Describe your typical day at work.
This is a cliché answer I know - but there really isn't a typical day for me; lots of meetings, with Architects for our new builds, film makers, Distributors and internal meetings that help keep the company moving forward. As the Joint MD of Picturehouse Cinemas and Picturehouse Entertainment, I'm always looking for ways that our company can expand. This doesn't just mean buying new cinemas, but also means I have to keep on top of our film acquisitions and marketing of our films, programming decisions in our cinemas and making sure our cinemas are running smoothly and our staff are happy. I am involved in every aspect of what we do, so lots of meetings with people - it keeps me busy!
The moment you fell in love with the Big Screen?
I can't say that I remember the first time I went to the cinema, nor the first film I ever saw. All I know is that every time the lights go down I'm always excited to see what might unfold or what I might find out about the world or myself in the process. The colours, sounds, storytelling and experience of seeing films of the big screen has always be something I loved from being a small child, and I still cherish it now.
The best thing about the cinema experience?
I think different people take away different things. At Picturehouse, our ethos is to programme for everyone, offering Big Scream screenings for mothers and carers with babies, Autism and Dementia Friendly screenings, Silver Screenings for the above sixties and even shows where you can bring along your dog to the cinema. Our cinemas are also restaurants and bars - we always try to create environments that are so much more than just the auditorium, but that best serve the community. Really, the cinema experience can be so much more than just watching a great film (which I also love). The fact that you can see films from all over the world, bringing the world into your local neighbourhood, how wonderful is that!