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| Author | Zoe Aresti |
This week we speak to mac birmingham’s Amy Smart about how she started working in the cinema industry, what’s unique about her cinema and what her favourite film of all time is.
How and when did you start working in cinema and what do you love about it?
Ever since my first trip to the cinema aged 5 I’ve been hooked. I studied film at Wolverhampton University and have been working in cinema since 2010 when I joined mac birmingham as part of the artistic team. I now manage the cinema programme. I love the shared experience of cinema, watching a movie with 100 other people all laughing together (or crying depending on the film!).
What’s unique about your cinema?
It used to be a squash court! mac is a one screen cinema, we’re a small space with big ambitions and we pack a lot in. We screen an eclectic mix of independent, specialised and mainstream films including a children and family strand and an annual outdoor season.
Please tell us about any special events or screenings you run at your cinema
Sundown Cinema is a season of films screened in our 1960s purpose built outdoor amphitheatre, this year’s theme is Monsters & Mayhem, kicking off with Ghostbusters (and a pop-up temporary tattoo parlour ‘Murray in a Hurry’). We also run Screen Juniors, monthly film screenings for children and families including autism friendly screenings with linked free drop in animation workshops where children get to make their own movies, which are premiered on the big screen!
What film are you most looking forward to in 2015?
I remember watching Jurassic Park as a kid and being completely blown away by it so I am looking forward to Jurassic World. Wild Tales is one of the best films I’ve seen this year.
What excites you most about the future of the cinema industry?
The technological advances in cinema has changed the way movies are made and has made film so much more accessible, which can only be a good thing. Having said that I am a purist and you can’t beat watching a grainy film in 35mm.
What is your favourite film of all-time?
Not sure I can narrow it down to one… I do love Some Like It Hot as no matter how many times I see it, it still makes me laugh.
What do you foresee as being your biggest challenge in 2015?
Attracting young audiences to mac and encouraging them to take risks with film. Young people today are digital natives and can access film and media at the swipe of a finger so it’s important to create a unique and tempting offer that will encourage them to buy into the shared experience of cinema. We currently offer a promotion - 2forNone to anyone under 21 to get 2 free cinema tickets in exchange for a Tweet or Facebook post, to try and inspire attendance.
What do you think are the most iconic cinema ads and why?
I love the Volkswagen see film differently ads.
What three things do you most enjoy doing in your free time?
Watching Movies
Photography
Hiking (recent hobby inspired by Wild)