Tech Tuesday – SPOTLIGHT Duke of York’s Jimmy Anderson

This Tuesday as a break from the normal HOME CINEMA based technical post I have something special for you, an interview with Jimmy Anderson.

Jimmy Anderson is the Technical Manager at The Duke of York’s Picture house here in Brighton. Last week I profiled this great cinema HERE. This week I want to look at the man behind the projector, Jimmy Anderson. 

Joining the cinema in 1980 Jimmy is a master at his trade. Dealing with all of the 35mm film and digital aspects of projection at the cinema. He has to ensure that all of the shows are ready to go, as well as setting the cinema up for live shows, seminars and satellite links.

FRC has been very lucky to be able to catch up with Jimmy via email and gain a little insight into the man behind the flickering light. I hope you enjoy…

So you have been a projectionist at Duke of York’s since 1980, that is over 30 years now. What brought you to the job? Did you always want to be a projectionist?

My mother used to be an usherette at a local cinema called the Vogue, I was always interested in photography and media, so used to bug the projectionist to show me how things were done( much to his annoyance probably), it was 1974 and I was about to leave school, when the manager offered me a job as a trainee projectionist, within 2 years i had become chief, and was training others.

 This is the age of the throw away career what is it about The Duke of York’s that has kept you there?

Well to be honest its not like having a ‘JOB’ it’s more like my second home, and have never really been unwilling to work here.

 What was the first film you projected here?

I cant remember the first film to be honest, I have probably screened in excess of 1500 films since my arrival.

What has been your best memory of the last 30 years? What film has stuck in your mind?

Too many memories (mostly good) I have met lot’s of very interesting people. CINEMA PARADISO due to the fact it almost mirrors my own story of working in a cinema.

 When thinking about projectionists, my mind is always drawn to the film ‘Cinema Paradiso’ and the fire that started in the cinema. I know that it is safer these days but have you had any disasters you have saved?

Not really had any disasters to be honest, I put that down to the people who I have worked with over the years.

Was Jimmy in this picture??

How has the job changed since you started? Is it easier now with the new technology?

The job has changed enormously in the last 5 years or so due to the onset of Digital. It makes it easier in a physical sense, as there is not so much ‘Making Up’ of 35mm prints and heavy lifting.  I really like the fact that we can screen both the old and he new here at the Dukes.

The biggie, what is your opinion on 3-D films? 

I’m not a huge fan of 3-D but I think it has it’s place for certain types of movies, and of course as a gimmick, but not sure watching ‘SERIOUS’ films in 3-D will ever take off properly, people will get tired of it i think.

Lastly what are your top 5 films you have projected at Duke of York’s? 

That is a very hard question, I have many films i like but if you twist my arm it would probably go something like: 

1-      CINEMA PARADISO

2-      QUADROPHENIA ( I was an extra in the movie )

3-      FITZCARRALDO

4-    DIVA

5-      LES ENFANTS DU PARADIS

What about all time?

Overall it has to be CINEMA PARADISO.

There we have it guys, a little insight into Jimmy Anderson. I have mucho respect for projectionists. I really feel like they are a dying breed with the multiplex’s being in direct blame for this. Jimmy is one of the best at his trade. Thanks for letting me host this little interview

Jimmy Anderson recently did an audio interview to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Duke of York’s, and can be found HERE

What are your thoughts on Projectionists? Did you enjoy the interview? Comment below.