Another Way to Prevent Taping in Theatres

In yet another attempt to prevent camcording in cinemas, the largest studios have paid over $5,000,000 to a surveillance firm called PirateEye to mount cameras and catch pirates.




This firm will install 5” cameras that weigh 14.5 pounds each in the theatres. These cameras will send out beams of light and capture on film several seats at a time. Meanwhile, CEO of PirateEye explained last week that their company usually installs the cameras at premiers and press screenings. The goal of the company is to give up checking bags and use metal detectors at such events. Soon such systems would be used by theatre owners in order to discourage and catch camcorders trying to illegally tape the video. Maybe, it will even manage to stop the rude behaviour like talking on cellphones during the show.

Although the majority of people who like visiting the movies may be uncomfortable with the idea of being taped, the company is sure that there shouldn’t be any privacy concerns. Their goal is to not have someone else look at you suspiciously if you haven’t done anything wrong.

In case the cameras don’t catch a camcorder, the pictures will be destroyed. Thus far, the system covers 4/5 of industry screenings, and the company believes that a thousand more systems would be installed across the globe within the next 18 months. Meanwhile, the PirateEye has already proved its usefulness during CinemaCon’s industry presentation, because it managed to snatch a high-profile pirate last week.

According to Mitch Neuhauser, CinemaCom’s managing director, an individual was captured trying to illegally record Paramount’s presentation to exhibitors. This person was placed in police custody, and that’s all we know about his fate.