Pittsburgh officials: Floating cinema promoter hasn't sought required permits

An Australian entertainment company promoting a series of floating cinema nights that includes a September swing through Pittsburgh has yet to apply for the necessary permits, according to city officials and a spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard.

“We are actively trying to get in contact with them so we can learn more about what they are trying to do,” Pittsburgh Special Events Manager Brian Katze said Monday. “If it’s a safe event and it can occur, it will.”

The floating cinema tour is billed as a way for people to safely watch movies from boats on waterways during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a press release promoting the tour, which is organized by Beyond Cinema. It appeared as if the promoter would provide boats for viewers.

Beyond Cinema didn’t respond to queries seeking more information.

On July 16, a press agent named Camila Boyd pitched a story about the cinema’s planned stop in Pittsburgh. It encouraged people to sign up to receive alerts for more information when those details were solidified. The company billed the event as free, excluding taxes and fees, which were unclear.

“Tickets will require you to purchase the whole boat to ensure that groups will be seated with friends and family only, and to allow for social distancing on and between boats!” the website said.

Boyd didn’t respond to requests for comment Monday.

The Pittsburgh stop is set for Sept. 16 through 20 at an as-yet-announced Three Rivers location. Philadelphia, New York, Orlando and Houston are among the other cities where the company indicated the films would be shown.

But as of Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Pittsburgh auxiliary unit hasn’t been contacted for any of the permits that would be needed to put on the shows.

“I have reached out to them and haven’t heard back yet,” Ensign William Russell said.

Russell is the spokesman for the Pittsburgh Coast Guard. He’s also been in contact with his colleagues in New York, another promised stop on the touring flotilla, and they’ve also not been contacted by Beyond Cinema either, Russell said.

Neither had Katze, whose office would also need to sign off on such an event.

The city requires a special event permit be issued 14 business days prior to the date the event is planned, Katze said.

In this case, the permit would have to be approved the week starting Aug. 24 for the movie nights to start Sept. 16, Katze said.

“That’s assuming the application is acceptable,” Katze said.

The city would need to be assured Beyond Cinema had the proper insurance coverage and safety plans to put on the event, he said.

There may be a problem with putting people who may never have operated a boat into one to watch a movie, he said. Public safety officials would also likely need to review the plan, Katze said.

Beyond Cinema promotes itself as a group that creates unique event experiences.

“Get ready to be transported into new worlds as the team bring the movie to life,” it proclaims on its website. “Beyond Cinema gives a new meaning to immersive cinema taking you into the heart of the action. Forget sitting in uncomfortable cinema seats and get ready for a unique adventure.”

There are 24 cities that are said to be stops for the floating cinema and websites have been set up for each stop for people to sign up to get more information when details are finalized.

The state Attorney General’s office hasn’t been asked about Beyond Cinema or its planned operations in Pennsylvania. The U.S. Attorney’s Western District office in Pittsburgh deferred comment to the FBI.

State officials and the FBI advise people to research companies before providing payment for tickets and to use a credit card for protection.