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Riverside Studios is a unique arts and media centre on the banks of the Thames in Hammersmith, comprising two main performance studios, a cinema, TV studio and production galleries, numerous offices and a large contemporary Restaurant and Bar, Film Café and River Terrace.
DCM Close Up spoke to the Riverside’s Cinema Director Shira MacLeod on her career in the arts and what’s coming up at one of London’s most eclectic venues. How did you end up working in cinema and what do you love about it?
I didn’t end up in working in cinema through a conventional route, but via a career in dance and photography. I took a few camera courses and joined the Riverside Studios originally as the cinema assistant.
What’s unique about your cinema?
We are the only cinema in London dedicated to showing double bills. People really love this and don't want it to disappear. I did a customer survey once and there was a huge resounding 'yes', that people do sit through both films.
Please tell us about any special events or screenings you run at your cinema.
We are doing a season called Kubrick Sundays screening many of Stanley Kubrick’s films throughout May and June. I often twin films according to a common actor, director, theme, city or country, constantly liaising with distributors and other UK cinemas to ensure availability of film prints. May and June is also Almodóvar season and to celebrate the release of his new film I’m So Excited we are screening some of the finest and quirkiest titles in Almodóvar’s back catalogue including All About My Mother and Volver.
What excites you most about the future of the cinema industry?
Digital cameras have allowed filmmakers to make films where before it was too expensive. What film role would you like to play why?
Gloria in John Casavettes’s Gloria. She rocks.
What do you think are the most iconic cinema ads and why?
Jonathan Glazer’s Guinness ad with the waves and horses is particularly memorable.