Picture House’s international exposure
‘We’re learning that sometimes it is the very small and simple touches that make the biggest difference’
IN LESS than a year Campbeltown’s 1913 cinema will have been transformed into a state-of-the-art projection powerhouse.
As excitement rises for the completion of the Campbeltown Picture House’s (CPH) £3.5 million, grant-funded restoration project, managed by Campbeltown Community Business (CCB), it has featured in an international film trade publication.
At the same time as restoring the fabric of the listed cinema one CCB consultant, Ailsa Mackenzie, has been audience building.
Recently she shared her insights with Screentrade, a magazine with offices in the UK, US, Europe and Russia.
Every month Ailsa is behind the previews which appear in the
before screenings at Victoria Hall.
Ailsa, whose title is audience development and heritage activities co-ordinator says the push to keep movie going alive in Campbeltown with Film Mobile Scotland (FMS) and a group of volunteers has revealed many things.
Ailsa said: ‘Forming alliances with the Royal Hotel, the
Campbeltown town hall, schools, businesses and organisations is something we continue to look into when developing new opportunities and collaborations.
Develop
‘Into Film is one particularly exciting partnership in which we are involved in looking to develop the Picture House’s movie audiences.’
Into Film is a UK wide organisation giving children the chance to experience film creatively. In addition to classroom training it also organises extra-curricular film clubs, a cinema based film festival and annual awards.
Next month on Friday November 18, in the morning, Into Film are staging a special screening of The Lego Movie, for Campbeltown primary pupils, as an educational experience. This is tied to many curriculum subjects including art and design, craft, ethics, engineering and religious education.
Later the same day Campbeltown Grammar School pupils will have an exclusive screening of Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave.
On the Into Film website there is a PDF film guide on both movies exploring the key topics and themes.
Ailsa also carries out surveys both formally and informally with people attending showings at Victoria Hall.
She said that while the Royal Hotel supply traditional movie favourites such as pop corn, many members of adult audiences prefer a simple cup of tea.
‘We’re learning that sometimes it is the very small and simple touches that make the biggest difference,’ Ailsa added, ‘Being limited to just monthly screenings means that we are unable to take advantage of the more commonly available industry promotions and marketing initiatives.
‘This is why we have introduced our own simple loyalty card, for every five tickets purchased patrons can claim one free.
‘It is a temporary extension of the scheme that was in place before the Picture House closed down for restoration.
‘A new loyalty scheme will be developed for the cinema and its associated facilities when it re-opens next year.’