In a recent development in Connecticut, a state lawmaker has put forth a new bill to address the issue of excessive advertisements and trailers before movies at cinemas. State Senator Martin Looney of New Haven, Conn., introduced bill no. 797 on Jan. 21, aiming to mandate movie theatres to disclose two start times for listed films – one before commercials and trailers, and one after these promotional materials. The proposed bill seeks to ensure transparency and give moviegoers the option to decide when they arrive at the cinema.
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Senator Looney expressed his concerns about the current practice of playing advertisements before movies, calling it “an abuse of people’s time.” He emphasised the importance of respecting the audience’s time and providing them with the choice to either watch the trailers or arrive just in time for the main feature. The proposed bill has sparked a debate on the balance between promotional content and the movie-watching experience.
Cinema patrons have often shared frustrations about sitting through numerous advertisements and promotions before the actual film begins. Writer Bill Kuchman highlighted a personal experience where the trailers did not start until 10 minutes after the listed showtime on tickets. This delay, caused by multiple commercials and promos, led to restlessness among the audience. Such testimonies reveal a growing sentiment among moviegoers regarding the need for a more streamlined movie-watching experience.
Major cinema chains like AMC already provide a heads-up about the additional time required for pre-shows and trailers on their platforms. For instance, AMC advises customers to allocate around 20 extra minutes for these promotional materials before the movie begins. This transparency aims to set clear expectations for viewers and minimise any surprises that may arise due to extended advertisements.
In response to Senator Looney’s bill, Peter H. Gistelinck, the executive director at Avon Theatre in Stamford, Connecticut, raised concerns about the potential impact on their business partnerships related to video messaging. Independent movie houses like Avon Theatre often rely on previews and promotional content for financial stability, making it a critical aspect of their operations. The proposed legislation could disrupt this revenue stream for such venues.
The ongoing discussion around movie start times and pre-show advertisements underscores the need to strike a balance between commercial interests and viewer experience in cinemas. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders from the entertainment industry and movie theatres will likely engage in further dialogue to address these concerns. The outcome of this proposed legislation could reshape the movie-watching experience for audiences in Connecticut and potentially set a precedent for other regions to follow suit.
As the debate unfolds, it brings to the forefront the importance of creating a more seamless and enjoyable experience for moviegoers while ensuring the sustainability of the cinema industry. Transparency and consumer choice are at the heart of this proposed bill, reflecting a broader shift towards empowering audiences and enhancing their experience at the movies. With evolving viewing habits and preferences, initiatives like these could pave the way for a more engaging and viewer-centric cinema culture in the future.