Money blog: The 24-minute rule – The optimal time to arrive at the cinema to skip adverts | UK News

Heading to the Cinema? Here’s When You Should Actually Arrive

If you’re heading to the cinema with a ticket for a 7pm showtime, you might want to reconsider your arrival time. According to information gathered from major UK cinema chains, the actual start time of the movie may vary from the time listed on your ticket.

Cineworld, for example, states that ads and trailers typically last between 30-45 minutes before the film begins. Odeon, on the other hand, suggests a shorter wait time of 15-25 minutes for ads and trailers. Everyman plays 25 minutes of ads and trailers, while Showcase and Vue both mention a 20-25 minute window.

Karen Stacey, the chief executive of Digital Cinema Media, revealed that the average wait time for ads and trailers is around 24 minutes, with 12 minutes allocated for ads and 12 for trailers. This consistent timing allows for a more organized entry for the audience and helps cinemas maximize revenue.

While there are no strict rules governing the length of ads and trailers, cinema policies play a significant role in determining the duration. Research has shown that audiences find cinema advertising to be engaging and effective, with viewers trusting what they see on the big screen.

For those looking to skip the pre-show altogether, independent or community cinemas may be a better option. These cinemas often have shorter pre-shows and offer a more personalized experience for moviegoers. So, next time you head to the cinema, plan your arrival time accordingly to make the most of your movie-watching experience.