Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the hottest questions surrounding Cinema Society, in terms of procedures and policies, with comments by Andy. These issues, and appropriate responses, are based on past experiences and comments from members via phone calls, letters and evaluations.

May I bring a guest to Cinema Society?

There will be fewer "guest tickets" this season, due to our number of members and limited seating. To bring a guest, you MUST call the Society office at 619/280-1600 ext. 6 (no later than Noon the day of the show) then leave your name, phone number and the name of the guest. If you don't hear from us, expect a guest pass at the information desk. Guest tickets run $25 each (cash or check only, please).

If I can't make an event, may I pass my space onto others?

If you cannot attend a Cinema Society event, you are encouraged to pass your place to others. To do so, simply contact the Cinema Society office at 619-280-1600 to transfer your space to another, leaving your name, program date and name, and the number of people (based on the number of memberships you have) by 12:00pm Noon the day of the show. If you don't hear back from us, you're all set. No need to give us the name of your guest - the transfer pass will be under your name.

What's the best way of meeting new members?

Simple. Turn to anyone and ask this question, "What did you think of the last film", and then introduce yourself.

What about saving seats for friends and spouses?

We have a first come, first served seating policy—other than for special guests, we don't offer reserve seats. It's understandable that family members and friends enjoy sitting with each other, and that people have favorite seats (if hearing is a problem, sit closer to the screen). To save a seat next to you or two seats for a couple is fine, but more than that won't be acceptable. And once we hit 10 minutes prior to showtime - when formal introductions are announced - there will be no reserved seating at all. MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO OVERSEE THIS AND ACT ACCORDINGLY. If you "don't sit in the fourth row" or you must have an end seat, you're advised to get to the theater early, line up, and enter when we open the doors.

What do you mean that the Cinema Society is a 'cell phone and pager free zone?'

Cell phones and pagers are important tools, but they have no business being turned "on" inside auditoriums of a Cinema Society event. It's not just the sound of the ring that's disruptive to the film viewing process; it's the follow up whispers of "I'm at the Cinema Society...it's a film from France...I'll have to call you back" that's annoying to those sitting around the cell phone user. We don't hold events in family rooms. This is a public facility, shared by fellow film lovers. For the respect of fellow members, and to the filmmakers, please turn OFF cell phones and pagers. If members are seated near a phone or pager that rings during a screening, you have permission to (lightly) tap the person's shoulder, reminding them that silence is golden at the movies!

What's the big deal about talking in the theatre?

No big deal, if you're talking before introductory remarks and after the discussion is completed. But some members are speaking as introductory remarks are announced, and during the screenings and discussions. It may seem like "no big deal", but it is, for Cinema Society members want to hear the film clearly, without distractions. A soft whisper can be heard, and those doing it, I believe, don't realize it— they think they're home watching their TV. The specialness of the movies is that you can share an experience with others—laugh and cry—but breaking the mood with a chat is not only annoying to those around you—it's sending the wrong signal as a Cinema Society ambassador (remember crying rooms?). If someone around you begins chatting, you have the right to turn and alert them (in a proper manner), either by a tap on the shoulder or a request to please stop talking and they should simply nod their head in thanks. No fist fights, please. Do the right thing, and let's watch these movies in peace and harmony. People shouldn't talk at movies, at the opera, at a symphony concert, or at a live theater performance. It's simply wrong.

Below are the hottest questions surrounding Cinema Society, in terms of procedures and policies, with comments by Andy. These issues, and appropriate responses, are based on past experiences and comments from members via phone calls, letters and evaluations.

May I bring a guest to Cinema Society?

To bring a guest, you MUST call the Society office at 619/280-1600 ext. 6 (no later than Noon the day of the show) then leave your name, phone number and the name of the guest. If you don't hear from us, expect a guest pass at the information desk. Guest tickets run $25 each (cash or check only, please).

If I can't make an event, may I pass my space onto others?

If you are unable to attend a Cinema Society event, you are encouraged to pass your place on to others. To do so, simply contact the Cinema Society office at 619-280-1600 to transfer your space to another, leaving your name, program date and name, and the number of people (based on the number of memberships you have). If you don't hear back from us, you're all set. No need to give us the name of your guest - the transfer pass will be under your name.

Will all events be held on selected Wednesday evenings at the Harkins Shea Theatre, 7354 E. Shea Blvd. in Scottsdale?

Our home is the Harkins Shea Theatre on selected Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm from November through April. Normally we hold a "cinema chat" at 7:00PM, followed by an introduction of the film, screening, with a discussion immediately following.

Will there be a chance to discuss films not showcased at the Cinema Society?

At the beginning of each Cinema Society evenings, Andy will mix it up with those members wishing to chat about hits and misses not showcased at the Cinema Society, time permitting.

What's the best way of meeting new members?

Simple. Turn to anyone and ask this question, "What did you think of the last film", and then introduce yourself.

What about saving seats for friends and spouses?

We have a first come, first served seating policy—other than for special guests, and members of our Directors Circle, we don't offer reserve seats. It's understandable that family members and friends enjoy sitting with each other, and that people have favorite seats (if hearing is a problem, sit closer to the screen). To save a seat next to you or two seats for a couple is fine, but more than that won't be acceptable. MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO OVERSEE THIS AND ACT ACCORDINGLY. If you "don't sit in the fourth row" or you must have an end seat, you're advised to get to the theater early, line up, and enter when we open the doors.

What do you mean that the Cinema Society is a 'cell phone and pager free zone?'

Cell phones and pagers are important tools, but they have no business being turned "on" inside auditoriums of a Cinema Society event. It's not just the sound of the ring that's disruptive to the film viewing process; it's the follow up whispers of "I'm at the Cinema Society...it's a film from France...I'll have to call you back" that's annoying to those sitting around the cell phone user. We don't hold events in family rooms. This is a public facility, shared by fellow film lovers. For the respect of fellow members, and to the filmmakers, please turn OFF cell phones and pagers. If members are seated near a phone or pager that rings during a screening, you have permission to (lightly) tap the person's shoulder, reminding them that silence is golden at the movies!

What's the big deal about talking in the theatre?

No big deal, if you're talking before introductory remarks and after the discussion is completed. But some members are speaking as introductory remarks are announced, and during the screenings and discussions. It may seem like "no big deal", but it is, for Cinema Society members want to hear the film clearly, without distractions. A soft whisper can be heard, and those doing it, I believe, don't realize it— they think they're home watching their TV. The specialness of the movies is that you can share an experience with others—laugh and cry—but breaking the mood with a chat is not only annoying to those around you—it's sending the wrong signal as a Cinema Society ambassador (remember crying rooms?). If someone around you begins chatting, you have the right to turn and alert them (in a proper manner), either by a tap on the shoulder or a request to please stop talking and they should simply nod their head in thanks. No fist fights, please. Do the right thing, and let's watch these movies in peace and harmony. People shouldn't talk at movies, at the opera, at a symphony concert, or at a live theater performance. It's simply wrong.

Below are the hottest questions surrounding Cinema Society, in terms of procedures and policies, with comments by Andy. These issues, and appropriate responses, are based on past experiences and comments from members via phone calls, letters and evaluations.

May I bring a guest to Cinema Society?

To bring a guest, you MUST call the Society office at 619/280-1600 ext. 6 (no later than Noon the day of the show) then leave your name, phone number and the name of the guest. If you don't hear from us, expect a guest pass at the information desk. Guest tickets run $25 each (cash or check only, please).

If I can't make an event, may I pass my space onto others?

To do so, simply contact the Cinema Society office at 619-280-1600 to transfer your space to another no later than 12:00pm Noon the day of the show, leaving your name, program date and name, and the number of people (based on the number of memberships you have). If you don't hear back from us, you're all set. No need to give us the name of your guest - the transfer pass will be under your name.

Will all events be held on selected Thursday Afternoons at the Harkins Park West 14 Theater?

Our home is the Harkins Park West 14 Theater on selected Thursday Afternoon at 4:00pm from November through April. Normally we hold a "cinema chat" at 4:00PM, followed by an introduction of the film, screening, with a discussion immediately following.

Will there be a chance to discuss films not showcased at the Cinema Society?

At the beginning of each Cinema Society evenings, Andy will mix it up with those members wishing to chat about hits and misses not showcased at the Cinema Society.

What's the best way of meeting new members?

Simple. Turn to anyone and ask this question, "What did you think of the last film", and then introduce yourself.

What about saving seats for friends and spouses?

We have a first come, first served seating policy—other than for special guests, we don't offer reserve seats. However, as a thank you gift to Directors Circle members, they are invited to enter the auditorium first. It's understandable that family members and friends enjoy sitting with each other, and that people have favorite seats (if hearing is a problem, sit closer to the screen). To save a seat next to you or two seats for a couple is fine, but more than that won't be acceptable. MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO OVERSEE THIS AND ACT ACCORDINGLY. If you "don't sit in the fourth row" or you must have an end seat, you're advised to get to the theater early, line up, and enter when we open the doors.

What do you mean that the Cinema Society is a 'cell phone and pager free zone?'

Cell phones and pagers are important tools, but they have no business being turned "on" inside auditoriums of a Cinema Society event. It's not just the sound of the ring that's disruptive to the film viewing process; it's the follow up whispers of "I'm at the Cinema Society...it's a film from France...I'll have to call you back" that's annoying to those sitting around the cell phone user. We don't hold events in family rooms— This is a public facility, shared by fellow film lovers. For the respect of fellow members, and to the filmmakers, please turn OFF cell phones and pagers. If members are seated near a phone or pager that rings during a screening, you have permission to (lightly) tap the person's shoulder, reminding them that silence is golden at the movies!

What's the big deal about talking in the theatre?

No big deal, if you're talking before introductory remarks and after the discussion is completed. But some members are speaking as introductory remarks are announced, and during the screenings and discussions. It may seem like "no big deal", but it is, for Cinema Society members want to hear the film clearly, without distractions. A soft whisper can be heard, and those doing it, I believe, don't realize it— they think they're home watching their TV. The specialness of the movies is that you can share an experience with others—laugh and cry—but breaking the mood with a chat is not only annoying to those around you—it's sending the wrong signal as a Cinema Society ambassador (remember crying rooms?). If someone around you begins chatting, you have the right to turn and alert them (in a proper manner), either by a tap on the shoulder or a request to please stop talking and they should simply nod their head in thanks. No fist fights, please. Do the right thing, and let's watch these movies in peace and harmony. People shouldn't talk at movies, at the opera, at a symphony concert, or at a live theater performance. It's simply wrong.

Below are the hottest questions surrounding Cinema Society, in terms of procedures and policies, with comments by Andy. These issues, and appropriate responses, are based on past experiences and comments from members via phone calls, letters and evaluations.

May I bring a guest to Cinema Society?

To bring a guest, you MUST call the Society office at 619/280-1600 ext. 4 (no later than Noon the day of the show) then leave your name, phone number and the name of the guest. If you don't hear from us, expect a guest pass at the information desk. Guest tickets run $20 each (cash or check only, please).

If I can't make an event, may I pass my space onto others?

To do so, simply contact the Cinema Society office at 619-280-1600 to transfer your space to another no later than 12:00pm Noon the day of the show, leaving your name, program date and name, and the number of people (based on the number of memberships you have). If you don't hear back from us, you're all set. No need to give us the name of your guest - the transfer pass will be under your name.

Will all events be held on selected Monday Afternoons at the AMC Town Square Theaters

Our home is the AMC Town Square Theaters on selected Monday Afternoon at 4:00pm from November through April. Normally we hold a "cinema chat" at 4:00PM, followed by an introduction of the film, screening, with a discussion immediately following.

Will there be a chance to discuss films not showcased at the Cinema Society?

At the beginning of each Cinema Society event, Andy will mix it up with those members wishing to chat about hits and misses not showcased at the Cinema Society.

What's the best way of meeting new members?

Simple. Turn to anyone and ask this question, "What did you think of the last film", and then introduce yourself.

What about saving seats for friends and spouses?

We have a first come, first served seating policy—other than for special guests, we don't offer reserve seats. It's understandable that family members and friends enjoy sitting with each other, and that people have favorite seats (if hearing is a problem, sit closer to the screen). To save a seat next to you or two seats for a couple is fine, but more than that won't be acceptable. MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO OVERSEE THIS AND ACT ACCORDINGLY. If you "don't sit in the fourth row" or you must have an end seat, you're advised to get to the theater early, line up, and enter when we open the doors.

What do you mean that the Cinema Society is a 'cell phone and pager free zone?'

Cell phones and pagers are important tools, but they have no business being turned "on" inside auditoriums of a Cinema Society event. It's not just the sound of the ring that's disruptive to the film viewing process; it's the follow up whispers of "I'm at the Cinema Society...it's a film from France...I'll have to call you back" that's annoying to those sitting around the cell phone user. We don't hold events in family rooms. This is a public facility, shared by fellow film lovers. For the respect of fellow members, and to the filmmakers, please turn OFF cell phones and pagers. If members are seated near a phone or pager that rings during a screening, you have permission to (lightly) tap the person's shoulder, reminding them that silence is golden at the movies!

What's the big deal about talking in the theatre?

No big deal, if you're talking before introductory remarks and after the discussion is completed. But some members are speaking as introductory remarks are announced, and during the screenings and discussions. It may seem like "no big deal", but it is, for Cinema Society members want to hear the film clearly, without distractions. A soft whisper can be heard, and those doing it, I believe, don't realize it— they think they're home watching their TV. The specialness of the movies is that you can share an experience with others—laugh and cry—but breaking the mood with a chat is not only annoying to those around you—it's sending the wrong signal as a Cinema Society ambassador (remember crying rooms?). If someone around you begins chatting, you have the right to turn and alert them (in a proper manner), either by a tap on the shoulder or a request to please stop talking and they should simply nod their head in thanks. No fist fights, please. Do the right thing, and let's watch these movies in peace and harmony. People shouldn't talk at movies, at the opera, at a symphony concert, or at a live theater performance. It's simply wrong.

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