In Missouri, movie distributors are not allowed to ask theaters to bid on or make deals for a movie before the theaters have actually seen it — this is called 'blind bidding.' There is a small exception: distributors can blind bid on up to two movies per year total. When a distributor does hold a screening for theaters to watch a movie before bidding, they must give all theaters in Missouri fair and equal notice about that screening.
407.353. of pictures prohibited, when — s required to give notice of . — 1. Blind bidding of more than two motion pictures in any twelve-month period in the state of Missouri by the of all distributors, or their distributors or related companies, not previously exhibited within this state is hereby prohibited within this state. No bids shall be returnable, no negotiations for the or licensing of a motion picture shall take place, and no or any of its terms shall be agreed to for the exhibition of any motion picture within this state before the motion picture has been trade screened within this state.
2. Every distributor shall furnish to all exhibitors in this state reasonable and notice of all trade screenings that are held within this state of motion pictures that he is .
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Source & history notes
(L. 1982 S.B. 525 § 2)
Related Missouri laws
General invitation to bid, contents
RSMo 407.355
Definitions
RSMo 407.350
Blind bidding permitted, when
RSMo 407.357
Sexual material harmful to minors
RSMo 407.3405
Bond, issued in favor of state of Missouri, payable to whom
RSMo 407.340
Bond, filed with attorney general, amount, exceptions
RSMo 407.339
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.