Movie screenings are a blast to attend and there is no better way to see a movie (except for maybe in the Cinema Suites with a lap full of food and your favorite mixed drink)!  But there are some things you should keep in mind when searching for screenings in your area and when you plan on attending a screening.

TIPS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO THE MOVIE SCREENING DATE:

• Most movie screenings have multiple sponsors that release movie screening passes, so keep your eyes open to those sponsors web sites.
• Sometimes movie passes go extremely quick when a RSVP code is released, so make sure you have your account already set up and make sure you are logged in.  That way you can just hit the “Get Passes” button and not waste time.  We suggest having an account at both gofobo.com and FilmMetro as these two sites are the primary resources for movie screening passes.
• Don’t give up on RSVP codes that say “sorry all codes for this promotion are taken.”  Many times people release their tickets prior to the actual movie screening because they are unable to attend.  If you have a list of RSVP codes to check (like the ones on our site), then you can grab released codes up and get to the movie you are hoping to attend.
• When you reserve tickets, use your real name.  Many screening locations are starting to check IDs especially if the theater is expected to be overbooked.  If your name doesn’t match the pass, you may be turned away.
• If you know nothing about an upcoming theatrical release, don’t watch the trailer.  Trailers can be exciting and entertaining, but they can also ruin a movie.  Your expectations may be set too high or too low based on your interpretations of a sneak peek.  Plus, trailers typically show cuts from a movie that are not even included in the final release or altered from the way they are depicted.  So, just avoid them.
• If you know you will not be able to make it to the screening, go onto the site where you reserved them and release those tickets so someone else can enjoy the movie.

TIPS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER FOR THE DATE OF THE MOVIE SCREENING:

• Check your screening passes to make sure you know the actual start time of the movie.  There are varying times based on location, movie type, and date.
• Movie screenings are growing in popularity.  This means one thing, get in line early to avoid having to find single seats for your group of 4 in a crowded auditorium.  To ensure that you get to pick your own destination, arrive around 2 hours prior to showtime.  For a free movie, standing in line for a couple of hours isn’t really that bad.
• Generally, the movie reps reserve multiple rows and seats for screenings reps, and they don’t have to wait in line like everyone else to get those seats.  These are typically in a prime location which is another reason why you will want to arrive early for your preference of seats.
• Don’t bring your cell phone, ipad, ipod, laptop, or any other electronic device with you.  These are prohibited by the movie studios because of Anti-Piracy laws.  Many times the security guards will ask you to take them back to your car or leave them in a checked-bag at the door.  If you do sneak one in and a security guard sees you with it, they will ask you to leave the theater and you may not be allowed back inside.  In fact, they have the right to prosecute you for up to $150,000!  So, seriously, just resist the urge to bring those electronics inside.  You can live without them.  I promise you will survive.
• The security guards will also wand you with metal detectors at most locations, so be prepared.  This is a very quick and easy process.  Just be ready to take your keys out of your pocket and anything else that may be detected.

GENERAL COURTESY RULES:

• Don’t show up to the movie screening just a few minutes prior to seating and squeeze into line with one of your friends.  You know who you are, and you also know how extremely rude this is but for some reason you don’t care.  You are definitely not better than anyone else that has been standing in line and you do not deserve special privileges.  If you were entitled to special treatment, the movie theater would hold a private screening just for you and general public would not be invited.  So, go to the end of the line like everyone else and grow up.
• Don’t go inside the theater and save a whole row of seats for people that are several spaces behind you in line.  If they want good seats, they should show up in advance and wait like everyone else.  I have been to screenings where security forces people that are saving seats to forfeit them because there are so many people waiting to get in.
• Get over your fear of strangers and close your privacy boundary when you select your seats.  What I mean by this is sit next to others when you are in a row.  Don’t leave a seat or two gap between you and the next group because in the end you will have to just move over or someone will come and sit next to you anyway.