Disaster_Area
Gadget Monger
Today I was barred from seeing a movie after purchasing my ticket because I was carrying a recording device... my 1962 Leica M2, here's my letter to the company:
Dear Cineplex,
I am a photographer, I carry cameras on my person most times because of this. Today after I purchased my ticket to go see Jonah Hex at your South Keys cinema I was stopped and asked if I was carrying a recording device or camera. I said yes, I had a couple old film cameras in my bag but nothing that could record a movie. The cinema employee said I couldn't go into the movie unless I left my cameras in the cinema office. I understand the need to stop piracy, but this was completely unacceptable.
I asked the manager if they stop every person and ask that they not bring their cell phones into to theater. The reply: "Well we ask that everyone turn their cell phones off", ok but do you stop every person personally like you did with me and tell them not to bring them inside, the manager: "Well no, but you have a camera, that's different". Yes, he's right that is different. On my person I had a camera made in 1962 that can record 36 black and white still frames and no sound. The iPhone or Blackberry which more than half your patrons are guaranteed to be carrying can record hours of surprisingly watchable full color digital video with sound. That is a pretty big difference. Again I understand the need to restrict recording devices in your theaters, but the camera I was carrying could not physically do what you're trying to stop from happening. This is a case of not only selective enforcement, but of plain stupidity and lack of courtesy and common sense. Seriously, say I was intending to pirate the movie... would I carry a camera bag openly visible on my shoulder... would I allow them to search it... would I say YES when I was asked if I had a recording device?
The funniest part is that the movie in question has most likely already been pirated and is probably available online already, but I like going to the movies to see it on the big screen in full quality. I am a paying customer that you have driven from your theaters. Between the overpriced concession stands and the loud and obnoxious teens texting, talking and disturbing your patrons during the movie which your staff seem unable or unwilling to deal with, I leave the theater every time swearing this will be my last visit. But I keep coming back because despite it all I like going to the movies. It's not the same watching it at home. Now the decision has been made for me, because of the enforcement of a rule where it was simply ludicrous to apply. I'm not sure what your intentions are but you make a very good argument for piracy.
Sincerely,
Jesse Hildebrand (ex patron)
Dear Cineplex,
I am a photographer, I carry cameras on my person most times because of this. Today after I purchased my ticket to go see Jonah Hex at your South Keys cinema I was stopped and asked if I was carrying a recording device or camera. I said yes, I had a couple old film cameras in my bag but nothing that could record a movie. The cinema employee said I couldn't go into the movie unless I left my cameras in the cinema office. I understand the need to stop piracy, but this was completely unacceptable.
I asked the manager if they stop every person and ask that they not bring their cell phones into to theater. The reply: "Well we ask that everyone turn their cell phones off", ok but do you stop every person personally like you did with me and tell them not to bring them inside, the manager: "Well no, but you have a camera, that's different". Yes, he's right that is different. On my person I had a camera made in 1962 that can record 36 black and white still frames and no sound. The iPhone or Blackberry which more than half your patrons are guaranteed to be carrying can record hours of surprisingly watchable full color digital video with sound. That is a pretty big difference. Again I understand the need to restrict recording devices in your theaters, but the camera I was carrying could not physically do what you're trying to stop from happening. This is a case of not only selective enforcement, but of plain stupidity and lack of courtesy and common sense. Seriously, say I was intending to pirate the movie... would I carry a camera bag openly visible on my shoulder... would I allow them to search it... would I say YES when I was asked if I had a recording device?
The funniest part is that the movie in question has most likely already been pirated and is probably available online already, but I like going to the movies to see it on the big screen in full quality. I am a paying customer that you have driven from your theaters. Between the overpriced concession stands and the loud and obnoxious teens texting, talking and disturbing your patrons during the movie which your staff seem unable or unwilling to deal with, I leave the theater every time swearing this will be my last visit. But I keep coming back because despite it all I like going to the movies. It's not the same watching it at home. Now the decision has been made for me, because of the enforcement of a rule where it was simply ludicrous to apply. I'm not sure what your intentions are but you make a very good argument for piracy.
Sincerely,
Jesse Hildebrand (ex patron)
