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"More than 90% of newly-released movies that appear illegally on the Internet and on the streets around the world originate from illegal copies being made in cinemas."
Typically, movies are stolen and then distributed through
international distribution systems such as:
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A movie is illegally recorded from a cinema using compact digital cameras, camcorders and mobile phones. |
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Illegally-recorded movies are sold to "release groups" who distribute these illegal movies around the world even faster using computer servers known as "top sites." The stolen movie is then distributed on the internet via facilitators and file-sharers. |
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Illegally-recorded movies are sold to manufacturers, ie. factories or burning labs, who rapidly manufacture and distribute millions of pirated DVDs through an extensive international network of distributors and couriers. Smaller burning labs evolve to service local markets and neighborhoods. |
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The pirated movies end up being sold on the Internet, in shopping malls, markets, on the streets, pubs and clubs and by other illegal means. |
Organised crime groups can reproduce stolen movies in large –scale factories or work from smaller-scale burning labs and are increasingly turning to the Internet to distribute stolen movies. Either way, they are capable of copying and distributing millions of pirated movies each year.
There are many ways you can protect our industry from piracy:
Post signs outside and inside the cinema.
Signs or posters should be prominently displayed outside as well as inside the cinema advising patrons that "Camcorders, audio recorders or any recording devices are not permitted inside the auditorium." Where applicable, the signage can also warn patrons that there may be random bag and jacket checks for these items.
Contact the local police in advance of a screening to discuss the possibility of assistance.
Be extra vigilant during opening day, opening show.
The earlier it is in the movie release period, the more valuable it is to movie thieves. Be extra vigilant during the opening day or opening weekend. Movie thieves favour cinemas with small crowds. The first and last shows are ideal times for them to attempt to illegally record a movie.
Look for unusual behavior like coats in hot weather, strangely-arranged clothing or bags.
Look for unusual behavior like coats in hot weather, strangely-arranged clothing or bags. If someone is wearing a long or unseasonably heavy coat in warm weather, take a closer look. Look for odd shapes outlined in pockets. Ask to look in shopping bags. Jackets and other articles of clothing may also be used to conceal recording devices.
Monitor the cinema five minutes before screening
Monitor the cinema five minutes before screening. Movie thieves set
up during this time, using clamps on the seat ahead of them or
beside them so look for a lot of movement just prior to screening.
Pay attention to seating arrangements.
Look for unusual seating arrangements. Movie thieves often prefer to sit at the rear right or left of the auditorium - areas that are usually quiet. They also try to shield themselves by having accomplices sit on either side of them. Pay attention to patrons whose jackets are placed over adjoining seats or the seat in front of someone, or individuals that appear to be together yet saving a seat between them.
Look out for glowing lights.
Look out for glowing lights. Often, recording devices cannot fully conceal a glowing light. If someone is seemingly “on their cell phone” throughout the whole first hour of the movie or if you notice a small green or red glow in the dark of the cinema, then take a closer look.
Pay attention to the use of recording devices such as mp3 players and Assisted Listening Devices.
Pay attention to the use of recording devices such as mp3 players and Assisted Listening Devices ALD). The “professional” movie thief may have or borrow an ALD, which can be plugged into the recording device.
- Advise your cinema manager and security immediately
- The cinema manager should call the local police immediately and request their assistance.
- Do not have any contact with the suspect – wait for the police to arrive, explain what you have observed to police and let the police contact the suspect.
- If a police officer has not arrived within 20 minutes of the end of the movie, cinema management and/or cinema security should STOP or INTERFERE with the recording by standing in front of the recording device. NEVER touch the suspect or grab the recording device.
- Cinema management or security should politely but firmly inform the suspect that what they are doing is illegal and ask the person to accompany them and leave the auditorium.
- Get the suspects name and address and ask to see some identification. Write down thesedetails as well as a good physical description of the suspect.
- Ask the suspect to hand over the recording device and the actual recording.
- NEVER put yourself or your patrons at risk and NEVER use physical force to stop the activity or detain the suspect.
- Report all illegal recording incidents to your local movie anti-piracy organization within 24hours after the interdiction so that they can take appropriate steps to assist local police and pursue the suspect.
Like every business, the motion picture industry relies on its profits to invest in future products. Movie piracy results in fewer movies being financed, which means jobs are not created and local goods and services – such as tickets at your cinema – are not purchased.
Movie piracy is not a victimless crime, and you are one of the victims. Long before piracy affects Hollywood, it robs local businesses of their livelihood and the capacity to provide local employment. People who steal movies are stealing money from every cinema….and that means fewer jobs.
Cinema staff like you are the frontline in the movie industry’s war against movie piracy.
You can make a difference.
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