One in ten film fans turns to illegal downloads

• One in ten priced out of cinema have downloaded films illegally online
• More than half of film fans would go to the cinema more if it were cheaper
• Tony Stark’s house in Iron Man voted most desirable house
• Bates Motel in Psycho voted least popular place to live
• Direct Line is offering 2 for 1 annual cinema passes to new customers who purchase car or home insurance this March

As the recession continues to affect consumers’ entertainment budgets, cost conscious film lovers are seeking alternative ways of getting their film fix. A cinema survey carried out by Direct Line has revealed that one in ten people are flouting copyright rules and illegally downloading films.

The big screen research also found that more than half of film buffs would go to the cinema more if it were cheaper. Three in ten respondents are waiting for their favourite titles to come out on DVD rather than watch them at the cinema because of the cost of cinema tickets, with another technology savvy contingent of three in ten subscribing to rental or streaming services.

If money were no object when shopping for their new home, cinema goers would splash out on Tony Stark’s house in the Iron Man series, followed by Kevin’s house in Home Alone, Bilbo Baggins’s house in the Lord of the Rings series and Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The research also discovered that the least desirable movie abode was the Bates Motel from the Hitchcock classic horror film Psycho.

Claire Foster spokesperson at Direct Line, said: “It is easy to understand why people choose to watch their favourite films at home where they can curl up on the sofa, pause to make a cup of tea or rewind to relive that thrilling scene. However, nothing beats making a trip out to see a new release on the big screen with the cinema sound systems adding to the viewing experience. Our research shows that cost can put some people off going to the cinema, which is why Direct Line’s new 2 for 1 discount card is great for film fans.”

Take the Direct Line to the movies

If you’re a fan of the big screen, then you won’t want to miss out on our block‐busting Home and Car Insurance deal. We’re giving you unlimited 2 for 1 cinema entry for a whole year when you take out our Home or Car Insurance online before 31st March 2013. Don’t forget, this is on top of our current offers.

Big box office savings

As our 2 for 1 cinema ticket offer can be used on an unlimited basis, there’s no limit to the money you could save. So, if for example, you were to go to the cinema just a couple of times a month and the average ticket price was £7.20, then after a year you’d have saved over £172.80 - now that’s a lot of popcorn!

Remember, our 2 for 1 cinema ticket offer can be used on an unlimited basis, so there’s no limit to the money you could save. From the highly acclaimed Les Misérables, Lincoln and Life of Pi there’s no end to the movies you could be saving money on.

Once you’ve bought your Home or Car Insurance policy online, we’ll reserve your Direct Line Cinema Card, We’ll include full instructions on how to book your 2 for 1 tickets. Please see the terms and conditions for further information.

Our 2 for 1 offer is accepted at over 200 cinemas nationwide. So start planning your list of all the releases you want to catch.

Terms and conditions

Offer ends 31st March 2013
Online customers only

For further information please contact:

Chloe French
Media Relations Executive
Direct Line Press Office
E-mail: chloe.french@directlinegroup.co.uk
Tel: 0208 285 8848
Mob: 0777 064 0865

Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,004 UK adults aged 18+ from 26th to 28th February 2013. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria. www.opinium.co.uk

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides car, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on‐line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 878 5587 or visiting www.directline.com