Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

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Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby Kintyre Forum News » Thu Mar 20, 2014 11:49 pm

Interesting article on the changes at Campbeltown Picture House and a new 7 day opening showing multiple screenings on the For Argyll website at http://forargyll.com/2014/03/cinema-ope ... ure-house/

I wonder how the Kintyre Forum can get some of the local press releases that other websites are privy to... :?: :?

Cinema operator appointed to Campbeltown Picture House

Campbeltown Community Business has just announced that it has appointed experienced cinema operator, Rob Arthur, to run The Picture House and assist with the preparations for the restoration and redevelopment of Campbeltown’s A listed cinema, which was built in 1913.

Working with his own programming and technical teams, and with his extensive contacts in the cinema industry, Rob will introduce a new approach to the programme at the Picture House. The cinema aims to operate 7-days a week and to offer several performances each day.

Making use of the digital projection equipment installed last year, Rob will offer 3-5 films each week as well as a regular programme of live performances from companies such as the National Theatre, The Royal Opera, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Berliner Philharmonic, English National Opera, the British Museum, rock concerts by artists including Elton John (from Las Vegas) and musicals from Broadway.

A new web site [www.campbeltownpicturehouse.co.uk] is being developed along with on-line advance ticket purchasing facilities.

Rob will be recruiting additional staff immediately and details will be available at The Picture House and on the cinema’s Facebook site.

Jane Mayo, Chair of Campbeltown Community Business, says: ‘We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have attracted the services of someone with the experience and connections of Rob Arthur of the Thurso Cinema and look forward to working with him as a member of The Campbeltown Picture House team. Rob is committed to the training and employment of local people, which will strengthen our community business.

‘After spending more than half of his working life with The Picture House, Russell Carroll will be leaving us next week. We would like to thank him for his long and diligent service, culminating in overseeing the vital switch over to digital projection. We also remember the very successful Gala Centenary evening, which he put together so thoughtfully.’

Rob Arthur, Managing Director of The Thurso Cinema, says: ‘I’m delighted to be involved with The Picture House and the team working to restore this unique cinema. I want the cinema to be at the heart of the Campbeltown and Kintyre communities. Feature films are the core business and we aim to bring an exciting programme of movies from the latest blockbusters to arthouse and family entertainment at affordable prices.

‘We will extend our opening times and hours to offer more choice and we will shortly announce a full world class programme of live cultural and entertainment performances from the National Theatre, the Royal Opera, from Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas, from the British Museum and many more great companies. Cinema is about an experience and my aim is to work with Campbeltown Community Business to ensure that you will be able to relax, engage, and enjoy time together.’

About Rob Arthur:

In 2012 Rob Arthur re-opened and established a digital cinema in Thurso, Scotland, and founded Digital Cinema Solutions, a consultancy set up to support the development of digital cinema.

Rob was formerly Managing Director of Apollo Cinemas, overseeing an estate of 14 cinemas and 83 screens until its sale in 2012. Over the last year Rob was the Director of Operations at Curzon Cinemas, London’s leading independent and arthouse cinema group.

He has worked in the UK and International Cinema sector for the past 24 years with companies such as Vue Entertainment, SBC International Cinemas, as Director of Special Projects and Vice President Operations; Warner Village, Warner Bros and UCI where he held senior executive and operational management positions.

He has extensive cinema opening and operating experience in Taiwan, Portugal, Romania, United Kingdom and Ireland and he has worked on many cinema and leisure development projects.

It’s not hard to see why Jane Mayo says they’re feeling lucky to have him – and this appointment makes clear the ambition of the centenary project to restore and upgrade to full digital operation the lovely little Picturehouse on Campbeltown’s impressive waterfront.

The Centenary Project:

The Centenary Project will breathe new life into this historic building. The unique interior will not only be restored to its former glory but also thoroughly modernised to provide an exceptional night out. Comfortable seating and an expanded kiosk will enhance the enjoyment of watching the latest digital film technology, including live downloads of opera, drama and ballet etc. Exhibition areas will also be created to tell stories of Campbeltown’s interesting history. A second cinema auditorium may also be incorporated into the development.

Funding has already been promised by both Historic Scotland and Creative Scotland, carried over from the first attempt to gain Heritage Lottery funding. This time too Argyll and Bute Council have promised a significant contribution. Highlands and Islands Enterprise have already been extremely supportive with consultant help to enable the CCB Board to reach this stage. Other trusts and foundations, like The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Pilgrim Trust, The Kilfinan Trust and locally Balure Trust and the former Civic Society, have all given or pledged funding. A Seat Sponsorship Scheme has also attracted considerable local support.
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A new direction for the picture house

Postby PictureHouse » Fri Mar 21, 2014 12:01 am

Exciting news! CCB Ltd have appointed a new cinema operator. We will now be open 7 days a week, will screen more than one performance per day and will very soon screen live events(theatre, concerts, opera, ballet etc) by satellite!
Read the press release on our website. Click the link below to see the full details.
Please like the post on our facebook page if you like what you read.
http://www.weepictures.co.uk/news.php?readmore=124
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Re: Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby Admin3 » Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:29 am

Just merged this two threads together as about the same thing. Exciting proposals!
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Re: Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby Kintyre Forum News » Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:35 am

Article on the Picture House website

CCB Ltd Appoint Cinema Operator - Posted on 20 March 2014

Campbeltown Community Business Ltd today announced that it has appointed experienced cinema operator Rob Arthur to run The Picture House and assist with the preparations for the restoration and redevelopment of Campbeltown’s A listed cinema, which was built in 1913.

Working with his own programming and technical teams, and with his extensive contacts in the cinema industry, Rob will introduce a new approach to the programme at the Picture House.

The cinema aims to operate 7-days a week and to offer several performances each day. Making use of the digital projection equipment installed last year, Rob will offer 3-5 films each week as well as a regular programme of live performances from companies such as the National Theatre, The Royal Opera, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Berliner Philharmonic, English National Opera, the British Museum, rock concerts by artists including Elton John (from Las Vegas) and musicals from Broadway.

A new web site (www.campbeltownpicturehouse.co.uk) is being developed along with on-line advance ticket purchasing facilities.

Rob will be recruiting additional staff immediately and details will be available at The Picture House and on the cinema’s Facebook site.

Jane Mayo, Chairman of Campbeltown Community Business, said:
“We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have attracted the services of someone with the experience and connections of Rob Arthur of the Thurso Cinema and look forward to working with him as a member of The Campbeltown Picture House team. Rob is committed to the training and employment of local people, which will strengthen our community business."

“After spending more than half of his working life with The Picture House, Russell Carroll will be leaving us next week. We would like to thank him for his long and diligent service, culminating in overseeing the vital switch over to digital projection. We also remember the very successful Gala Centenary evening, which he put together so thoughtfully.”

Rob Arthur, Managing Director of The Thurso Cinema said:
“I’m delighted to be involved with The Picture House and the team working to restore this unique cinema. I want the cinema to be at the heart of the Campbeltown and Kintyre communities. Feature films are the core business and we aim to bring an exciting programme of movies from the latest blockbusters to arthouse and family entertainment at affordable prices. We will extend our opening times and hours to offer more choice and we will shortly announce a full world class programme of live cultural and entertainment performances from the National Theatre, the Royal Opera, from Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas, from the British Museum and many more great companies. Cinema is about an experience and my aim is to work with Campbeltown Community Business to ensure that you will be able to relax, engage, and enjoy time together.”

The Centenary Project:

The Centenary Project will breathe new life into this historic building. The unique interior will not only be restored to its former glory but also thoroughly modernised to provide an exceptional night out. Comfortable seating and an expanded kiosk will enhance the enjoyment of watching the latest digital film technology, including live downloads of opera, drama and ballet etc. Exhibition areas will also be created to tell stories of Campbeltown's interesting history. A second cinema auditorium may also be incorporated into the development.

Funding has already been promised by both Historic Scotland and Creative Scotland, carried over from the first attempt to gain Heritage Lottery funding. This time too Argyll and Bute Council have promised a significant contribution. Highlands and Islands Enterprise have already been extremely supportive with consultant help to enable the CCB Board to reach this stage. Other trusts and foundations, like The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Pilgrim Trust, The Kilfinan Trust and locally Balure Trust and the former Civic Society, have all given or pledged funding. A Seat Sponsorship Scheme has also attracted considerable local support.

About Rob Arthur:

In 2012 Rob Arthur re-opened and established a digital cinema in Thurso, Scotland, and founded Digital Cinema Solutions, a consultancy set up to support the development of digital cinema.

Formerly Rob was Managing Director of Apollo Cinemas, overseeing an estate of 14 cinemas and 83 screens until its sale in 2012. Over the last year Rob was the Director of Operations at Curzon Cinemas, London’s leading independent and arthouse cinema group.

Rob has worked in the UK and International Cinema sector for the past 24 years with companies such as Vue Entertainment, SBC International Cinemas, as Director of Special Projects and Vice President Operations; Warner Village, Warner Bros and UCI where he held senior executive and operational management positions.

Rob has extensive cinema opening and operating experience in Taiwan, Portugal, Romania, United Kingdom and Ireland and he has worked on many cinema and leisure development projects.

For further information and photographs:
Jane Mayo
Chairman
The Picture House
26 Hall Street,
Campbeltown,
Argyll PA28 6BU
01586-552101
jane.damaco@btinternet.com

Ron Inglis
Project Manager,
The Centenary Project
07740 928420
jri@mayfieldarts.co.uk
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Re: Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby Kintyre Forum News » Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:37 am

Getting good coverage this - on the BBC website at

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-g ... t-26681491

New boss to transform Picture House in Campbeltown

Image
The Picture House was opened to the public for the first time in May 1913

The former managing director of a cinema chain aims to transform the running of Scotland's oldest purpose-built, continuously-operating cinema.

Ex-Apollo Cinemas chief Rob Arthur has been appointed to run The Picture House in Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute.

The plan is to open the cinema every day, for the first time in decades, and offer a larger choice of films.

The A-listed art deco cinema, on the the banks of Campbeltown Loch, celebrated its centenary last May.

Mr Arthur re-opened and established a digital cinema in Thurso and founded a consultancy set up to support the development of digital cinema.
Live performances

He was previously the managing director of Apollo Cinemas, overseeing an estate of 14 cinemas and 83 screens until its sale in 2012.

Over the last year, Mr Arthur was the director of operations at Curzon Cinemas, London's leading independent and arthouse cinema group.

Campbeltown Community Business, which was formed in 1987 to buy and run The Picture House, said Mr Arthur would introduce a new approach to the cinema's programme.

He aims to show up to five films each week and also screen live performances from across the world - such as stage plays, rock concerts and operas.

Jane Mayo, chairman of Campbeltown Community Business, said: "We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have attracted the services of someone with the experience and connections of Rob Arthur of the Thurso Cinema and look forward to working with him as a member of The Campbeltown Picture House team.

"Rob is committed to the training and employment of local people, which will strengthen our community business."
Affordable prices

Mr Arthur, currently managing director of The Thurso Cinema said: "I want the cinema to be at the heart of the Campbeltown and Kintyre communities.

"Feature films are the core business and we aim to bring an exciting programme of movies from the latest blockbusters to arthouse and family entertainment at affordable prices.

"We will extend our opening times and hours to offer more choice and we will shortly announce a full world-class programme of live cultural and entertainment performances from the National Theatre, the Royal Opera, from Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas, from the British Museum and many more great companies."

Last year digital equipment was installed in the cinema. The plan now is to restore the historic building and fully modernise it.
If you have a news article or event please post here or e-mail us at kfn@campbeltown.info

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Re: Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby smiles » Sat Mar 22, 2014 11:22 am

Interesting developments. So let me get this correct, the man who has worked there for more than half of his working life is being replaced by an incoming "consultant"? At what price? What happens when he leaves? Surely one of the key measures is long term sustainability? :?
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Re: Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby WC1 » Sat Mar 22, 2014 12:12 pm

I have a sense of deja vu here. When the Picture House first re-opened under community ownership, didn't they try screening more than one film per day and more than one film per week? And did that work then, with a larger population and big numbers of RAF and US Navy personnel supporting the cinema? Think back!

Don't get me wrong, some of this is good. There's no longer any valid reason for not opening on a Friday. Live screenings of theatre, opera and other events were already in the pipeline. Showing more than one film each week can be done more easily now with digital projection and should help to build the audience. But five films a week? How are the extra staff going to be paid for? And what's Mr Arthur costing? Lots of questions around this.
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Re: Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby Swanseajock » Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:54 pm

I had (have?) some misgivings when I saw Mr Arthur had been appointed. I don’t doubt his credentials, but there are a finite amount of people with a finite amount of disposable income in the Kintyre area. The good folks in the Wee Toon and surrounding areas already put their hands in their pockets disproportionally for charities and good causes each and every week. They will still only use the Pictures as a treat and watch a film once, no matter how new and good that film is. I still believe that the locals will continue to support the Wee Pictures, because they have fought so hard to keep it, but don’t let the management get too far ahead of themselves
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Re: Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby WC1 » Sun Mar 23, 2014 2:39 pm

Just a further thought: since the Community Business is owned by its members, should the members not have been consulted via an EGM before these changes took place? As things stand, the members seem to have been presented with a fait accompli.
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Re: Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby jingscrivens » Sun Mar 23, 2014 6:01 pm

I'm not qualified to answer WC1's point above, but I would say that I am more hopeful about the success of the new venture. I suspect the good folk of Thurso would have been just as sceptical about drumming up more business for their cinema, but that seems to have gone well.
http://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/News/Thurso-cinema-is-becoming-a-blockbusting-Caithness-business-14012014.htm
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Re: Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby WC1 » Sun Mar 23, 2014 11:41 pm

but I would say that I am more hopeful about the success of the new venture


I'm hopeful too, but, on the basis of what happened in the past when the area's population was larger and when it was boosted by large numbers of RAF and US Navy personnel, I have to sound a note of caution. Hopefulness has to be tempered by realism. Nevertheless, let's hope it helps revitalise The Picture House and increases the numbers going to see a film there.
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Re: Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby WC1 » Wed Mar 26, 2014 6:25 pm

The Picture House is open on Fridays from this week - Friday 28 March.

Films and screening times:-

3.50 pm daily: "The Lego Movie" (U) also matinee at 1.30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

6.10 pm daily: "The Monuments Men" (12A) starring George Clooney, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray

8.45 pm daily: "300 - Rise of an Empire" (15) starring Sullivan Stapleton and Eva Green

It's all up to the great Kintyre public now!!
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Re: Change at the helm of the Picture House and open 7 days..

Postby MurkyLitFelon » Mon Mar 31, 2014 12:25 pm

Really great to hear so much unconditional support for an important local business :(

Personally I wish them well on their venture. The developments listed here are positive and long overdue:- times they are a changin', offering visitors to the town one six-week old film per week (except on Fridays) was never to be sustainable. People are concerned about cost:- very likely to be several local part time jobs and the loss of an important local landmark if things don't look forward

The loss of the RAF and the US Navy personnel is an interesting thought:- this was when moving pictures were delivered by van in large reels of polyester, when there was a Woolies at the bottom of Main Street, when people made phone calls by stepping into large boxes run by the post office, and British Airways was the world's favourite airline.

It may have been tried before, but commercials move on too. The post office no-longer makes its money from phone boxes or even telephones, and just like Ryanair cinemas don't make their money by selling tickets:- this will just be one small part of a bigger round of changes if they not to go the way of Woolworths
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