'Star Wars' Theaters Tighten Security Due To Heavy Crowds And Suspicious Activity
EXCLUSIVE: With a rush of holiday moviegoers and following some suspicious activity outside theaters in at least two U.S. cities — one last week in Southern California and another in Arizona last night — exhibitors across the nation have “doubled” workforce security in preparation for the 4,134-theater release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It is understood that armed guards will be on duty in some cases and that heightened security at the nation’s theaters will be in place throughout the holidays.
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) sent a notice out to its members about both suspicious incidents, Deadline was told, including the latest incident in Tempe, AZ. When contacted by Deadline, a NATO spokesman said, “As a general rule we don’t comment on security issues.”
One film buyer who has the film booked on the majority of their screens said they have five security guards employed at each theater. “We’ve hired security at every location to be safe,” the buyer said. “We will have five (guards) posted and reserve the right to check (customers’) bags. We will not let anyone walk in with a backpack or anything larger than a purse, and whatever they are carrying will be checked.”
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Time to bring in the armed Jedi Knights!
EXCLUSIVE: With a rush of holiday moviegoers and following some suspicious activity outside theaters in at least two U.S. cities — one last week in Southern California and another in Arizona last night — exhibitors across the nation have “doubled” workforce security in preparation for the 4,134-theater release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It is understood that armed guards will be on duty in some cases and that heightened security at the nation’s theaters will be in place throughout the holidays.
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) sent a notice out to its members about both suspicious incidents, Deadline was told, including the latest incident in Tempe, AZ. When contacted by Deadline, a NATO spokesman said, “As a general rule we don’t comment on security issues.”
One film buyer who has the film booked on the majority of their screens said they have five security guards employed at each theater. “We’ve hired security at every location to be safe,” the buyer said. “We will have five (guards) posted and reserve the right to check (customers’) bags. We will not let anyone walk in with a backpack or anything larger than a purse, and whatever they are carrying will be checked.”
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Time to bring in the armed Jedi Knights!
