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If you ever wondered if a movie theater had hidden cameras, yes, there are cameras inside a movie theater. Usually, these cameras are located at the back of the viewers or on the top of the displaying screen. However, there are instances that there are also security cameras found at the corners of the theater.
It may be disturbing, or you may feel a little bit violated to know that someone monitors your activities inside the theater. But, it is essential to remember that the purpose of these cameras is to ensure the safety of everyone.
Top 4 Reasons Why there are Security Cameras in Movie Theaters
Security cameras are installed for public safety to keep everyone following the rules and deter piracy. These cameras come with infrared night vision features, which records black and white images in the dark. Security cameras are present in movie theaters for the following reasons:
Piracy is the illegal duplication of copyrighted content to resell it at a smaller price. And some viewers record the movie with hidden cameras and then upload it to the internet. If someone distributes a copy of the film on the internet illegally, the movie studio will suffer large losses at the box office.
Every year, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) releases stats on how many movies are pirated from movie theaters. In 2017, it was estimated that 5.6% of all U.S. box office revenue was lost to piracy.
To prevent piracy, the government created numerous laws. Copyright infringement is already an example of ordinary anti-piracy law. So the next time you purchase pirated DVDs or download movies from unlicensed sites, think of the production industry workers that might suffer.
2. To Encourage the Viewers to Buy from Their Kiosk
Food is sometimes allowed in movie theaters. However, please be aware that the theater has the right to refuse service and ask for you to leave if they determine that you are being disruptive or potentially unsafe with the food you bring in.
Movie theater concessions can cost a lot of money and oftentimes, are not worth it. Some people bring their own snacks to the movie theater to save some money and avoid eating unhealthy theater food.
Selling food is a big chunk of movie theater earnings. They don’t want you sneaking in food that they could sell you instead. some movie theaters with more draconian policies may choose to come after those that do bring in food and a camera inside of the theater can be a great way to spot those people.
3. To Discouraged Sexual Activities inside the Movie Theater
There is nothing that says kissing in a movie theater is illegal, but there are some places where it may be frowned upon.
Most theaters allow for kissing in theater, but there are some that don’t allow it. There are other people and children around the couple, so if they want to kiss they would need to be careful not to offend anyone
In case you are wondering, yes, they can see if you try to give your lover more than a quick kiss. There are several locations where you can do safe sexual activities; but, a movie theater is not one of them, and catch you on camera in the theater can lead to public indecency charges.
4. To Fend Off Criminals
Based on a study, the researcher found that after installing CCTV security cameras, there was a significant reduction in crime rates. In London, for instance, the rate of street robbery fell by over 80% following the implementation of CCTV surveillance.
The benefits of implementing security cameras are:
- The camera’s presence can deter would-be criminals from committing crimes in the first place.
- CCTVs aid police investigations by helping to identify perpetrators and reconstructing events.
- Cameras are helpful as evidence to identify fraudulent insurance claims and other types of crime. (1)
Cameras provide safety for residents as well as for visitors to an area by making crime less likely to occur where they are present.
The purpose of surveillance cameras is not to spy on you but to maintain the safety of every person inside the movie theater. Like the streets of your neighborhood, movie theaters also need to be monitored, and security cameras are one way to do it. A dark and quiet place can lead to criminal activity. These security cameras can keep you out of trouble and help you when you are in need.
The Common Surveillance Camera you can Find in Theaters
They use a special kind of infrared night vision security camera to produce crisp images even in the dark. Usually, these are Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras. Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras are excellent when concentrating on a large group of individuals.
The image will be sharp and clear while using these high-end cameras. Even though the photos are black and white at night, the theater’s security personnel can see faces and activity in the seats. As a result, it is a surveillance camera that can be widely utilized in movie theaters to prevent crimes, sneaking in food, and for safety purposes.
Nevertheless, to give you some peace of mind, the footage taken by the camera is not posted or seen by others. The security personnel keeps the footage for 90 days, which they will delete after that.
Generally, the film is mainly seen by employees or authorities only. So if you are worried that you might see yourself on the internet watching movies one day, you are entirely safe.
Is it legal to install security cameras in movie theaters?
Are you wondering if they are legally allowed to record their audience?
Apparently, yes, since movie theaters are public. They are permitted to monitor their audience if they believe it will prevent a crime from occurring. You can now be more aware of your lack of privacy when watching a movie inside the theater.
In this way, you can ensure that you are safe inside watching a movie. However, sneaking some food in your bag and doing sexual activities inside is not a good idea.
Are there cameras in AMC movie theaters?
Yes, there are security cameras inside AMC movie theaters. AMC Movie Theaters is the largest theater chain in the world. They are more likely to face piracy and people not acting in accordance with their rules. To control this, they need extra security, and installing surveillance cameras is one of them.
Are there cameras in regal movie theaters?
Regal operates the second-largest theater circuit in the United States. Are security cameras installed in regal movie theaters? Yes, there are cameras in each auditorium. So whatever you are trying to do in a theater, assume that someone will see you.
Final Words
Whether you like it or not, everything inside the movie theater is monitored. There is no privacy in a theater, and they are legally permitted to observe their viewers.
Theaters have to protect themselves from piracy and ensure that no one is recording the movie. Moreover, they use surveillance cameras to prevent criminal activities like stealing and sneaking food inside the theater. They also monitor everything that is happening inside the movie theater and maintain the safety of everyone.
Now you are aware that there are security cameras in movie theaters, be extra careful with your actions. So if you plan on sneaking in some food, it would be better to buy the approved merchandise at the kiosk. And, if you are with your partner, don’t get too touchy. Finally, obey the law that supports anti-piracy. (2)
References:
(1) insurance claims – https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/insurance_claim.asp
(2) anti-piracy – https://www.cmu.edu/entertainment-analytics/effectiveness-of-antipiracy-efforts/index.html
