Blogger dials 911 over cinema cell phone disruption

Image
AFP Toronto
Last Updated : Sep 11 2013 | 8:02 PM IST
An American blogger annoyed by texting and emailing on smartphones during a movie at the Toronto film festival called police this week.
Alex Billington reportedly first complained to theatre managers at the Monday midnight screening of Ti West's "The Sacrament."
But when no action was taken, he called the police emergency response line, 911.
He told Canadian media that he was concerned that the film was being pirated by someone who had raised their phone to the movie screen.
Later, he admitted that he was chiefly just bugged by the disruptions, and apologised for wasting first responders' time.
"I overreacted," he said in a Twitter message.
The Toronto film festival in fact uses strong anti-piracy measures, including staff equipped with night-vision goggles to spot illicit filming during screenings.
Billington could not be reached for comment.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 11 2013 | 8:02 PM IST

Next Story