|
|
This topic comprises 4 pages: 1 2 3 4
|
|
Author
|
Topic: Seating of Patrons
|
Paul G. Thompson
The Weenie Man
Posts: 4718
From: Mount Vernon WA USA
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 05-04-2002 06:21 PM
Here is a scenario that was brought to my attention today. The manager asked me what I thought of the idea of telling people to move to different seats for Spiderman because the auditorium was getting full, and she could not guarantee the couples seating together.I personally thought it was a bad idea for anyone to go into the auditorium and ask people to scrunch up so other couples could be seated together for several reasons. 1. People are buying tickets to see the movie, and they are entitled to sit wherever they so desire. 2. People resent being shuffled around like a herd of cows. 3. Some people would feel there “space” is violated. What is your opinion?
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeff Akin
Film Handler
Posts: 48
From: Salem, OR, USA
Registered: Mar 2002
|
posted 05-04-2002 08:37 PM
Something I've used in the past may be of some help as well. You will likely have patrons lined up outside the auditorium while the previous show is still running or being cleaned.
During this time, have a manager or an usher get the attention of the lined up crowd and say something along these lines:"Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, this show has just about sold out. When choosing your seats, please keep in mind that just about every seat in the theratre will be used. Go ahead and sit next to someone else to ensure that there will be seating for everyone. Thank you and enjoy the show." I've also thought of throwing something along the lines of, "If we all work together, we can all get seated comfortably and the show will not be delayed to facilitate the seating of everyone." Those dreaded words, "DELAY THE SHOW," will get them all working with you.  ------------------
-----------
2 Time ICWF Champion 2 Time ICWF Hardcore Champion
| IP: Logged
|
|
Jerry Chase
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1068
From: Margate, FL, USA
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 05-04-2002 09:00 PM
Dave recounted the exact proper way of doing this. The only thing I can add is that audiences used to appreciate a little humor with the suggestion that the couple(s) might not be on speaking terms after the film if they can't sit together. I might add that moving is not mandatory, but a courtesy to others.In many cases, I would NOT move. Some theatres have good seats and bad seats. If I'm told to move to seat with a worn out pan, or asked to sit behind Ian just because Joe can't get his act together and get Brad to the show on time, my reaction is "Tough  " Early bird > worm. Ant and grasshopper. I always informed latecomers that "Seats WILL be separated and/or towards the front, and there are NO refunds on the last tickets sold." Latecomers should be discouraged, not rewarded. I used to have more problems with people trying to "save" seats for non-existant friends. I'd check restrooms and then it was "Sorry, if you can't show me the ticket for the person, that seat next to you isn't yours." Even with the problems, I still like open seating.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dave Williams
Wet nipple scene
Posts: 1836
From: Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Registered: Jan 2000
|
posted 05-05-2002 05:01 AM
I would always try to use humor to get people to help out with this. I often would say "excuse me, may I have your attention. It is unfortunate that this has to happen, especially tonight with it bieng a sell out, however our print of tonights movie was accidentally left running and the projector melted it down.... no wait, it look like that our projectionist in the booth is signaling that we are going to be able to run it after all. WHew, thats a relief. Well now that I dont have to refund your money, could I get some help squeezing everyone in?"Different variations, such as accidentally scheduling wet-t-shirt night or its four drink minimum night, depending on the movie, work very well to warm up a sold out crowd. Dave
| IP: Logged
|
|
Jason Black
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1723
From: Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 05-05-2002 01:12 PM
I'm going to *try* the announcement concept. I have doled out more refunds/time swaps this wknd than I have ove the last few months combined!Someone said tardiness should be discouraged, not rewarded. AMEN. But, what happens when you have 300+ people waiting in your lobby (at one time, of course) for the already sold out show? They all enter at teh same time, but seating is, at least in my chain, first come, first served. I always leave a moderate buffer zone in my sell out cap for situations like this, but there are invariably ALWAYS going to be folks who will not move, will not sit up front, will not seperate, etc... and sadly,it doesn't matter that I tell them that if they hold a ticket, there IS a seat for them. So, do I piss them off and not give them a refund? I find it to be, more often than not, a no win situation... Then, the next morning you're explaining to your DM why you had so many refunds.. which many weren't actual CASH refunds, they are simply time swaps.... I feel the beginning of a huge rant, so I'll stop now... ------------------
The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
All times are Central (GMT -6:00)
|
This topic comprises 4 pages: 1 2 3 4
|
Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classicTM
6.3.1.2
The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion
and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.
|
Home
Printer-friendly view of this topic