BANNER
‘THE IDEA’
• Supported in partnership by Goldthorpe Bolton on Dearne and Thurnscoe Big Local
• Both Big Local areas wanted a Community
Cinema • Initially funded by both Big Local areas with
the aim of it being self-sustainable or in time to become a Social Enterprise
HOW DID WE START
• A sub-group from both Big Local areas was formed • Funding secured with dedicated bank account opened • Suitable location found, Dearne ALC (High School)
custom built lecture theatre with big screen, tiered seating and surround sound
• Engaged with staff at school they designed posters and helped to advertise and produce and sell tickets
• Worked out a rota of volunteers for the different roles required
THE STORY SO FAR
• Started in November 2014 with a pilot of four films;
• Transformers Age of Extinction • Fault in Our Stars • Jersey Boys • Frozen Sing a Long Attendance was very good with Frozen being
the big crowd puller
THE FUN CONTINUES
• Following on from the success of the trial we showed two more films in the run up to Christmas 2014;
• Guardians of the Galaxy • Elf • The showing of Elf we put on refreshments
with mulled wine and we gave out a free raffle ticket to everyone attending with three large selection boxes as prizes
POSTER
WHAT CAME NEXT
• We had some good attendance at some of the films and less so at others
• Hardest part is knowing what to show to keep the audience coming
• I am Ali • Dolphin Tale Two • Pride • The Nut Job • Review carried out to determine the way
forward
RE-THINK NEEDED
• We tried to aim the films at all age groups and altered times and dates to attract different audiences (adult theme films on an evening and moved children’s films to Saturday morning)
• Whilst still some interest we were struggling to get people in to some of the showings
• Enlisted some more help, volunteer who worked for Cineworld got involved
PROMOTION AND MARKETING
• Big push on this • Posters redesigned • Fortnightly film prospectus designed and distributed • Leaflets designed • Stepped up on advertising by developing website
(ongoing), local press, local radio station, social media, Schools and colleges, increased poster distribution in the most prominent places in the community
• Purchased a banner
BANNER
SO WHERE ARE WE NOW
• The hard work is paying off • Audiences increasing • More people now know about the cinema • We are getting people approaching us to ask
if they can volunteer to help out • Lion King sing-a-long was a great success with
activities before proving very successful (but stressful for the organisers)
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNT
• PATIENCE • IT CAN BE FRUSTRATING • TO BE ADAPTABLE • TO THINK ON YOUR FEET AND IMPROVISE TO
OVERCOME PROBLEMS • THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX • DO NOT GIVE UP
ANY QUESTIONS?
