a. Overbooking
Almost every movie screening will be overbooked. This is common practice because recruiting the exact number of audience members can often be difficult. Attendance can fluctuate based on the current awareness for the movie and the city in which it is being screened. For example, there will be a lower number of tickets offered for a summer blockbuster like Ironman because people are already aware of the movie and are eager to see it. On the flip side, smaller independent movies usually release more tickets when recruiting as there is less awareness for the movie and a higher percentage of people with tickets will not attend.

If you go to the screening and are told its full, try the following three steps. First, find the person who looks to be in charge of the screening and verify that the theater is full. Ask them if you wait, could there be a possibility to still get in. Mention that you are willing to sit apart if that would help. Second, if the person in charge verifies that the screening is full, thank them for the opportunity and ask them politely if they know of any other screenings that will be happening soon. Finally, don't let the experience of not getting in ruin your night. Have a secondary plan of action like dinner or pick another movie to see if this one is full.

b. Arrival Time
Because screenings are overbooked, it’s best to arrive before the screening is scheduled to begin. Its standard policy at most movie screenings that no one will be admitted after the screening has begun. If the film is very popular or has a lot of buzz around it, plan to arrive earlier than one hour. At some movie screenings people may wait for 2 hours and still not get in, other times people show up 5 minutes before a movie screening starts and get a fantastic seat. When you arrive at the location, a line should be set up for the screening. Always check with the theater manager or employees and verify the line you are standing in is for the correct movie. While it’s difficult to give exact times, using the following recommendations should ensure you make it into the theater.

Movie Screening: Arrive 30 minutes – 1 hour early
Popular Movie Screening: Arrive 1-2 hours early
World Premiere: Arrive 1-2 hours early
Popular World Premiere: Arrive 2-4 hours early.

c. Security
Due to the increasing threat of piracy, most advanced screenings will have security at the event. Upon entrance to the theater, expect to have any bags searched and know that recording devices will not be allowed. This usually includes video cameras, camera phones, voice recorders, and PDA's with cameras. If your mobile phone has a camera, you’ll save a trip back to your car if you just leave it there to begin with.
At times, you may be requested to show ID to be admitted to a movie screening. While it’s rare to be asked for ID, it’s becoming more frequent with the implementation of e-ticketing for movie screenings. Several of the larger e-ticketing sites like gofobo and filmmetro have policies that the name on the ticket must match the name on your ID. So make sure that when you sign up for these sites that you use the same name that appears on your ID.
While the movie is playing, security will usually have night vision goggles and watch for anyone recording inside the theater. If they suspect you’re recording anything, you will promptly be escorted out of the theater.

d. Age Restrictions
Movie screenings follow the same restrictions as the MPAA rating system. If the movie is rated PG-13 , no children under the age of 13 will be admitted without an accompanying adult. If the movie is rated R, any audience members under the age of 17 will need to be with an accompanying adult that is over the age of 18. In regards to e-ticketing, sites like FilmMetro and Gofobo typically restrict anyone under the age of 13 from joining their sites. If you are a parent with children, make sure to select any fields that indicate you have children in the house when registering for the main movie screening services.

e. The Disclaimer
Every movie screening ticket will have a disclaimer that appears near the bottom of the ticket. Always take the time to read the fine print as it clearly defines the process and rules for the screening. Some of the main points to watch for are highlighted below:

No Recording: The disclaimer will typically have a section that reads, “By attending, you agree not to bring any recording device into the theatre and you consent to physical search of your belongings and person for recording devices. If you attempt to enter with a recording device, you will be denied admission. If you attempt to use a recording device, you consent to your immediate removal from the theatre and forfeiture of the device and its contents. Unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability.”

Overbooking: This section has to do with recruitment and will typically read, “Theater is overbooked to ensure capacity. Please arrive early! Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, except for members of the reviewing press. This pass does not guarantee seats and must be surrendered upon demand. No one will be admitted without a ticket. Theater is not responsible for seating beyond capacity. Seats cannot be saved. No one will be admitted into the theater after the movie starts.”

The Ticket: This section will usually read, “This pass is the property of the Studio and they reserve the right to admit, revoke admission, or refuse access to the theater at the discretion of an authorized representative. Tickets are not for resale. Any unauthorized duplication of tickets will result in removal from the theater.”

f. RSVP Lists
For those who have never attended a movie screening, it’s important to understand that it’s a common practice for the person setting up the screening to set up a RSVP list for the event. This means your name may need to be submitted via phone or email to the person setting up the screening. Once received, they will send you some sort of confirmation and ask you to just show up at the event. While this is very common in the entertainment industry, many people attending their first screening become uncomfortable and look for a tangible confirmation. As long as you have received an email or verbal commitment stating you are on the list, just show up to will call and your name should be there.

TIP: For added peace of mind, it can often been a good idea to write down or print out the confirmation message and keep in a back pocket or purse just in case there are problems with the event.

g. Sharing your Review
Audience interviews don't happen at every screening. However, if you are approached by a person with a clipboard or a film crew, be assertive and volunteer to be interviewed. The best advice for these situations is to just be yourself, be honest, and remember to be descriptive when describing your thoughts about the movie. Try to steer away from one-word answers or ambiguous phrases like “It was good”. Describe the scenes you liked or disliked and how you reacted to them. After the interview is completed, ask how your information will be used. If it’s a film crew, you may be a new star on YouTube, or better yet, national television.