Hey “Wicked” Watchers: STOP FILMING THE DAMN SCREEN

There’s been a fairly troubling trend in movie theaters the last few years. No, it’s not just your standard rude people talking at full volume, or even the less-frequent people lighting up a full joint. The most annoying (and illegal) thing people are currently doing is filming and taking photos of the movie screen during the film.

For whatever reason, it’s largely TikTokers and various young persons engaging in this, and specifically the Universal Pictures’ release “Wicked Part One.”

Sure, we get it- you’re really excited to be seeing your favorite musical get a big studio adaptation with a strong cast. Who wouldn’t be excited for that? But, by doing this, you’re being incredibly disrespectful to that cast and your fellow film watchers.

ITS ILLEGAL TO FILM MOVIE SCREENS.

STOP DOING IT.

It’s also, you know, ILLEGAL to do so. And before you start claiming it’s not like several of the people posting their photos and videos are doing, please look up US Federal Law18 U.S.C. § 2319B. It specifically prohibits the unauthorized recording of a motion picture in a movie theater exhibition facility.  Also, filming any portion of a movie in a theater is a violation of copyright law.


“Wicked Part One” is currently in theaters, breaking box office records, and defying gravity. You can read our review here.