According to a poll done by consumer research firm C4, only 9% of moviegoers said they plan on going to the movies less often because of mass shooting incidents that have—or almost have—occurred over the past few years.
C4 asked 500 people who see at least six movies each year to respond to questions on security, and found that 48% would pay $1 or more for better security. But just 23% said the same when asked about a $2 or more increase. That figure dropped to 19% when respondents were asked about a $3 or more spike.
When asked about the specific security measures they’d like to see taken, 33% said they’d opt for metal detectors. Thirty-five percent said they’d feel comfortable with bag checks, and 16% said they want armed security guards at a theater.
The survey comes soon after Universal Pictures made a controversial offer to partner with theaters that wanted more security for showings of Straight Outta Compton, and weeks after a fatal shooting in a Louisiana theater showing Trainwreck. And recently, Aurora theater shooter James Holmes was sentenced to life in prison without parole on 24 counts of murder in the first degree.
Still, it seems fewer people are going to the movies overall. The Hollywood Reporter noted in January that the rate of moviegoers hit a 19-year low in 2014—although the Reporter contends that might be because 2014’s summer blockbusters were bad.
Danielle Wiener-Bronner is a news reporter.