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.