What could be better than being rewarded for going to the movies?  In this first-of-its-kind program, MovieFone will give American Express cardmembers one complimentary ticket for every 10 tickets purchased.

Starting this week, moviegoers in the New York metropolitan area will earn a complimentary movie ticket for every 10 tickets purchased via the special MovieFone number - 777-FILM - or via their online service, Movielink.com, using an American Express card.  Use the area code for your specific region of the tri-state area when calling the MovieFone number.

All moviegoers have to do is purchase tickets at participating theaters using their American Express card.  They will automatically begin to earn points toward a complimentary ticket.  No need to apply or register for the program.  The cardmember is automatically enrolled the first time they purchase a ticket through MovieFone or Movielink.com.  MovieFone keeps track of the purchases, and will reward the moviegoer with a complimentary ticket after 10 tickets have been purchased.  Notification of reward of a complimentary ticket is posted on their phone system, Web site, and on the cardmember’s statement.  Now, that’s easy.

This new program is the result of surveys taken last year that indicated that a “frequent moviegoer program” would be well received by the moviegoing public, encouraging them to attend movies instead of renting videos. The program is slated to be introduced in additional major markets soon.

This is the first time that major movie studios and theater chains have joined together to promote moviegoing.  Participating studios include:  Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Disney, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Dreamworks, MGM/UA, New Line Cinema, Miramax, and Paramount Pictures.  Participating New York area theater chains include:  United Artists Theatre Circuit, Clearview Cinemas, General Cinema Theaters, Crown Theatres, City Cinemas and Angelika Film Center.

An additional benefit of contacting MovieFone to buy movie tickets is that they provide a free directory of movies, showtimes, and theater locations.

If you’d like to have an American Express card so you can start taking advantage of free movie tickets, contact them on their Web site www.americanexpress.com, or call them on 1-800-THE-CARD.

Now all you need is popcorn.