FAQs
How to Reach Us
Q: Where are you located?
A: In the heart of beautiful Northeast L.A. at 4884 Eagle Rock Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90041.
Q: What are your hours?
A: Video Store:
Monday – Friday: Noon – 10PM
Saturday – Sunday: 11AM – 10PM
Theaters:
Movies screen daily – check our calendar for times and titles!
Q: How do I talk to a human?
A: Call us during regular store hours at (323) 474-6249. We strive to pick up within two rings, but we’re a small team, if you end up going to VM, please try us back in a few minutes.
Q: Can I DM you questions on socials?
A: Please do not DM us on social media with time sensitive questions about screening times, ticket availability, specifics of an event etc. We love connecting with you, but are also a small team of humans with limited capacity. Please check the website listing for the event or call us during video store hours with these questions. If your question is not time sensitive, you can review the FAQ for the appropriate email address to send your inquiry.
General Questions
Q: What are your hours?
Video Store:
Monday – Friday: Noon – 10PM
Saturday – Sunday: 11AM – 10PM
Theaters:
Movies screen daily – check our calendar for times and titles!
Q: Where do I park?
A: There is ample street parking in Eagle Rock all around Vidiots, and a 29-car public parking lot at 5065 Caspar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90041, an approximate 6-minute walk to/from Vidiots. We strongly encourage ride shares (especially if you’re planning to enjoy our beer and wine bar), walking if you’re nearby, and public transportation (check out Micro Metro, it’s so affordable and we have stops a few steps from the Eagle). When parking on residential streets, please be absolutely sure to check your parking to avoid blocking driveways (some neighbors will tow), and be mindful of noise as you’re navigating to Vidiots. Please also DO NOT park in the lots of nearby businesses, they may tow, and will be doing so legally.
Q: Do I have to have a Membership to attend Vidiots events and screenings?
A: Not at all! The beauty of Vidiots, both the video store and movie theater, is that you can come browse, talk, watch with us however and whenever you can. That being said, Membership includes great benefits and seriously helps to keep our doors open and projectors on!
Q: How do I get invited to free screenings?
A: Consider joining as a Member for those invites. But to stay informed on the most up-to-date scheduling announcements, added screenings, and event info, please sign up for our newsletter HERE, and follow us on Instagram.
Q: What is the best way to get last minute information about screening times, ticket availability, stand-by lines, etc?
A: The best way is the website. The second best way is to read through the ticketing section of our FAQ or call us at (323) 474-6249.
Q: What film formats do you screen?
A: 35MM, state-of-the-art digital projection, and 16MM projection in the Eagle, and state-of-the-art digital projection in our micro-cinema! Format is provided in the film listing for reference.
Q: Can I bring in outside food + beverages?
A: We do not allow outside food or drinks at our screenings and events, our prices are fair, our popcorn is great, and every time you purchase a bite or drink at Vidiots, you’re helping to keep us in business! If you are working with our Events team on a private event at Vidiots, please inquire about catering and hosted food + beverage options.
Q: Do you offer free community events and education programs?
A: We do. To receive information and invites, please sign up for our newsletter. You can also find details about our programs including School Field Trips, Community Events, our “Movie Den” summer screening series for teens and tweens, and more on our Community Programs + Initiatives Page. Our education programs are always expanding, keep an eye out for announcements!
Q: Can I wear a costume to Vidiots?
A: We love when you adore a movie so much you match your look to it, bring on the red HEATHERS scrunchies and JOSIE cat tails! That being said, we discourage full costumes that may make sightlines or seating difficult for others, we may ask you to remove masks at check-in, and we strictly prohibit prop weapons. If you have a fun idea that seems fitting for a screening, and you’re unsure about our policies, please email us at info@vidiotsfoundation.org to be sure your idea aligns.
Q: I’m obsessed with Vidiots and want to work with you! Will you hire me?
A: We are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who wants to work with us! When positions are available at Vidiots, they will be posted here, on our IG posts and newsletters, which are the first and best sources of information for all job and volunteer opportunities.
Does Vidiots have a Code of Conduct?
A: Yes. It is as follows: Since our opening in 1985, Vidiots has been an environment free of harassment, discrimination, racism, sexism, and threatening or disrespectful behavior. We reserve the right to revoke, without notice or refund, Membership, and access to our events and facilities to those who engage in any such conduct. This Code of Conduct applies to all patrons and participants on our social media channels. Guests, staff, volunteers, vendors, and all participants are held to the same standards.
Ticketing + Admission Policies
Q: How do I find out what you’re showing and purchase tickets?
A: Upcoming screenings and events are announced and shared via weekly newsletters (sign up HERE) and are listed HERE. Programming announcements and changes are also shared across our socials.
For weekday shows, doors typically open one hour and 30 minutes before a show’s published start time. On weekends, doors typically open 30 minutes before a show’s published start time.
If you have questions about door times or standby lines, please call during open hours at (323) 474-6249. Please do not email or DM with urgent questions as we are a small team and may not be able to answer in a timely manner.
Q: What is the best way to get last minute information about screening times, ticket availability, stand-by lines, etc?
A: Try our website first, read through this FAQ, or call us at (323) 474-6249.
Q: Can I select a seat in advance?
A: Seating at Vidiots is not assigned, and we do not offer reserved seating for public screenings outside of our dedicated ADA seating. We strongly encourage ticket holders to arrive at least 15 minutes before a show’s published start time to ensure ample time for check-in and seat selection. Please be aware: at the start of a show’s published start time, empty seats may be released to “standby” customers, as such, Vidiots does not guarantee late-entry once a program or film has started.
Q: If I try to purchase a ticket online and it says “Limited Walk-ups” what does that mean?
A: A show listed as “Limited Walk-ups” no longer has online tickets for sale. A limited number of tickets will usually be available for walk-up customers at the box office 45 minutes before a show’s start time on a first-come first-served basis. When “Walk-up” tickets are all sold, our Box Office team will start a “Standby Line” and release any remaining seats until show start time.
Q: Are movie tickets refundable?
A: All ticket purchases are final and we do not offer refunds. Exchanges may be made up to two (2) hours BEFORE a show’s published start time by visiting Vidiots in-person, or by calling Vidiots at (323) 474-6249. This exchange policy does not apply once a film has screened or an event has taken place.
In the event of a show cancellation, ticket holders who purchased online will receive a full refund within 24 – 48 hours of a forced cancellation. Any tickets obtained through gift card or an exchange ticket will receive an exchange code. Ticket holders who purchase onsite and/or with cash, should email info@vidiotsfoundation.org to discuss a refund.
Groups + Events
Q: Do you offer group sales for public screenings?
A: We love celebrating our community at the movies, but unless you are affiliated with a school or non-profit organization, we unfortunately cannot accommodate group ticket purchases. We suggest sending the ticket link to members of your party so they may purchase tickets individually.
Q: I’m coming with a group. Can I reserve seats or set up a tab to pay for concessions?
A: We unfortunately cannot reserve seats at public screenings and events unless they are for ADA accommodation. You and your guests are encouraged and welcome to join us early to select your seats, and enjoy our concessions and beer-and-wine bar! As a small, fast-moving staff, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate tabs, nor customized group food and drink orders.
Q: Can I rent out Vidiots for my birthday or my movie premiere?
A: You bet! Vidiots has limited availability for private events in the Eagle Theatre, and ample availability for private events in our state-of-the-art Microcinema, please visit the EVENT RENTALS page of this website for details.
Q: Can I ask for a celebratory shout-out before a public screening?
A: If you arrive at least 30 minutes before a screening, you are welcome to ask for the House Manager to see if a shout-out is possible. Please understand that accommodating these requests is often not possible, it is entirely at the discretion of the Vidiots team and based on timing, and the event itself.
Q: Do you offer free community events and education programs?
A: We do. To receive information and invites, please sign up for our newsletter. You can also find details about our programs including School Field Trips, Community Events, our “Movie Den” summer screening series for teens and tweens, and more on our Community Programs + Initiatives Page. Our education programs are always expanding, keep an eye out for announcements!
Membership
Q: Why should I join as an Annual Member?
A: Fantastic benefits at all levels, a tax-deduction (as your accountant and current tax laws advise), AND the warm, fuzzy feeling of directly contributing to keeping Vidiots and the Eagle Theatre, two landmark film hubs, alive and thriving for the City of Angels.
Q: What’s the difference between a Founding Member and an Annual Member?
A: Founding Members are donors who support at $5,000 and above. Founding Members are gloriously recognized on our beautiful Founding Member wall in the lobby of The Eagle Theatre, and they receive special benefits including Annual Membership, depending on donor level. Click HERE for more info!
Q: Can I still join as a Founding Member?
A: YES! Please email info@vidiotsfoundation.org with subject line FOUNDING MEMBER INQUIRY, or head HERE for more info. We are so appreciative of your interest in supporting Vidiots!
Q: Can I gift a movie-loving friend or loved one an annual membership?
A: Absolutely! When buying a membership, choose “I’m purchasing this membership for: Someone Else,” fill in your giftee’s info, write them a message, and then send or schedule delivery for a specific time!
*Please note that gift cards cannot be applied towards purchase of Annual Membership.
Q: Can I upgrade my membership?
A: Yes! Memberships can be upgraded during your renewal window. Upon receiving your renewal reminder email, simply choose the new membership tier you’d like to purchase. Once your current membership term ends you’ll be upgraded. You may also request a link to renew your membership here.
If you would like to upgrade your membership outside of your renewal window, email us at membership@vidiotsfoundation.org. Please know that upgrading outside of the renewal window requires Vidiots to generate a new membership code. If you have sentimental value attached to your member code, you may elect to wait until your renewal window.
Q: Do members of my household or my kids need a separate membership from mine?
A: We encourage the whole family to get in on the fun, we love our lil’ Vidiots, and we offer heaps of all-ages programming. For the video store, all humans under 18 in your household are included in your membership plan. We will have limits on what they can check out based on their age and your permission. For the movie theater, your Annual Member ticket discounts are based on your membership level, e.g. an Individual membership gets you one discounted ticket, and a Dual membership gets you two discounted tickets. We also offer student discounts on movie tickets for humans under 18.
Q: Do I have to have a Membership to attend Vidiots events and screenings?
A: Not at all! The beauty of Vidiots, both the video store and movie theater, is that you can come browse, talk, watch with us however and whenever you can. That being said, Membership includes great benefits and seriously helps to keep our doors open and projectors on!
Q: Can I get a refund on my membership?
A: We do not offer refunds or exchanges for Memberships. Memberships are charitable contributions to Vidiots Foundation 501(c)(3), they are tax-deductible according to your accountant’s recommendations and current IRS guidelines. While we cannot offer refunds on Membership, if you find yourself in a funky situation, e.g. you signed up and two days later decide to move out of state, we can help you transfer your Membership. We are here to help, and you may email those questions to membership@vidiotsfoundation.org.
Video Store
Q: How much are rentals?
A: $2 for members or $3 for non-members.
Q: What formats do you rent on?
A: Most of our 70,000 titles are on DVD and BluRay. We have a 12,000-tape VHS collection, including many rare, impossible-to-find-elsewhere tapes. We’re working hard through our VHS preservation initiative to protect, preserve, and grow our collection, so we generally do not rent our VHS tapes. If you have questions about hard-to-find films or only-on-VHS titles, please reach out to our video store team, we love a movie-finding mission: videostoremanagers@vidiotsfoundation.org.
Q: Do you take physical media donations?
A: Hell-to-the-yeah. We’re tight on space, so we prefer your collections of BluRays, rare tapes, out-of-print DVDs, and hard-to-find gems, but please be sure to email us if you’re looking to rehome your physical media, and we can help figure it out: info@vidiotsfoundation.org.
Q: Are my physical media donations tax-deductible?
A: You are welcome to research the market value of each piece of physical media you’re donating, create an inventory list with the accompanying approximate value of each piece, including the total of donated goods, and submit a hard copy (including your best email address) when you send to or drop-off at Vidiots, and we can email you a formal confirmation of the donation. Please note we cannot provide valuations for you, or guesstimate the value of your donated items.
Q: Do you have your physical media inventory listed online?
A: We do! You can click here to view our rental catalogue, which updates in real time so you can see if something is currently available or not. Please note that creating our online inventory is a BIG and ongoing project involving data entry of over 70,000+ titles, many titles may be available to rent but not yet listed in our inventory. Please email info@vidiotsfoundation.org with your inventory questions and we can search the shelves, and if we don’t have something, we’ll go to the ends of the physical-media-earth to find it for you!
Accessibility
Both our main theatre, The Eagle, and our MUBI Microcinema are ADA accessible and offer seats for companions using wheelchairs and companions not using wheelchairs.
Accessible Seating
For every screening in each theatre, there are six Wheelchair Accessible spaces available at our $9.00 ticket price, which can be purchased in advance or on-site at the box office, video store, bar, and concession stand. Please note these tickets may sell out in advance. Email info@vidiotsfoundation.org if you have any questions.
Accessible Entrance
The wheelchair accessible entrance to the theater is located in the video store doors on Eagle Rock Boulevard. Our historic Eagle Theatre entrance is not exact to current ADA standards, but it is wheelchair accessible.
Accessible Restrooms
Our gender-neutral, single-person lobby and video store restrooms are all wheelchair accessible.
Assistive Listening
In the Eagle Theatre, we offer Dolby’s Accessibility Solution devices for closed captioning, assistive listening, and video descriptions.
Closed Captioning and Video Descriptions:
Not all films comply with closed captioning and/or video descriptions. Please feel free to reach out to us at boxoffice@vidiotsfoundation.org to confirm screenings with visual narrative descriptions and closed captioning. When films being screened comply, devices may be picked up at our Box Office in the Eagle Theatre. If the Box Office is not open when you arrive, please ask anyone on our staff to introduce you to the House Manager on duty.
For any additional questions regarding accessibility, please email info@vidiotsfoundation.org.
Community + Education
Q: Do you offer free community events and education programs?
A: We do. To receive information and invites, please sign up for our newsletter. You can also find details about our programs including School Field Trips, Community Events, our “Movie Den” summer screening series for teens and tweens, and more on our Community Programs + Initiatives Page. Our education programs are always expanding, keep an eye out for announcements!
Parking
Q: Where do I park?
A: There is ample street parking in Eagle Rock all around Vidiots, and a 29-car public parking lot at 5065 Caspar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90041, an approximate 6-minute walk to/from Vidiots.
We strongly encourage ride shares (especially if you’re planning to enjoy our beer and wine bar), walking if you’re nearby, and public transportation (check out Micro Metro, it’s so affordable and we have stops a few steps from the Eagle).
When parking on residential streets, please be absolutely sure to check your parking to avoid blocking driveways (some neighbors will tow), and be mindful of noise as you’re navigating to Vidiots. Please also DO NOT park in the lots of nearby businesses, they may tow, and will be doing so legally.