So you wanna dust down some old reel-to-reels?

What’s it all about?
Fed up with having to make a sixty-mile round journey to their nearest multiplex, Daniel Butler and Bel Crewe decided to set up their own mini-cinema in their home town of Rhayader, Mid Wales. Four years later, the society is still going strong.

Why do people start film societies?

• There are lots of rural communities for whom a trip to the nearest cinema is a major journey, and starting your own mini-cinema is a far more inviting option
• It's the best option for those who want to watch old classics, or the latest art house movies, rather than the latest blockbusters, as well as...
• Those people who want to recreate the cinemas of their youth.

How?
Visit the British Federation of Film Societies’ website at Links. It has a comprehensive guide to starting your own film society and, as a member, it’ll help with training, hiring equipment, publicity material, and even funding.

What equipment will I need?
See Must Have for the basics. For technical hardware, try the Welsh group of British Federation of Film Societies, (see Links).

Where do I get films from?
The British Film Institute (see Links) has the largest collection of 16mm and 35mm film titles in Europe – and you can hire them out for showings.

Need training?
You’ll need some technical know-how and training and the Moving Image Society runs one-day Projectionist Training and Dolby Sound courses in London starting at £30 + VAT. See Links for details.

Further things of import
You and the premises you use will need to abide by all of the current local licensing laws, and health and safety regulations. Get in touch with your local council for details.

If you’re getting serious
The Moving Image Society recommends that you contact your local cinema manager or chief projectionist, and ask them to advise you of any training opportunities locally. A series of NVQs covers various aspects of the cinema projectionist’s job.