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The shadowy figure lurking in the back row has not been named by FACT although he is said to be a former police officer with ten years service and then a further five years experience working within a major media company in an investigative capacity. His role is not only to nab the pirates red-handed but also provide awareness training for cinema staff, investigation of incidents and liaison with local police forces.

The position is being bankrolled by the British film distribution companies, in recognition of a need to assist the management and protection of film copyright in the theatrical arena.

The most likely period for illegal copying to take place is in the first few days of a release as that is when the public interest in a new film is at its height and when the biggest profits from selling bootleg DVDs can be made. Until a few years ago, copying in cinemas was mostly confined to the United States where the majority of movies made their debut. However, now that most films are released simultaneously around the world - partly as a reaction to international piracy - the possibility of a film bootlegged in the UK is much higher.