Posted on 05/31/2005 3:21:09 PM PDT by Dan from Michigan
State senator wants theaters to post actual start time of movies
5/31/2005, 5:55 p.m. ET
By DAVID EGGERT
The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A state senator who is fed up with sitting through lengthy advertising before the start of a movie wants theaters to post the actual start time of films.
Sen. Gilda Jacobs, D-Huntington Woods, introduced legislation Tuesday that would require theaters to post two start times: one for the beginning of advertising, previews and public service announcements; and another for the start of the movie.
Jacobs, an avid moviegoer, said her goal is to give people more choice so they arrive at the theater without having to watch what the motion picture industry refers to as "pre-show entertainment."
She singled out ads in particular as a nuisance for moviegoers.
"You basically get infomercials," Jacobs said, citing ads for automobiles, plastic surgeons and jewelers. "It's really increased the time you go in and have to sit through before the actual movie begins."
Jacobs said theaters should voluntarily post the actual start time so legislation isn't needed.
In early May, Loews Cineplex Entertainment — in response to complaints from moviegoers — began advertising showtimes with a note saying most movies actually start 10 to 15 minutes later.
Some in the industry, however, said moviegoers haven't voiced much concern over the issue.
Pam Blase, spokeswoman for the country's second-biggest movie theater chain, AMC Entertainment, said movie ads account for less than 3 percent of the complaints or comments it receives. The biggest objection from consumers is related to in-movie distractions like ringing cell phones, she said.
At AMC and the nation's biggest movie theater chain, Regal Entertainment, the posted start time is the point at which previews begin.
"It's a time-honored tradition," Blase said of previews. "If people missed the trailers — that you might hear about. They like to see what the coming attractions are."
Dick Westerling, Regal's senior vice president of marketing, said there may be some confusion because the posted show time means something different depending on which theater people attend.
Reaction to Jacobs' bill was mixed at a Lansing movie theater on Tuesday.
While waiting to see "Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith," 20-year-old Jeff Omura of Okemos said he hates movie ads.
"I'm paying $10 to see a movie, not $10 to see advertisements," he said.
But his friend, 20-year-old Phil Erickson of Okemos, called the bill a "little ridiculous" and said it would be better if theaters just explained what the start time means.
So far, it's unclear how Jacob's bill will fare in the Michigan Legislature, but it probably won't be on the fast track.
Ari Adler, spokesman for Republican Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema of Wyoming, said movie start times aren't a pressing issue.
"We're trying to balance a $400 million budget deficit," he said. "We're trying to get Michigan's economy moving forward and people back to work so they can afford to go to the movies regardless of start times."
Well it could be construed as false advertising couldn't it?
This is one I could get behind- truth in advertisment is an issue that irritates me- from the added sugar of concentrated orange juice to the adding of points on mortgages.
It's about time! I'm glad to see that someone is actually talking about something important, rather than, say, protecting our borders. Finally, someone with some priorities.
Everybody knows there's going to be 10-15 of trailers before the movie, so it's hardly deceptive. It would, however, be nice if they would raise the light a bit for a moment or two between the trailer and the movie so people who arrive during the trailers can find a seat.
The trailers are the best part of a movie. I would hate to miss them.
It's false advertising. There could be a class-action suit against all theaters under existing laws, no?
I hit the seat with popcorn in hand just as the movie starts.
Just as with the idiot state Senator in NJ that is attempting to have the Devils change their name, this is yet another thing the Government has no real right getting involved in.
Of course, you get that sometimes living in Michigan right? :-)
It doesn't need government intervention, it needs people doing something about it. But hey....don't make waves and what......
and just think Michigan is one of 7 states that has a full time state legislature that receives full time salaries with full time benefits. What a bunch of lecherous, useless turds!!!
I won't complain about their start times if they don't complain about my snoring.
I don't go to movies much, but I do go early enough to sit and catch the trailers. Personally, the late-comers standing in front looking for a seat annoy me...but that's just me.
I don't go to enough movies to really complain one way or another.
Maybe they could just go home...
I propose a new rule...for each new law put in effect one law has to be cancelled!
...and no amendments judged by a committee of citizens to be un-related to the main topic of the proposed legislation.
...and No bill could be more than 10 pages.
...and each legislator must certify under penalty of perjury that he had read each bill completely before casting his vote.
...and, well, you get the idea...
1. 15 minutes of commercials
2. That loud obnoxious person with running commentary on the movie seems to always sit behind me.
3. Cell phones that ring.
4. There is no pause button after your second beverage of choice.
5. Tickets - $7.50 + Popcorn $5.00 + Soda $4.50 (per gallon!), and that's just for one!
6. The best seats are always taken if you come in late and someone like Mrs. Mark will get really mad if I ask her to move over.
7. I hate going to the movies alone so see #5 above.
8. I get reserved seats at the ball game why not here?
9. Gum
10. Closest Cinema to me is 8 miles away.
Now HERE is something that needs to be legislated ... NOT!
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