Newbie question, i would like to do my first ever trailer check and in the description it states this: Auditorium/Print Information (This includes Screen Number, Showtime Checked and Print Types – IMAX, Digital, 3D, Large Format)
This assignment MUST be conducted on FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 during any showtimes of the day on each print showing the feature
For a successful completion, payment for your visit will be $7.00 for the first print and $2.00 for each additional print.

Now my question is, if it's only 1 auditorium that is showing this movie, can i do more than 1 assignment for it? Meaning if it's playing at 6pm and then in the same auditorium at 8:30pm can i do it again or it has to be a different screen altogether?
Also, are we allowed to watch the movie after the trailer job is done?

Hi Jez;
I did a trailer check (my first and only one) about a month ago, and like you, was very confused about the instructions. Usually, the movie that they want the trailer check for is in it's first week and would be in more than one auditorium. There might be one print that is 3D and one that is without the 3D effect and they will be scheduled probably one hour apart. Since my movie seemed to be playing on two different screens (example: one showing at 6pm and one showing at 7pm so obviously in two different auditoriums) I thought it would be easy I would get there, and go through one set of trailers and then wait about 45 minutes and do the other trailer check and be done with the project for my estimated cost of $9.00. What I didn't know, and found out once I arrived at the theater, was that they actually had THREE prints of the movie and they were only showing the movie in two auditoriums. I did the 6pm check and then the 7pm check, and I then had to wait around until 9pm to do the third trailer check. Luckily, my movie theater was in a mall and I was able to let them know I would be back and went off to do some Christmas shopping. When I went to enter the data into the spreadsheet though, it wanted three distinct auditorium numbers and would not allow me to enter the same number twice. I just put a zero in the beginning of the number and explained myself in a comments section. Each print has it's own set of trailers on it, so each print has to be checked. (admittedly, many of the trailers are the same) What I found very useful was that the theater was used to doing these checks, and the theater gave me a listing of the trailers on each movie print they had. So, for my approximately 3.5 hours at the movie theater I made $11.00. I noted to myself that I will think twice before I do another trailer check. It was easy though, and kind of fun watching the trailers.
If you are working with the same company that I worked with, then no, you can not watch the movie afterward.
I believe it states specifically that it wants the information within a very short period of time after you are finished.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/04/2018 11:14PM by CTChamp.

thanks for your reply, how can i find out if its the same company you had? do all companies state you cannot watch the film afterwards? thanks

It should state on your paperwork/guidelines whether you can or can't watch the movie afterwards. In any event, if it doesn't state you will be reimbursed for your ticket, then you won't be. The theater will not allow you to stay in the theater and watch the movie for free without buying a ticket. The information that was on my guidelines informed me that I had to input the data within one hour of the end of the assignment, so this precludes watching the movie IMO, however, you MAY be able to stay and watch the movie if you buy your own ticket that is not reimbursed. You should ask that question of the MSC before you accept the assignment if that is something your interested in doing. Hope this helps

thanks champ

CTChamp, you can solve the issue of print confusion by asking an employee for their drop sheet. When I used to do checks, they were usually quite willing to oblige and you'd get an occasional surprise on certain screens. Sometimes, I would have to leave an old cellphone or two recording because I had three spread out prints I could not chase down at the same time. Once, I got one turned in because a kind patron thought it was lost. Oopsie!

As for the auditorium entry, I believe I was instructed, for example, to denote auditorium 2 and 2B to get through that.

AlfredB1979 you sound like you have done a lot of these type of shops. It didn't seem worth it to me, but I suppose if you have that many prints to go through, it might be worthwhile moneywise. The employee I was working with did give me a print out of the prints with the trailers all listed, so it was easy in that respect. Just too little for the time involved for me. What is your answer to the movie watching question? Can he or can't he watch the movie?

You should always ask your scheduler any questions you have regarding all assignments as all trailer assignments are not always the same. Did you read your instructions/guidelines? They should spell out everything for you. Normally you check 1 standard showtime, 1 3D, etc. you would check an auditorium once, unless different formats are in the same auditorium.
Contact your scheduler..you may have other things to do beside just writing down coming attractions. There is a lot involved. Don’t forget the letter to the manager either.

Good luck and remember to always contact your scheduler....they will answer any questions you have....

I just read the other responses you received. One thing you never do is you DO NOT talk to the employees. You have to show your letter to the manager, have them sign their name on the letter. The. manager is the only one who can give you access to the theatre and print out and give you the door sheet and other information. Like I previously said you should have specific instructions on who go talk to and what do you. You are NOT allowed to stay for free and watch a movie. You really need to talk to your scheduler. This is not the place for you to get information, as companies are not all the same, may work differently.

How can this assignment be worth $9 for three hours or more of work? If the Manager allows you to stay and watch the movie then you can stay and watch the movie. I DO! Otherwise, why do these? And I get FREE popcorn from the EMPLOYEES too.

And when you install the banners the EMPLOYEES can help you also.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/12/2018 02:56AM by spicy1.

I work with two different companies that perform trailer checks - been doing them for years at the same two theaters. The first company pays per screen. The company you are referring to pays per print. They used to pay per screen but changed their procedures about a year ago. Their rates dropped along with that, but it's not an assignment that makes money unless it's a big film with lots of screens. I pick up a door schedule at the office. If I am checking for both companies, I'll ask how many prints they received and which screens. The second company will not pay for duplicate print reports. I have never been given a list of trailers, but both of my theaters are extremely busy. I would never bother them with that. As for talking to the employees, you should establish a relationship with the theater, especially if you go to the same one(s) all the time. I learn their names, they have my schedule printed, and they know that iPad in the first row is recording for me. The staff is busy, especially this time of year. Checkers are a bit of a nuisance. Last Saturday, a sprinkler system set off alarms and shut off the water at a major theater. They opened late at 2 p.m. and it was a zoo. I went in, grabbed the usher schedule and did my thing.