Never Pay for Movie Tickets Again

Thanks to a lovely friend, we got two free tickets to a screening of Disney’s Cinderella earlier in the week, 7 days before the actual release date.  It was a nice weekday surprise and I must admit, it felt pretty cool to see a movie before everyone else does, for FREE.  

Studios will occasional do free screenings of selected movies in selected cities to generate public interest and allow the local press to see it first.  That means you'll get to see movies before they're open to the public, if you know where to look.

Where to get tickets
Sign up for a free account at these sites to get email alerts when free screenings become available.  They usually have links or instructions on how to get the free tickets.  The free tickets can be claimed at the site itself or it might take you directly to the movie studio's site (like Lionsgate) where you have to sign up again.  Once you claim your tickets, print, bring it to the movies, and enjoy!

Tickets go really quickly so get on it quick.  If you didn't get it, you can sign up to be on the wait list or you can also enter several sweepstakes for a chance to win tickets.

Here are several sites you where you can sign up for updates or enter your zip code to see if there's a free screening in your area:

• https://lionsgatescreenings.com/ - They do a lot of screenings in Louisville.  Sign up to get their emails. 
• The Owens Group - Like them on facebook to get codes for screenings for several studios they represent, especially in Cincy, Cleveland, Columbus, Indy & Louisville
• http://advancescreenings.com/ - This is the most comprehensive website 
• http://www.seeitfirst.net/ - For Disney Movies 
• http://www.gofobo.com/
• http://www.cinemit.com/
• http://www.getscreening.com/

Sign up for as many sites as possible to make sure you don't miss out on any.  You can also follow them on their social media page.  Here's an example of what it looks like from advancescreenings.com:

How to use your tickets
Once you get your free tickets (usually via emails), print and bring it with you to the theaters.  Keep in mind:

• It's first come first serve.  It's usually overbooked so you might not be guaranteed a seat. 
• Arrive at least 30-45 minutes early to get the best seats
• Bring your ID (they didn't check mine but bring it just in case)
• In most cases, there's no preview, so 120 minutes means 120 minutes
• Most screenings are on weeknights, around 7 p.m.