Free Movies

Free Movie Previews - If You Don't Mind the Wait

I recently came across a way to view movies free before they come out in theaters. There are a number of companies that offer free screening passes to help build buzz about upcoming films. They also like to have full audiences when members of the press screen movies. So how do you get in on this free deal?

1. Register at free screening sites.

GoFoBo is the largest free moving screening site. Most of the screenings run through GoFoBo. You can sign up free on their Website so that you can information about upcoming screenings.

Other sites to find out about screenings and to enter contests for tickets include: Red Carpet Crash, Advance Screening, Moroch Productions, I Watch Mike and my personal favorite Get Screening. There are others, but these are some of the major ones.

2. Not all cities have all screenings. These movie screenings are done only in certain markets. Most major cities get all of them. Smaller locales get fewer ones. Don't be disappointed if you don't live near a major metropolitan area if there are limited showings.

3. Be prepared to arrive early. They overbook these showings to ensure a full house. If you want your choice of seats you will need to arrive about 3 hours before showtime. You may get in arriving an hour early (I have done that), but you will probably be separated from your guest or have to sit in the front row. I generally take a folding lawn chair (they allow this) and set up camp for a few hours. Since much of my work is on computer, it doesn't really matter where I do it. I bring a WIFI card, a laptop, but some popcorn and I am set for the afternoon. If I do this, I have my choice of seats. You can generally bring one guest. They usually arrive about an hour prior to the show. This is when they start seating. You can hold one place in line at our theaters without any problem.

4. No electronics. Take your phones and any electronic devices to your car prior to seating. No devices of any kind are allowed in so that the movie is not pirated. That means cell phones, e-readers, tablets, etc. have to be left in your car. Otherwise they confiscate them and you have to retrieve them at the end of the show.

5. Enjoy the crowd. I've met several people since April when I started attending these events. There are a group that always goes to every screening. Overall, they are a nice bunch of folks, so take some time to talk to your fellow movie lovers in line. They are an interesting bunch.

6. Remember it is a free movie. OK, so you have to wait, it may start late as they try to get everyone seated, there will be a person you don't know sitting right next to you, and some people are jerks. It is a FREE movie and you are getting to see it before the general public. Deal with it.

7. No previews. One thing I enjoy about the screenings are the movie starts immediately. So if you hate the ads, these screenings are perfect.

8. Tweet and repeat. After going to a screening, it is polite to post or Tweet about the movie. Your review is one of the first for the movie. You were invited to share the buzz. It's OK to pan a movie if it wasn't good, but regardless of whether you liked or did not like the movie--share your impressions.