film theft
This page is intended to provide practical guidance and resources to help you tackle the problem of film theft in your cinema.
Crimestoppers number
There is a dedicated Crimestoppers number on which you or your staff can report any suspicious activity around film theft. The number is 0845 603 4567.
You might ensure that this is circulated to staff and readily at hand.
FACT reward scheme
Given the importance the industry attaches to the issue of the illegal recording of films in cinema theatres, FACT and the FDA have established a reward scheme whereby cinema staff who prevent and report a camcording incident or other attempt illegally to record a film can receive a cash reward. From 24 May 2010 to 31 August 2010 this has been increased to £750.
A number of the circuits have taken the decision to match any reward given.
Particular films are especially vulnerable to film theft, for example where they are released first in the UK or where they are particularly high profile and therefore especially valuable to film thieves. Acting on intelligence, FACT issues 'Vulnerable Release Alerts' (VRAs) alerting cinema operators to upcoming films around which security should be particularly tight.
The most recent VRA is for the following film:
"Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue" (Walt Disney) opens on Friday 13 August. Theatrical release is being undertaken simultaneously in only a limited number of territories, with DVD-only release planned for the US on 21 September. This film is therefore considered at HIGH RISK to illegal camcording/recording in UK cinemas.
Cinemas playing this film are are asked to consider whether to increase security and to advise greater staff vigilance and ensure staff are in any case aware of the FACT Best Practice guide in terms of dealing with potential offenders, further details of which are below. The use of night vision devices where available is also encouraged, particularly over the first five days of release.
Cinemas are also reminded of the dedicated Crimestoppers number on which staff can report any suspicious activity - 0845 603 4567.
In addition, where there is a suspicion of illegal activity, Simon Brown, the FACT Cinema Investigator, can be contacted at any time on 07920 725725.
Anti-film theft resources
This link allows you to download a presentation on camcording in cinemas prepared by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT). This provides advice on the signs to look for, and what to do, if you suspect film theft is taking place in your cinema.
Below are further links which will allow you to download film theft guidance documents prepared by FACT in consultation with the CEA and the Film Distributors' Association (FDA). Given their content, please do not distribute these publications other than to trusted contacts.
'Camcording and Illegal Recording - Best Practices to Prevent Film Theft', revised edition April 2010.
'Camcording and Illegal Recording - Advice for Police', revised edition April 2010.
Hard copies of all of these documents are available from the CEA office. Please contact us.
The equipment used by 'professional' film thieves is often very sophisticated and expensive. But such are the potential rewards on offer for an early, high quality, copy of a new release that they will readily abandon such equpment if they suspect they are under surveillance or about to be discovered. The photos here show some of the types of equipment commonly used.
Reporting form
Should you or any of your staff witness any suspicious activity or an attempt to illegally record a film in a cinema theatre, please complete the reporting form here and return it to camcording@fact-uk.org.uk or fax to 020 8560 6364 .
We will continue to update and revise this section over time. If you cannot find what you are looking for, or would like to see other related material included, than please contact us.
