OCT 31, 2024

The Open Captions Debate Still Hangs Above Exhibitors' Heads

BY SHAYLA SCHUHRIEMEN

Why Open Captioning Is a Growing Issue for Movie Theaters

During a screening of Magazine Dreams at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, the jury made headlines by walking out in the middle of the film. The reason for the dramatic gesture was accessibility. A closed-captioning device provided to hearing-impaired juror Marlee Matlin malfunctioned, leaving her unable to fully follow the film. In solidarity, the rest of the jury left the screening as well, sparking renewed discussion among filmmakers, advocacy groups, and exhibitors about the future of movie theater accessibility.

Accessibility advocates have encouraged filmmakers to provide open-captioned versions of films for years, citing both accessibility needs and language barriers. Although the filmmakers behind Magazine Dreams declined to provide an open-caption version, Sundance supplied closed-captioning devices for hearing-impaired attendees. Following the incident, Sundance released a statement explaining:

"The screening device used to provide closed captions did not work at one of our Friday evening premiers. The jury left to see it together at another time during the festival. Our team immediately worked with the devices in that venue to test them again for the next screening, and the devide worked without any malfunction."

Advocacy groups argue that open captions—which are permanently embedded into the film image—eliminate the need to separate accessibility devices and provide a more reliable, inclusive viewing experience for everyone.

Who Is Responsible for Movie Theater Accessibility?

This incident raises an important question: Should accessibility be the responsibility of filmmakers or movie theaters?

The U.S. Department of Justice and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) place that responsibility on movie theaters through the Final Rule, which requires theaters to provide closed-captioning and audio description devices for patrons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired.

Two commonly used accessibility devices include:

Sony Entertainment Access Glasses, which display captions directly within the wearer's field of vision.
CaptiView devices, which attach to theater seats and display captions on an adjustable screen.

While these devices satisfy ADA requirements, many patrons report frustration due to equipment malfunctions or poor maintenance. Batteries may be dead, devices may not be configured for the correct auditorium, or equipment may sit unused for long periods before a guest requests it. To provide a positive customer experience, theaters should establish a regular maintenance schedule to inspect batteries, test equipment, and verify proper setup before screenings.

The Challenges of Open Captioning for Filmmakers and Theaters

From the filmmaker's perspective, producing open-captioned versions of films can increase production costs, creating another financial hurdle in an industry that already has a high barrier to entry. Higher production costs can result in fewer independent films being made, ultimately affecting both filmmakers and theaters.

Unlike closed-caption screenings, which allow captions to be turned on or off through accessibility devices, open-captioned films permanently display captions on the screen. Some theater owners worry this could discourage portions of their audience. According to a survey conducted by Preply of 1,260 Americans, 22% of respondents said they found subtitles more distracting than helpful. It's worth noting, however, that this survey focused on at-home viewing rather than theatrical experience.

Open Captioning Laws Are Expanding Across the U.S.

As the debate continues, several jurisdictions—including the District of Columbia, New York City, Hawaii, and Delaware—have already adopted requirements for theaters to offer a portion of their screenings with open captions. These policies could signal a broader nationwide shift toward greater accessibility requirements.

Some theater chains have chosen to act before additional legislation is enacted. AMC, for example, has expanded open-caption screenings to more than 100 locations across the United States.

For independent theaters, offering regularly scheduled open-caption screenings can provide a more inclusive experience for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing while reducing dependence on accessibility devices alone.

Improving Accessibility at Your Movie Theater

Accessibility continues to evolve, and theaters that proactively invest in accessible experiences are better positioned to serve every member of their community. Whether you're evaluating closed-caption screenings, or developing accessibility policies, thoughtful planning can improve both compliance and customer satisfaction.

If you'd like to learn more about accessibility solutions for your theater, contact the team at Clark Film Buying. Our knowledgeable staff can help you evaluate captioning options, accessibility equipment, and industry best practices.