Movie theater makes PSA out of angry patron's voicemail

[marmar]

Texas movie theater makes an example (and a PSA) of a texting audience member
By Phoebe Connelly


Ever been annoyed by a loud-talking patron at a film? Had that nail-biting darkened hallway scene ruined by someone turning on their phone to send a text? Well, one Texas theater has your back.

Alamo Drafthouse, a local chain of dine-and-screen movie theaters in Austin, Texas, has long waged a war against impolite moviegoers. And the latest customer to object to their firm rules against talking and texting during an evening out has become the unwitting star of a PSA released by the company on Monday.

According to Tim League, the Drafthouse's founder, the woman in question was warned twice about texting during a screening, and then, in accordance with company policy, was escorted out without a refund. "I don't think people realize that it is distracting," League told The Lookout. "It seems like nothing, but if you spend as much time as I do at the movies, you realize the entire theater sees it and it pulls you out of the movie experience. It's every bit as intrusvie as talking."

However, the determined texter was not about to let the matter rest. She called up the Alamo Drafthouse and left a profanity-laced (and perhaps slightly inebriated) message decrying the theater's policies. "Yeah, I was wondering if you guys actually enjoy treating your customers like a pieces of sh*t," she opened, "Because that's how I felt when I went to the Alamo Drafthouse!" ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110607/us_yblog_thelookout/texas-movie-theater-makes-an-example-and-a-psa-of-a-texting-audience-member

[eShirl]

1. thanks for posting! good for them

I just knew upon reading this there would be something about it at Ain't It Cool News... http://www.aintitcool.com/node/49923

[Electric Monk]

4. Magnited States of America?

Oh, right. Texas.


edit: Oops, meant to reply to Skip Intro, below.

[awoke_in_2003]

8. Yes...

we create magnetic fire here :)

[Skip Intro]

2. And here's a link to just the video on youtube, cracked me up...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVz-fO7kxcQ&feature=player_embedded

[Bobbie Jo]

11. Too funny!

:rofl:

[Shagbark Hickory]

3. Let the lawsuits begin.

[awoke_in_2003]

9. They showed a transcript...

of the message, and left names out of it. The only way anyone would know who did it is if the guilty dog barked first.

[Shagbark Hickory]

14. Ohhh I'm sure her lawyer will find a reason!

[dixiegrrrrl]

5. That is the single reason I have not been in a theater for years.

Could not hear a damn thing over the audience.

[ceile]

6. Ah, yes, the Alamo.

Love them!

[gratuitous]

7. After I hit the lottery

I will open a movie theater. Popcorn will feature real butter and be reasonably priced (as will the candy and sodas). I will hire local high school students to staff the theater, and in addition to paying their wage, will put aside a little for their post-high school education. Movies will always be double features. They will start on time. They will be preceded by no more than three trailers and at least one cartoon, possibly two. The audience will be encouraged to jeer latecomers, unless they can proffer a really good or creative excuse for not being on time like everyone else. At least once a year the double feature will be King of Hearts and Harold & Maude. Talkers, texters or cell phone users will be warned a maximum of once, then summarily removed, on the assumption that everyone else is there to see the movie, not listen to them. I will almost surely lose money on the venture, but being a lottery winner, I won't care.

[awoke_in_2003]

10. lots of people like me...

would love a place like that. I always wanted to open an adult only restaraunt- and loud adults would be told to leave, too.

[gratuitous]

12. Oops, I forgot Saturday and Sunday matinees for the kids

Single feature, in keeping with their appallingly short attention spans. Preceded by a cartoon and maybe an installment of one of those old serial features if any can be found.

[LiberalFighter]

13. It just shows the stupidity of people.

[Javaman]

15. Oh how I love the Alamo. A true jewel of Austin. nt

[Skip Intro]

16. I'm gonna kick this again for the evening crowd, it's just too funny to miss...