Man Charged With Taping Screenings

A Hollywood man has been charged with videotaping several movies at pre-release film screenings in what may be the first federal prosecution for “camcording,” federal prosecutors said.

Johnny Ray Gasca, 33, was arrested Tuesday and charged with conspiracy to commit copyright infringement, witness intimidation and using a false name, said Assistant U.S. Atty. Chris Johnson.

Gasca allegedly sneaked a camcorder into private screenings in the last year and attempted to record movies, including “The Core,” “8 Mile” and “Anger Management,” according to an affidavit.

Studios have been tightening security at research and publicity screenings. Ken Jacobsen, who heads the Motion Picture Assn. of America’s anti-piracy unit, said Gasca’s case sent a strong message to people that there are consequences involved in illegal camcording.

Gasca could not be reached for comment.

-- Hanah Cho