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Star Wars Theater Rules
Alex Bischoff writes "This article gives a good bulleted summary of all the rules theatres have to follow in order to show Star Wars Episode 1. My personal favorite: "Theaters can begin playing the two-hour, 11-minute film at 12:01 a.m. on May 19.""
Thats 12:01 GMT, right?
The film must run in the largest auditorium in the complex and cannot move to a smaller room for the minimum length of the run without permission from Fox;
Is this to ensure that Star Wars always gets the spotlight? Arrogance, or is he trying to ensure that the audience always enjoys the best screens the theatre may have? It seems like he's abusing his power just a bit in order for the viewers to have a good show...
Minimum runs are eight or 12 weeks--depending on the market--for theaters that open the film on its May 19 release date. A four-week run is available for theaters that start playing the film five weekends later, on June 18;
It seems he doesn't want a theatre to show Episode I for only 3 weeks to cash in on opening weekend fever, and to have it available for the length he expects it to run well; 8 weeks in smaller regions, 12 weeks in larger ones. Again, using his power to guarantee *everyone* can see and enjoy it? Very arrogant; perhaps its justified. Any alternative interpretations?
If an exhibitor commits to playing the film on two or three screens in a multiplex, the film must stay on those screens for the minimum run as well;
Is Lucas trying to prevent theatres from planning for a huge opening weekend and then scaling back the showing in the following weeks? I don't know if that's what he intends, or if it's good that he doesn't want it to happen.
In competitive zones--where more than one exhibitor has theaters--the film must play on at least three screens.
In a region big enough to support several theatres, is Lucas rationalizing that there is also a big enough population to force the showing on three screens? Is it 3 per chain, or 3 total in the area?
Interlocking, which allows theaters to use one print to present a film on two screens, is prohibited;
What is interlocking? Why would he want only 1 film shown per 1 reel? Are there quality issues he doesn't want to mar his masterpiece?
Exhibitors may not deduct additional security expenses from the film rental fees they charge Fox;
I guess he doesn't want theatres to justify paying less by arguing they had to provide more security or something... Perhaps this is a big problem? I have no clue.
Theaters are not to honor passes for the first eight weeks;
It sounds like he doesn't want people buying passes to circumnavigate standing in line and getting a Star Wars ticket, probably to guarantee that everyone who bought a Star Wars ticket will be able to see the show... Similar to his reasoning on not allowing pre-sales and to prevent scalping?
Payment is to be made within seven days (30-60 days is typical) for the first several weeks;
I wonder why one week refresh updates is so critical to Lucas; good demographic data? To prevent skimming of profits?
Paid on-screen advertising is prohibited for the first two weeks;
Evidently he doesn't want people to cash in and take advantage of the expected crowds for the movies, in the first two weeks. I think I like and agree with this at least.
No more than eight minutes of trailers are to run before the film. (Fox has attached 2-1/2 minutes of trailers to the beginning of the picture.);
Again, I guess he wants to limit the time wasted, so viewers can enjoy the picture. This would also limit trailers to only those with the biggest budgets, but I guess he doesn't want 15 minutes of trailers in front of his movies, cashing in on it's expected popularity. I guess.
Theaters can begin playing the two-hour, 11-minute film at 12:01 a.m. on May 19
I guess he doesn't want to cheat any of his audience by allowing theatres to show the film at earlier, more expensive, pre-release screenings or something. I'm sure quite a bit of people would pay higher to be the first, and to see it the day before everyone else!
AS
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*Pikachu*