain, peer pressure usually keeps theaters quiet. Moviegoers are familiar with a long-running series of ads shown beforehand under the slogan: "Don't Let a Mobile Phone Ruin Your Movie." The comic promos feature well-known actors having their movie projects destroyed by a clueless mobile phone executive.

Theaters in China range from plush auditoriums in large cities to basic theaters in smaller towns that may even lack concession stands. So the demographic of moviegoers tends to vary, too, along with their attention to etiquette, with audiences in the higher-end theaters typically more compliant.

Around 2004, the National Association of Theatre Owners investigated technology that would block cell phone signals in U.S. theaters. When word of that got out, responses came flooding in, said Fithian, the NATO president.

Sixty percent were in favor of the idea, with 40 percent against it, "but the 40 percent was violent," he said. "Parents have to stay in touch with their babysitters. People are so focused on how important their jobs are that they had to be in touch 24/7. I felt like asking these people, 'What did you do 15 years ago?'"
 

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Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 06-20-2011, 03:18 PM:
 

quote: Tracey 'two second attention span' Tofte

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"I am the worst. It annoys my kids," said Tracy Tofte, a 40-year-old real estate agent and mother of two in Santa Clarita, Calif. "If it's a slow part of the movie I can't help looking at my phone and going, 'Oh, I have an email.'"

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Squirrel!
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 06-20-2011, 05:35 PM:
 
There's the problem, embedded in that paragraph -- "I can't help (it)"

Yes you can, you dumb bimbo. Turn your stupid phone off. Face the addiction. Refuse to be mastered.
 

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