At the heart of every cinematic experience lies the often-overlooked role of the projectionist.
At Consett’s Empire Theatre, Laura Crinnion is one such dedicated professional ensuring that every film screening runs without a hitch. Gone are the days of celluloid reels and the risk of mid-film fires. Today’s projectionists like Laura work in a digital realm, where films arrive via email or direct transfer, and the entire show is meticulously programmed.
Laura’s role involves carefully piecing together each screening, ensuring a seamless experience for the audience. She meticulously programmes the show, combining adverts, trailers, and the main feature. Her work also includes timing each element perfectly and maintaining the equipment for optimal performance. Crucially, she ensures all content is age- appropriate, curating a tailored experience for every audience.
Whilst the audience loses themselves in the latest blockbuster, Laura and her team work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their expertise ensures that whether you’re watching an action-packed adventure, a spine-tingling horror, or a timeless animated classic, the magic of cinema comes to life without a hitch. Every perfectly timed transition, every crystal-clear image on the screen is a testament to their skill and dedication.
So, the next time you settle into your seat at the Empire Theatre, popcorn in hand, spare a thought for Laura Crinnion. She’s the unseen maestro orchestrating your perfect cinema experience, keeping the movie magic alive in the digital age. Her work may be invisible to the audience, but it’s absolutely essential to the immersive world of cinema we all know and love.
