As a film student at NYU I am often afforded the opportunity to see early screenings of films. In a few days Woody Allen’s new film Match Point is being screened for NYU students (and probably members of the press and a bunch of other people, too). I was lucky enough to obtain a ticket for it.

This screening, like the numerous prescreening events I’ve attended in the past, will have better security than an airport, and that’s not an exaggeration. When I go, if I have a bag, it will be gone through with a fine-toothed comb. I’ll have to check any devices capable of camera or audio-recording functions at the door. I’ve seen people patted down. I will certainly be metal-detected.

Here’s what my ticket looks like:

That fine print at the bottom reads:

Individuals entering the theater will be subject to physical search and inspection of their person and personal effects for recording devices and may be required to pass through a metal detector and/or subject to scanning via a handheld metal detection device. No one possessing any camera, recorder or any other device capable of recording sound or images, including without limitation camera-equipped PDA’s and cellular phones, will be permitted to attend this screening.

THIS SCREENING WILL BE MONITORED FOR UNAUTHORIZED RECORDING.

Anyone who uses a recording device or attempts to use a recording device during this screening will be subject to immediate removal, detention and civil and criminal prosecution. Any recording device (including its contents) discovered in the theater shall be subject to immediate forfeiture and/or destruction. Unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement, and nothing contained in this notice shall be construed to limit our available remedies and/or legal recourse, including without limitation a legal action for copyright infringement statutory damages of up to $150,000.00 per violation.

I’m not ungrateful for the opportunity to go to screenings like this. I’m posting this because most people never get to see things like it. I just think it raises some tough questions.

Who is the “us” in that fine print? Dreamworks? Woody Allen? The MPAA? How do they calculate the number of violations? If I took two shots of the screen with a furtive snap of my cameraphone, would I expose myself to a $300,000 fine? Why do they need to take precautions about this around people who are studying to go into careers that will only make the MPAA richer? Are they really saving themselves any trouble when the movie will be available on bootleg DVD in every subway in the city the moment the film hits theaters? Doesn’t seem like it.