Understanding Cinema Advert and Trailer Lengths: What Time Should You Really Arrive?

The Time You Should Actually Arrive at the Cinema to Avoid Missing the Start of Your Film

By Narbeh Minassian, news reporter

Are you tired of waiting through endless adverts and trailers before your movie actually starts at the cinema? Well, we’ve gathered information from the UK’s major cinema chains and spoken to experts to help you plan your arrival time more effectively.

Cineworld states that ads and trailers typically last between 30-45 minutes before the actual film begins. They recommend customers to collect tickets at least 20 minutes before the listed time to make the most of their visit.

Odeon, on the other hand, claims that advert and trailer length is typically 15-25 minutes, but this can vary with each performance. They advise arriving with enough time to enter the screen at the scheduled performance start time.

Everyman plays 25 minutes’ worth of adverts and trailers, but this can vary for special events. Showcase responded to a customer on social media, stating that ads and trailers are approximately 20-25 minutes long before each show. Vue offers a more precise window of around 20 to 25 minutes of ads and trailers before the feature starts.

According to Karen Stacey, the chief executive of Digital Cinema Media, the typical wait time is 24 minutes – 12 minutes for ads and 12 for trailers. This consistent length allows for a more staggered entry for the audience and helps cinemas maximize revenue.

While there are no set rules governing cinema advertising length, cinema policy is the key decider. Research has shown that audiences find advertising in cinemas to be part of the entertainment experience.

If you want to avoid the pre-show altogether, independent or community cinemas might be your best bet. These cinemas often have shorter pre-shows and focus more on setting the audience up for the screening.

So, next time you head to the cinema, plan your arrival time accordingly to ensure you don’t miss the start of your film. And remember, the ads and trailers are all part of the experience of going to the movies!