Entering a Film

Entering a Film

Usage

There are several parts to adding a film into RTS and this guide is intended to demonstrate every step of the process.

Accessing the Film Menu

There are two ways to access the film menu in RTS.
The shortest way to open the film menu when not in the showtime scheduler is Setup -> Films.
Films can be added directly through the Show Scheduler (Actions -> Schedule -> Showtimes New Scheduler). From the scheduler, click the blue Films button, then Add.
Both methods will result in the following menu opening:

Adding a Film

This guide will discuss three specific scenarios for entering a film. The most common is adding from the Internet Film List. We will also cover adding a custom film or adding a film with specific formats in the title.
Click Add to open a blank film information panel.

Using the Internet Film List

The Internet Film List is a repository curated by RTS containing past, current, and future films with film information, synopsis information, and Digital Signage Content.
If a film is not in the Internet Film List, reach out to support@rts-solutions.com.
Info
RTS does not add special formats or versions of the films to the list. The sections on adding a custom film or adding a format to the title will cover those steps.
Click Internet Film List.


Select the film you would like to add to the list. You may search for the film using the search bar. The film list will shorten as you type.
Once you have your film selected, click OK.

The Internet Film List will now populate some of the information in the fields of the film information window.


The process from this point is almost the same as not using the Internet Film List.

Adding a Film Without the Internet Film List

General Tab

When entering a new film without the internet film list, simply input the correct information. This glossary will help understand the various settings on the General tab of the Film Information window.
  1. Title: The title of the film in RTS.
  2. Display Title: Title that will display online, reports, and selling screens, if not using graphic film buttons.
  3. Length in Minutes: Length of performance. This will not be included when using the Internet Film List.
  4. Website: Link to the film's official website, movie trailer, etc.
  5. Film Codes - RTS: Film codes are generated for anyone who pulls the RTS schedule.
  6. Film Codes - MT.com: Film codes for MovieTickets.com.
  7. Film Codes - CS: Film codes for Webedia.
  8. Story Code: The code assigned to the Movie itself. It encompasses all versions of that film. For example: 3D, Sensory-friendly, etc.
  9. Start Date: When the movie is scheduled to start being shown.
  10. Ending Date: The last day the movie will be available to be shown.
  11. Third-Party Display: Enables displaying on third-party websites (Fandango, BoxOffice, etc.).
  12. Third-Party Sell: Enables selling on third-party websites (Fandango, BoxOffice, etc.).
  13. Display on Kiosk: Enables the Film for kiosk sales.
  14. RTN Display: Enables displaying on the RTS-provided websites.
  15. RTN Sell: Enables selling on RTS-provided websites.
  16. Rentrak Transfer: Enables reporting to Comscore/Swift/Rentrak/MaccsBox.
  17. Showtime Display: Enables showing the film on Digital Signage boards.
Title Field Considerations:
  1. The Title field has a character limit, so abbreviations may be necessary.
  2. The Display Title field has no character limit, allowing for the full film name.
These fields are often referred to as:
  1. Title: Database/Short Title
  2. Display Title: Display/Long Title
Info
When creating a film without the Internet Film List or when entering a custom film using the Internet Film List entry as a base, do not enter a story code. If you enter a code and any films share it, they will all be grouped together in certain places such as on the RTS app.
Notes
Removing the Story Code also causes the Display Title to be used on the RTS app instead of the Title.


Settings Tab


The Settings Tab enables settings for the film that will apply to all performances unless specifically noted on the performance. If you are scheduling a 3D film, you must check the setting here. If you used the Internet Film List, that setting should already be checked. This tab is also where you will set ADA settings for the film such as closed captioning.

Distributor Tab


The Distributor Tab associates a film to a studio for reporting purposes. You can select the distributor in the list.
This list populates from your Address Book in RTS. If you do not see the desired studio, select Add.
This will prompt your address book to add the Distributor.

Synopsis Tab


RTS will populate information for the movie on your selling screen and the kiosk when information is provided under the Synopsis tab. When using the Internet Film List, this information will be imported automatically. Otherwise, it can be left entered manually if desired.

Content Tab


The content tab populates graphics for your selling screen and also digital signage content.
When using the internet film list, you only need to click Download All.
Otherwise, you can upload your own content by clicking Load from disk.
Notes
If the Content tab does not have the LongTitle, MovieButtons, Poster, or Title sections, make sure to load the film from the Internet Film List. Once these sections appear in the Content tab, signage for the film can be downloaded by clicking the Download All button or custom signage can be used by clicking the Load from Disk button.
Warning
If a custom sign is used for a film, it must meet the exact size as listed in the Content tab. I.E. a custom Poster sign must be exactly 1000 pixels wide and 1500 tall.

Genre Tab


This tab can be used to apply one or more genres to the film if desired.

Adding a Custom Film

When the RTS media team adds a film to the Internet Film List, the initial version is a basic entry without specific format settings, aside from distinguishing between 2D and 3D. 
A custom film is used to signify that there is a difference from the base film in the Internet Film List. Usually, dubbed or subtitled versions, anniversary editions, or special events are when you will enter a custom film. The media team will usually only add a new film entry for these types of films if the posters are vastly different.
Warning
The following steps must be completed before saving as the Title field cannot be changed after the film is saved in the system.
First, you will use the Internet Film List to load the base film entry.


Next, edit the Title and Display title to be unique from the base film.
Remove the Story Code when entering a custom film. Otherwise, the all film entries sharing the Story Code will be grouped together.
Notes
Removing the Story Code also causes the Display Title to be used on the RTS app instead of the Title.


Enter the rest of the information as you would for any movie.

IMAX, PLF, and Other Formats

For special formats like PLF or IMAX, you must manually specify these settings in the Film Settings. If a film has both IMAX and non-IMAX showings, separate versions of the film must be created to differentiate between the formats.

Third-Party Integration Considerations

RTS integrates with a variety of third-party services, including projection systems, websites, and EBOR/Gross reporting companies. Each of these integrators pulls film settings differently.
To minimize potential issues, it's best to apply a range of settings that accommodate most, if not all, third-party systems.
This helps ensure consistency across different platforms and prevents discrepancies in film data.
Info
When entering film details, it is recommended to include IMAX in both the Title and Display Title fields.
This ensures accurate reporting for Electronic Box Office Reporting (EBOR) and Grosses.
When adding films in RTS, the titles are associated with Comscore reporting like so: 
  1. The Title field is used for film names in the EBOR data.
  2. The Display Title field is used for film names in the Grosses data.


Film Settings for Different Formats

The Settings tab in the Film Information window allows you to specify the film's format for display on both RTS-provided websites and third-party platforms.
Film settings are configured using simple checkboxes, allowing you to enable various formats and amenities that apply to the film.
Notes
Important Notes: Some third-party website integrators (such as Fandango) may require notification that these settings are being used to ensure proper display.


Enabling Auditorium Settings for Specific Formats

While not always required, it is good practice to ensure that auditorium settings are enabled when showing films in specific formats, such as 3D, IMAX, or PLF.
Notes
Important Note: Unlike Film Settings, Auditorium Settings only need to be applied once and rarely need to be changed afterward.
Why This Matters:
  1. These settings inform RTS that the auditorium is capable of displaying films in the selected format
  2. Some third-party integrators may rely on these settings for proper film display.
  3. Enabling the appropriate settings helps prevent potential issues before they arise.
Auditorium settings must be configured in two separate areas for each auditorium:
  1. Physical Auditorium Settings
    1. Defines the actual physical space in your theater.
    2. This setting tells RTS that this is a real-world location where films will be shown.
  2. Schedule Location Settings
    1. Assigns a Schedule Location to a Physical Auditorium.
    2. This setting allows films to be scheduled and assigned to that auditorium.
Ensuring both settings are properly configured helps RTS and third-party integrators recognize which formats an auditorium can support.

Accessing Auditorium Settings

To configure auditorium settings, navigate to Setup → Auditoriums.

You will find two tabs:
  1. Schedule Locations
  2. Physical Locations
Each tab has its own configurable settings that you can apply as needed.


Troubleshooting

How to get / correct content

If you have added a film and the content did not get downloaded or the incorrect film content was applied, you can resolve that here.
  • Select the film in Setup -> Films.
  • Click Edit.
  • Select Internet Film List.
  • Choose your film using the search bar.
  • Click OK.
  • On the Content Tab, click Download All. The content will begin downloading.
    • If you do not want to use the content associated with the film in the Internet Film List, you can follow the sizing guide to upload custom images. The recommended format is JPEG (.jpg).
  • Save.
  • Navigate to Setup -> Digital Signage -> Films.
  • Select the film title you are trying to correct on the Current Film List.
  • On the right, click Open Folder.
  • Verify that the images in the folder are not correct and delete them.
  • Restart the Internet Server.

    Grouped Showtimes on the RTS App

    If your showtimes are grouped together on the RTS app, that likely indicates that they share a Story Code. If you notice this is happening, follow these steps.
    1. Navigate to Setup -> Films and select one of the films, then click Edit.
    2. Move the Film Information window to the side and select the next film, then click Edit.
    3. Compare the Story Code on both windows.

    Once you have confirmed the films share a code, you can find the correct code with these steps:
    1. Go back to Setup -> Films.
    2. Click Add.
    3. Click Internet Film List.
    4. Search for one of the films and click OK when you select the correct entry.
    5. This will populate that film's Story Code in the Film Information window.
      1. Remember, if the film entry is a custom film then you can delete the Story Code.
    6. Copy the correct story code and past it in the Film Information window for the film that had the wrong code.
    7. Save.
    8. Restart the Internet Server.

    See Also


      • Related Articles

      • Adding IMAX/PLF Films In RTS

        IMAX/PLF Films and RTS When creating a film in RTS using the Internet Film List, the initial version is a basic entry without specific format settings, aside from distinguishing between 2D and 3D. For special formats like PLF or IMAX, you must ...

      • Adding a New Film

        Adding New Films This section will explain how to add films to RTS. Before films can be scheduled, they must first be added to your database. For efficiency and to utilize all available features, please use the Internet Film List when adding your ...

      • Adding Custom Concession Item Images

        You can load custom images for your concession items to display on your selling screen and on the app. Note: The images must be a Bitmap (.bmp) size 200px X 100px Placing the Image On Stations Once you have a custom image, you will need to put it on ...

      • New Customer Setup Checklist

        New Customer Setup Checklist This document is designed to assist you with your RTS setup. The steps highlighted in red are critical for the RTS setup, while those highlighted in green represent additional features available with your licensing ...

      • New Customer Resource Guide

        New Customer Resources This document is designed to assist you with getting familiar with the information relevant to starting with RTS as your new POS provider. For any assistance, please feel free to contact RTS at any time; we offer 24/7/365 ...