Just looked through their practice audit, and saw that they don't let you stay to watch the movie, and you have to get the manager's approval? Also, who would do multiple screens if you can't stay to watch the movie? Are you supposed to wait in the lobby between showings for an extra $2/ screen?! Does anyone actually do these?

Are you talking about an Open Check or regular trailer checking?

Sounds like the old CFA trailer checks. And yes, you are expected to wait, without pay, in the lobby, and not be able to watch a movie unless you purchase a ticket.

I have learned that if you hang around the lobby too long, and walk past a ticket taker, they will get a suspicious and try to keep you from going into the auditorium. When they get snotty I tell them to get the manager to stop me, because I am working. And if they keep me from getting to the auditorium they will cost me money. Or keep me from getting paid for the entire job. And I keep walking. IF the manager shows up at all, they'll tell the ticket taker the same thing I did in front of me.

I didn't stay inside the building in between showtimes if it was more than a few minutesa because I've been accused of watching the movies, and asking for free food from concessions. I have never done either. So I stay outside during any long waits between showtimes. And I never take food or drinks inside with me.

I won't work for movie measure, and CFA deactivated me when a theater owner lied to them about me (after working with them for 6 or 7 years). And I believe the other movie check company finally gave up the ghost. I haven't done any theater checks since the pandemic started, and I doubt I will ever do them again.

I think you are talking about the regular trailer check. NO--don't stay for the movie (you will get deactivated). When you check in at the theatre the manager has to check you in. It is always a good idea to tell the ticket taker (and/or the security officers) that you are the trailer checker and you will be going in and out of the auditoria.

I do these regularly. The managers and ticket crew all know me. It's not a big deal, as you are NOT covert. There are other companies that ARE covert, and with these you usually have to buy a ticket (and see the show).

For multiple screens, I choose the ones with the shortest time in between. SOMETIMES you barely make it to the next screen. If I have extra time, I just use the restroom, charge my phone, buy a snack, whatever. If you have HOURS between the screens, you can leave and return. Sometimes I do a shop for another company in the food court of the mall or nearby. Or I buy shoes. My locations are all at big Malls.

If you want to make a lot of money this isn't it. If you like movie trailers (I DO!) and if you want a relaxing Friday morning/afternoon...go for it. I think that they should bump the pay a bit for the movies that show on 10 screens or so...that's a long day! They are a nice company to work for. There are other types of audit besides the trailer checks, and they have some installs as well. Very nice schedulers and IT/tech.

Wow - these sound like a pain in the *ss. Frankly, I don't like trailers so.... guess I'll be skipping out on these.

As for the clarification questions - I think they were for opening day trailers. I went through the sample/practice shop questionnaire and it really didn't seem worth the time or effort.

The Trailer checks through Movie Measure are very easy to do. You don't make a lot of money doing these, but people who can secure more than one location can make a day out of this on a Friday. The more locations you can get done, the more money you make. No, you can't stay to watch the movie you are checking unless you buy a ticket for that movie.

I have been doing trailer checks for other companies before Movie Measure even existed at my local theaters, so I don't have a problem with management, crew, or anyone. You do leave the auditorium once the trailers have ended and you finish entering the data in your app in the lobby or hallway, wherever you choose.

Most theaters have cut down on the number of trailers they play now, so even if you're just not that into trailers, it's still easy money. Especially if you have nothing else going on on a Friday, and you need an extra few dollars.

I don't know of many shops that pay a ton of money anyway, but for the past few years, I have switched to strictly theater work and only theater work. So I may be out of the loop on high-paying Mystery shops. As the other poster mentioned, they do have installs, Open checks, and at select locations lobby checks.

Trailer checks just happen to be the type of assignment they get most frequently.

Anybody still do theater checks for Checker Patrol? They do not answer emails.

@Arch Stanton I couldn't even register with them. I tried. I'm surprised any of the companies who used to do checks all the time are still in business. Movie Measure had the bulk of the work after theaters opened back up, and now they are slowing down a lot too.

The Checker Patrol Domain is up for sale, so I don't think that's a good sign. I just looked them up again.

cybersst

Checker Patrol is currently on Facebook with mystery shops at one small theater chain in several states. Strange that their website domain is for sale...guessing they are hanging on with one client only. I never did trailer checks for them but did theater evaluations at one tiny Indian theater years back which is now closed.

Arch Stanton

Are they under the same name on Facebook? I will look them up then. They are probably not operating in my area. But I will check into it anyway. I did have a tiny chain theater in my area that did not survive the pandemic.

Yes they are on Facebook as Checker Patrol.

And their current website: checkerpatrol.biz

Thank you