The captions are burned onto the film stock frame by frame using a laser process. Since 1993 over 130 different movies have been shown in over 300 theatres. Captioned prints are normally ready within four weeks of general release. Films are usually shown at special screenings aimed at deaf and hard of hearing audiences and their families. However, recently six theatres in six America cities have dedicated screens exclusively for captioned showings.
Studios pay the cost of captioning, prints and distribution.
Exhibitors provide the screen, general advertising and promotion. Local advocacy and service groups promote showings. Patrons pay the same admission fee as all other customers. A drawback of open captioning is the need to arrange for special screenings. Theatres are reluctant to use open captions for regular screenings as they may distract hearing patrons.