Quebec associations set limit for theatre ad loudness
By Adnews Staff
Six associations from Quebec’s film and advertising industries have signed an agreement to set standards for the average maximum sound level in movie theatres. Under this agreement, advertisements shown in theatres will be limited to 82 dB Leq(m), which is a measurement of average loudness over time. Previews will be limited to 85 dB Leq(m). By the terms of the agreement, all ads and previews shown in Quebec theatres must conform to these standards by Sept. 1. Theatre owners will be able to decline any ad or preview which does not meet these standards. “The movie-going experience must be a happy one,” said Mario Fortin, president of the Association des propriétaires de cinémas et de ciné-parcs du Québec. “If movie-goers refuse to enter some theaters because the sound level is too high or if they leave complaining about their experiences, everybody loses.” The signatories to the agreement are the Association des agences de publicité du Québec, the Association Canadienne des distributeurs et exportateurs de films, the Association des propriétaires de cinémas et de ciné-parcs du Québec, the Association des producteurs de films et de télévision du Québec, the Association des réalisateurs et réalisatrices du Québec and the Association des Professionnels en Audio.