PULSE Magazine - Issue 7 - Spring 2012

PULSE THE MAGAZINE FOR THOSE WHO MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN - EDITION 07 - SPRING 2012

News YOM SPECIALLY SELECTED TO VISIT EMPIRE CINEMAS

Faces of SUZANNE HILLS EMPIRE CLYDEBANK

Portfolio BIG E 2 IN ACTION WINNERS AND RUNNER UPS

PULSE REPS MEET YOUR NEW REPRESENTATIVES

Films in focus THE AVENGERS/ HUNGER GAMES MIB3/ WE BOUGHT A ZOO/ PIRATES PLUS: LOOKING FORWARD 2012

HELPING YOU TO DELIVER

Letter from Roz Let’s hope that by the time this PULSE edition reaches your staff rooms the cold weather is behind us and the first signs of spring are here. As always, there have been some top films out recently and everyone has been working hard to make it as easy as possible for our customers to enjoy their favourite films plus introduce them to the wonderful array of products we have for their munching pleasure!

In this edition we have many of our usual features plus details of the next stage of Your Opinion Matters and an introduction to some of our PULSE Representatives from every cinema.

Enjoy the read and remember to keep in contact with us via the email address below

Roz

editorpulse@empirecinemas.co.uk

f c How cool is Katie from Sutton?!

Read all about one of the Empire Team Member’s work experience at Big Brother on page. 19.

As part of this fantastic magazine, we get the opportunity to meet the PULSE team and read what goes on behind the scenes in each edition on pages 12-13.

BILLY

The care- free student

DAN & SARAH

f We would love to see the Lion King show in London. Read all about Patricia from Wigan’s trip there on page 6.

c

The romantic couple

r to the Senior As a regular visito tton great to see Su Screenings, it is their as n recognitio Coldfield getting ar y! nd ge le rnings are Wednesday mo

THE PALMER FAMILY The typical family

ff Wish I worked for High Wycombe cinema, I would have loved to have get involved with their Big E in Action film! Check out pages 8-9.

JJ

Typical teen

BERYL The senior

We are loving the look of the new extension you are building at Empire Newcastle, very flashy! Read all about the plans on page 15.

JANE & FRIENDS Sociable best friends

Produced by: BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Feature Writing Editor: Helen Archard Staff Writers: Hannah Lawrence, Kirsty Welsh, Kelly Woolford, Summer Grant, Cathy Greig, Ed Bailey, Alice Bagnall.

Designers: Patricia Pribolova, Emma Curran

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 3

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6 7

8-9 10 11 12-13 14-15

NEW SILVER ES PRIZE DRAW WINNERS THE BIG E IN ACTION 2 THE RUNNERS UP THE BIG E IN ACTION 2 THE WINNERS JUSTIN RIBBONS CEO COMMENT 10 MINUTES WITH....

SUZANNE HILLS BEHIND THE SCENES PULSE MAGAZINE JOB SWAP INVESTMENT IN CINEMA

16-17

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK LETTERS

18

PULSE EVENTS STORMTROOPERS

19

STAFF PROFILE KATIE GASKIN

20-21

CINEMA IN FOCUS BIRMINGHAM GREAT PARK

22-23

CINEMA ROUND UP MEET YOUR PULSE REPS

24

YOUR OPINION MATTERS SPECIALLY SELECTED

25-29

FILMS IN FOCUS REVIEWS

30-31

LOOKING FORWARD TOP FILMS 2012 COMPETITION CORNER

32-33 34-35

‘

ContentsSPRING

12

6 11 25

29

CELEBRITY SPOTTING SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 5

E

PULSE portfolio

Silver

The

Awards meet our stars

At PULSE we love nothing more than hearing about the hard work and dedication that goes into the customer experience. Patricia and Danielle are our latest Silver Es who have shown how to put these qualities into action.

Patricia Johnson receiving her Silver E award.

patricia johnson

Patricia Johnson was so shocked when she received her award that she didn’t know what to say. Wigan employee Patricia says: “Gordon MacDonald was at the cinema screenings and I was assisting customers as normal by ensuring they were happy and talking to them – so for that reason, I was nominated.”

Patricia has been at Empire Wigan for six years where she initially began as a cleaner and then became a Team Member for the cinema. “I came into work and Nicola told me I’d got it and I was so pleased because I’ve been recognised for just doing my normal duties.”

Patricia’s Silver E reward will be heading to London for a premiere in the summer. “I’m going to go with my grand-daughter but it

will also be around the time of my birthday so we’ll be having double celebrations.”

Patricia also won the quarterly prize draw to go for a meal at Planet Hollywood in London followed by a trip to the theatre to see The Lion King musical. “I’m so excited, I’ve only ever seen the film so to be treated to all of this is amazing. My husband is just as thrilled!”

appreciated. To me, I’m just doing my job.”

Danielle says the customer experience that Empire Cinemas delivers is the thing that makes them different to other cinema chains. “I’ve lost count of the amount of times customers have said they keep coming back to us merely for the customer service they receive. I try to keep it personal as I don’t think you can deliver the best customer experience if you generalise.”

Danielle found out she’d received the award on a busy Wednesday night. “I was in the staff room when Vicky popped her head round the door to ask me to come back early as it was suddenly really busy, not unusual on an Orange Wednesday. When I reached the retail area there was nobody there so I was more than a little confused. I was then surprised to be told I’d won a Silver E – of course, I cried!”

Like our other Silver Es, Danielle says that the award means so much to her because her hard work has been noted and appreciated.

“I’m really looking forward to the Premiere too – it will be a great way to celebrate!”

danielle carver

Danielle Carver is a Team Member at Empire Newcastle and regularly works on the retail section of the cinema. She’s been a Team Member since the site first opened and earned her Silver E award after the management team at Newcastle wrote a letter to Head Office. Danielle says, “I’m not really one to blow my own trumpet so it was lovely to see that my work is

06 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

New Silver E Danielle Carver

action

PULSE big e in action

in In September, Empire Cinemas

challenged each of its cinemas to get the other side of the camera and record a short film for the Big E in Action 2 competition 2011. PULSE reveals the winners...

H

ere at Empire Cinemas, we pride ourselves on quality customer service. We’re proud of our cinema’s reputation and how staff are always looking for ways to improve the customer experience via the Big E. We like to motivate staff to keep up their hard work, and The Big E in Action competition is a good way to reward staff for putting The Big E initiatives into practice.

Each cinema was asked to send in a short 3-5 minute film to show how they were putting their action plans for Your Opinion Matters into place. With £500 up for grabs the cinemas certainly didn’t hold back with some excellent efforts.

The competition was judged by Customer Experience Manager, Lisa Rowland, and National Operations Manager, Andy Bush, who were very impressed with the standards of this years entries.We want to celebrate the top three finalists as well as a special mention to the team which were so close but took making it personal a bit too far.

special mention

3

IN 3rd PLACE : HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

Last year’s winners, Hemel Hempstead, came in a respectable third place for this years Big E In Action.

Richard Conian and his team dazzled last year with their fantastic Beryl based film and some good quality editing, but it wasn’t enough to snatch the elusive first place this year. Their effort, titled ‘Under the Spotlight’, was a classy black and white film showing a detective conducting a spotlight check. A nice touch was added at the end with members of the Empire Hemel Hempstead team saying why Spotlight Checks, Lighting Up Performance and good customer service are important to them.

Lisa Rowland, Customer Experience Manager, said, “Hemel Hempstead produced a very good quality film once again. Like last year, they put a lot of effort into making the film, and had some great wizardry tricks going on.”

2

The winning team...

IN 2nd PLACE : SUNDERLAND

Sunderland came in a well deserving second.

GM John Hodgson and his team produced a film that showcased how they put The Big E into action. They changed the lyrics to the song Glad You Came by The Wanted, showing how they make customers glad they visited Empire Sunderland. They touch upon key areas of The Big E such as toilet cleanliness, helping customers to their seats and saying ‘goodbye’. They also included a hilarious out-take at the end, which showed they had fun during the project and it was a team effort.

Lisa said, “This film was a fantastic effort!

They changed the lyrics of a song and all the content showed us what John and the team have been working hard on in 2011. Although the quality of the film wasn’t quite as good as the others, it shows the importance of getting the content and message right.”

A special mention needs to be made for Sutton Coldfield, who were very big contenders. Lisa said, “This small cinema did a fantastic job at creating one of the best made films we’ve seen. We loved this film and if the ‘post car park’ element had come in the credits/out takes, it definitely would have given the winners a run for their money.” Congratulations to Tristan Murtagh and the team.

spring 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 07

and the winner is...

1

the plot

IN 1st PLACE :

HIGH WYCOMBE

The A Christmas Carol inspired film begins with a very angry GM, Paul Damms, playing the part of Scrooge. He screams at another manager for not conducting his Spotlight Checks and is in a foul mood until he falls off his chair and hits his head. Some very clever camera angles are used while Paul walks around Empire High Wycombe in a state of confusion and, when he finds his way into a screen, is visited by three ghosts.

The first is the ghost of cinema past, who shows him what the cinema was like 6 months ago, when she came to visit. The ice cream counter is a mess, she is not acknowledged on her way into the screen and the toilets are dirty and untidy. Cleverly, this is Big E character Beryl, played by Kim Hallam.

Next, he is visited by the ghost of cinema present, Big E character Billy, played by Justin Clinch, who visited the cinema that day. He shows Paul how far the cinema has

come in terms of The Big E and delivering good customer service. Billy is greeted upon arrival and the toilets are being cleaned when he walks in.

Finally, the ghosts of cinema future are Big E characters Dan & Sarah, who are played by Simon Huggins and Emma Taylor. They show the staff of Empire High Wycombe decorating the cinema with Santa hats and tinsel, staff happily conducting Spotlight Checks and the General Manager

08 | PULSE MAGAZINE | spring 2012

himself wearing a blow-up santa costume and spreading the Christmas spirit.

When they cut back to ‘reality’, Paul is a changed man, and is no longer angry at his staff. He has realised that if he manages him team effectively, they could give great customer service. The film was of very good quality, and the editors Janusz Tomczyk and Steve Mayhew did a brilliant job with some clever camera angles and professional editing.

PULSE big e in action

Sneak previews of the winning film from High Wycombe

making the film “After a very disappointing effort on The Big E in Action 2010, we really wanted to get behind our effort for 2011 and try to get as many team members and managers involved as possible” explains Paul Damms, General Manager at Empire High Wycombe. “As a team, we really felt like we had come a long way in the last 12 months, and it was important to us that our film reflected this.

“After a few initial and rather outlandish ideas, we were all in a team meeting discussing the movie when one of our supervisors, Kim Hallam, suggested it would be good to do something based around the story A Christmas Carol. This sparked up some great ideas with the ghosts of past, present and future enabling us to show how our cinemas used to be, the progress we’ve made with the Big E and where we wanted to take it in the future.”

Empire High Wycombe impressed by including a wide range of Big E elements into their film. Not only did the three ghosts represent Big E characters Beryl,

Billy and Dan & Sarah, they touched upon other important areas such as Lighting Up Performance and High 5’s. They also highlighted the progress they had made in areas specified in their YOM feedback, which were the toilets and saying ‘goodbye’.

The project was a brilliant team effort, as Paul explained that the filming itself took four nights, with many more hours being spent on editing by Janusz Tomczyk (Projectionist) and Steve Mayhew (Team Member), who added the soundtrack and generally made the whole thing look great.

“There was a huge amount of hard work involved,” says Paul, “and many people gave up a lot of their time but at the end of it, we had a film that we were all proud of.

It was 100% a team effort and really did demonstrate the progress we have made as a cinema.

“We all had a great time making it and there were a lot of laughs along the way. We are so pleased to win The Big E In Action 2011 and we’re not planning to give up our crown easily this year!”

the verdict Lisa Rowland, who crowned Empire High Wycombe the winners, was very pleased with their project. “This film was thoroughly entertaining and totally showed the judging panel that they had understood and implemented the Big E initiatives of 2011.

Paul Damms and the team have embraced Lighting Up Performance and incorporated this into the Big E and other projects

happening in High Wycombe. You could tell that they’d had fun making the film and everyone was involved. A truly deserving winner in my eyes.”

For their brilliant efforts, they took away £500 as well as the competition title. “We haven’t spent the prize money yet,” explains Paul, “but the plan is to use the money for a team day out Go-Karting and we’re all really looking forward to it!”

spring 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 09

1

PULSE COMMENT

CEO SAYS...

CEO Justin Ribbons

After record breaking attendance weeks in February, Empire Cinema’s CEO, Justin Ribbons, shares both congratulations and inspiration.

A

s mentioned in the Empire Cinema’s Soundtrack last month, February saw records in cinema attendance absolutely smashed.

Our CEO, Justin Ribbons, is more than appreciative of this massive effort from everybody in the cinemas and said, “I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all in Empire as each of you has taken part in

that success and it deserves to be recognised, Congratulations.”

Having watched the massive annual film and television event, The BAFTAS, Justin wanted to pass on some words of inspiration to all Empire Cinemas employees which are taken from Stephen Fry’s speech.

“I think Stephen Fry’s BAFTA speech puts into words a sense of the

resurgence in film and the enjoyment in film that we should strive to lead and pass on to our customer,” he said.

So PULSE are passing on this very important message straight from the top of the business: Film is better than ever.

We hope Mr Fry’s words about film and cinemas inspire you as much as they have our CEO.

”It has always been true to say that we live in difficult and dark times, but it has never been truer than today. In times of austerity, doubt, darkness and fear, films can allow us to escape from the burdens and hardships of life. And they can shine a light on injustice. Film can reduce us to quivering wrecks with laughter, to help us forget and it can stun us with truth, to help us remember.

There’s no right or wrong genre or style of film. Next year more stories will have been put together to remind us that the art of movie storytelling is more alive than ever, blessed with as much creative talent as it ever has been in its history.

Let’s all keep lining up for tickets and sitting in the dark. Support your local cinema, live and love film.”

- Stephen Fry Baftas speech 2012

10 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

10

PULSE FACES OF EMPIRE

minutes with SUZANNE HILLS

A very smily Suzanne Hills

T

his issue, the very busy GM of Empire Clydebank, Suzanne Hills, spares some time to speak to Pulse. Suzanne has been with Empire since its birth and is currently on a secondment as Project Manager for a new payroll system which will ensure a swift process for holidays and pay.

What’s your job role?

I’m the General Manager at Empire Clydebank but I’m currently busy with the new payroll system for employees.

How long have you been involved in the cinema industry?

I initially started in 1988 as a Team Member in Edinburgh whilst I was training to be a teacher, then in 1994 I moved to London where I was a Team Manager then onto Greenwich in 2000. I eventually moved back to Scotland in 2006 as a General Manager for Empire Clydebank.

What’s a typical day for you?

As General Manager the role is extremely varied. I begin in the morning with a daily walk-round to make sure the cinema is clean

and organised and ready for our customers coming in. I then assign tasks to supervisors that need to be carried out for the day and the expectations for the shift. I then make sure our customers are having a good and friendly visit. Other tasks include film scheduling, team rotas and reviewing business objectives.

In my role as Project Manager I work predominantly on my own but with remote contact with our project group members. In this specific role I am carrying out intensive testing of our new payroll system. I’ve been doing this role since July 2011 and we’re looking to have it finalised by April 2012.

During my Project Manager role, Andrew Rapson has taken over as the cinema’s General Manager.

What’s the best and worst part of your job?

I love working with such a different group of people and enjoy being able to support them whether as a general manager or in my role as auditor. I love visiting other cinemas and being able to take good ideas and share them throughout the business. At present the worst part of my job is the travel and living out of a

suitcase – but even that isn’t that bad!

What does the new Workforce Management System mean for Empire employees?

Workforce Management System is a computerised system which captures and validates data for employees from start to finish whilst they are in our employment. It involves using a base computerised system and setting our company business rules and objectives in the background, setting up workloads, testing biometric clocks and business rules in extensive detail. It also includes writing a training manual to work in line with the system, organising training on the system and also preparing a rollout plan.

The system will speed up our payroll process, eliminate errors and provide high visibility to the management teams and our heads of department for the team members.

And, finally, what do you like doing in your spare time?

I love to bake cakes, that’s what everyone at Empire probably knows me for. I also love to read too!

A special thank you to SUZANNE HILLS for sparing the time to talk to PULSE Magazine.

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 11

D N I H BE

E H T S E N E SC AT

This issue, we’re taking our readers behind the scenes of PULSE magazine itself to meet the current team and to give a sneak peek of how each issue is put together.

F

rom the planning of each issue to sending it off to print and to cinema staff rooms, Pulse is written and designed by a group of final year Magazine Journalism and Feature Writing students from Southampton Solent University.

It all began in the summer of 2010 with a small team of only four putting together the whole thing. Since then, three of the original members have graduated and the fourth took over as Editor. As it’s coming to the end of the academic year, Pulse is due to change hands again so here’s a look

at the current team as well as the new heirs to Pulse.

Currently managing the whole production is Editor Helen Archard who is responsible for planning, proofreading and pulling together the final copy of Pulse Magazine as well as a bit of writing and designing. She’s the only founder member remaining after beginning on the magazine as staff writer then taking over as Editor in spring 2011.

Pulse has five writers whose names may be familiar to Empire staff who have featured in the magazine before. Kelly Woolford,

The PULSE team (minus our reviewer ED) absorbed in last issue.

12 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

Hannah Lawrence and Kirsty Welsh have been part of the team since the Summer 2011 issue and Cathy Grieg and Summer Grant joined the team in the Autumn 2011 issue.

They are the ones chasing you for the latest Empire information to put into the exciting and informative features.

The reviews are handled by film buffs Ed Bailey and Alice Bagnall who write a short preview to our top films of the quarter and source images and facts from the distribution companies like Fox and Warner Bros.

The girls who bring it all together into

PULSE BEHIND THE SCENES

L to R: Kirsty Welsh, Hannah Lawrence, Alice Bagnall, Summer Grant, Kelly Woolford, Patricia Pribolova, Emma Curran.

Current Editor Helen Archard.

the beautiful pages you see before you every quarter are Patricia Pribolova and Emma Curran whose creativity oozes throughout the magazine.

Each issue begins with a planning meeting over a nice big coffee to discuss feature ideas and feedback and put together a flat plan for each page of the magazine. It’s important to take into account the 3-month span of each issue so we print features which relate to the coming months.

We then have a big team meeting to go over each page and allocate them to

New Editor Charlotte Webb (right) and new Deputy Editor Linzi Radwell (left).

each member then the writers scurry away to start researching and conducting interviews.

A couple weeks later, when all copy is proofread, the designers come into play and do amazing things using specialist page design software.

The last couple of weeks of production involve being glued to a Mac computer creating the master copy to send to the printers. There’s hours of reading and rereading copy, tweaking design and sending it back and forth to Lisa Rowland and Paul Baxter to check all the content is correct and up to top quality Empire standard.

The final master copy of Pulse magazine is then sent off to Kinkajou Productions where Matt Reddings prints it out onto the lovely glossy pages and whisk them off to every Empire staff room across the country.Editor, Helen Archard said: “Although there are stressful times there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the shiny new copy of Pulse and knowing that you’ve given Empire staff the best product you can. It makes all the hard

work so worth it. We have such a good team and I’m confident that the new team will continue to keep Pulse great.”

As all current members will be graduating from university in May, Pulse is being passed into the capable hands of a fresh new team.

Charlotte Webb will take over as Editor supported by Linzi Radwell as Deputy Editor along with new writers, designers and reviewers so keep an eye out for these names in the next issue.

On behalf of the current team, we would like to thank you with all your participation with Pulse and hope you have enjoyed and continue to enjoy the magazine.

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 13

PULSE ADVERTORIAL

swap Have you ever wondered what

chance to “Job Swap” for

it would be like to work as a

a day with someone who

Projectionist for a day? Or would you like to do the job of your General Manager? What about trying your hand at one of the Head Office roles?

We are offering you the

does a different role in Empire Cinemas and then share your experiences with us all in Pulse.

If you are interested email us at editorpulse@empirecinemas.co.uk with your name, current role, the role you’d like to try and then a paragraph on why.

If you’d like to appear in the summer edition we need to hear from you by 18th March.

jobs 14 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

PULSE business

improved

new cinemas

&

Empire Cinemas is literally expanding into 2012 with the two phase extension to Empire Newcastle due to be ready this summer.

The customers of Empire Newcastle are being treated to the conclusion of the extension to, to compliment the four new smaller screens it received in December. A total of eight new screens, bringing its total to 20, an Impact screen, a swanky new foyer and a licensed bar complete Empire Newcastle’s overhaul.

The second phase of the extension will open up a mass of possibilities for Empire Newcastle. It will help bring in a more diverse array of films as well as an updated foyer and a general upgrade of the facilities already provided - improving the experience for the customer as well as the staff members. Empire Cinemas have taken over the previously empty Sky Bar area adjacent to the cinema’s entrance which will become Empire Newcastle’s newly licensed bar area. These refurbishments will provide everything a customer could ever need for a good night out with friends or family.

This phase of the development will cost £2million and is estimated to be completed in July – four months after its beginning in March. Through the extension to the Newcastle branch, existing team members have had extra hours available to them.

Empire Cinemas are enjoying these opportunities to expand and are looking at several new builds to develop the chain further across the UK as well as keeping focus on updating their current cinemas.

“Where the opportunities exist and where it’s applicable we are always looking at various options to refurbish,” says Neil.

With these plans already in place and more in the pipeline, 2012 looks to be an exciting year for all Empire cinemas, staff and customers.

Digital impressions of the extended Empire Newcastle

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 15

K C A B D E E F R E M O CUST D R A O B E C NOTI Clydebank I recently had the pleasure of visiting your Empire Cinema in Clydebank. I felt compelled to e-mail to register my extreme happiness at the standard of service which I received at your establishment.

We went to an earlier showing of a movie so there were only a few customers in at that time - but the staff were being highly productive during this period. Theywere working tirelessly and looking for things to do. The toilets were being cleaned thoroughly, another staff member was sweeping the main foyer area, there were “bits and bobs” being done at the concession stand,. Staff were greeting some customers as they came in - which was a nice touch and a group of older people who came in seemed very impressed.

All in all, this was a highly pleasurable experience at your establishment and I will be back before too long.

Many thanks, George Rice

Poole

Newcastle I would like to praise yo ur staff at particular one of the the Newcast managers, Ni le cinema,

My friend an ck. d I went to Saturday 11 see Wo th Feb 2012 and the show man In Black on disruptive ing was fill teenagers.

Several wer ed with showing bu e removed fr t even afte om the r that Nick our cinema was apolog experience etic that was spoiled compensatin and very ge g us for th nerous in at .

We understo od that it fault the sh wasn’t his owing has be or Empire’s en disrupted understandi ng and effo an d so the rts make ou were very ap r experience preciated. a good one

It turned a very bad ex one and we perience in will be retu to a very go rning. od Many, many thanks.

Judith Elli ott

16 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

Cinema We visited Empire I d an y da to in Poole to ed ed ne I felt at the e-mail to say th ed was iv ce re service we exceptional. What you fantastic staff ally ci pe es have there, er (h or is rv pe your su ls ia it in ink her were MB and I th rge). We ma s wa me first na lemen nt came with two ge with learning d she disabilities an so well us r te af ed look and was just ank you. fantastic so th Gemma Jeanes

PULSE FEEDBACK

Poole for the kind attitude inside your words.

I thank you for your speedy reply. Also, I thank you I may add, spoke with the same lovely who , Nikkie I managed to speak to a lady by the name of attitude as in your mail. in the names of our son Liam and our I told Nikkie that we have applied for the carer card tee the seats. Nikkie arranged that if guaran to daughter Yana but I’d booked the tickets online the cost of the carer. with us rse reimbu would we went to the booking window she help and assistance in this matter. tic fantas your for both, you thank say to Once again, I’d like THANK YOU! Have a great NEW YEAR. Kindly Yours Marcus Kelly

Poole

Newcastle I just wanted to say thank you to the staff at the Empire Newcastle. Thank you to Manager Nick, the nice blonde lady (sorry I can’t remember your name) and the security staff at The Gate, for your quick response in helping my friend, Craig Duffy, when he fell ill during Sherlock Holmes. Craig has been released from hospital and is happily resting at home. Thanks again for all your help, and once he’s feeling better I’m sure we’ll be back to see the rest of the film!

Jane Cuthbertson

My wife and I and our 2 granddaughters came to Tower Park to see Hugo in studio 2D. We just wanted to say thanks to George, the young guy who was in attendance, a really nice polite and helpful person. We will certainly be coming again as he told us about the seniors scheme. Just thought you would like to know what a great employee you have.

Thanks David Kingston

High Wy combe Clydebank I would like to send my your compliments to one of for employees, Craig, d my the help he gave me an ay. tod her mot by It was nice to be helped e car to ms see o wh e someon about the customer which and customer service, d age. an day s thi in is rare

I would like to thank y Wycombe ourself , for a and you very gr r staff eat time at High at the c This ha inema. s fully r estored feel tha my trus t I am t in Emp respect ire Cine ed as a mas and custome were gr r and t I eat. he team Once ag m e mbers w ain, I w ho serv ant to t I will l ed me hank yo oo u for m forward k aking t to visit his hap ing you pen and r cinem a again Kind re . gards Mr Darr en Edwa rds

Sincerely, Margaret Smith

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 17

PULSE EVENTS

SToRM TRooPERS iNvADE EMPiRE WiGAN Empire Wigan was invaded by strom troopers this February to celebrate the release of Star Wars 3D. The special guests were enjoyed by staff and customers alike as can be seen in these photos. The Empire Leicester Square and Empire Newcastle were also under attack in this special event.

If your cinema has had any special events of visits drop us an email at editorpulse@empirecinemas.co.uk

18 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

KatieGaskin PULSE STAFF PROFILE

Empire’s resident media superstar, Katie Gaskin

make some great friends” she said. The support from Empire Cinemas has allowed Katie to pursue a career in the media whilst remaining at the cinema, something she is very passionate about. From her time at university to doing work experience, Empire Sutton and Poole (where she transferred to during university) have helped and encouraged Katie to chase her dream job.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have got work placements with some fantastic companies such as Crimestoppers, Company Magazine, The Independent on Sunday and the BBC. I have loved them all and really gained an amazing insight into the media industry.”

Katie got the opportunity to do a work placement as a reporter for Global Radio, where she interviewed Martine McCutcheon on a double decker bus and then went to Camberwell to investigate a fatal stabbing.

Her latest exciting role as the Celebrity Big Brother runner allowed her to work up close and personal with Brian Dowling. She was in charge of ensuring he had everything he needed during the show, from lunches, scripts and looking after his guests. Her favourite part of the job was acting as a stand in celebrity where she got to walk on the eviction stage and have a mock interview with Brian!

“The thing I loved most about the job is eet Katie Gaskin, 22, from that you are right in the middle of seeing how Surrey, who works as part television works live. Anything can change in of the floor team at Empire a second and to have to react accordingly can Sutton. When at work her be incredibly stressful but so fulfilling at the main responsibilities range from providing same time.” excellent customer service to cleaning the Due to her hard work and determination screens and visiting what is rumoured to be to break into the media industry, Katie the most feared place in the whole of Empire doesn’t get a lot of spare time, but does like Sutton, the to go to the sluice room! gym, write The best part of my job has to be the people “The for various best part that I work with on all levels from my fellow team websites of my job members, right through to management. Everyone and go has to be on girly is always willing to help you if they can and that the people weekends that I work extends to when leave Empire too. away when with on all she can. levels from Katie’s my fellow team members, right through to passion and drive stands out a mile, and with management. Everyone is always willing Empire’s continued support we are certain to help you if they can and that extends to she will do extremely well in the competitive when you leave Empire too. There is a very media industry. Good luck for the future firm support system within Empire which Katie! makes me feel very secure, you really do

This issue we discover the hidden depths of another member of the Empire team who has a very exciting career path outside the walls of Empire Cinemas.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM OF ALL TIME? Remember theTitans WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM THIS YEAR? The Inbetweeners WHAT FILM ARE YOU LOOKING FOWARD TO SEEING NEXT? The Hunger Games WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR / ACTRESS? Tom Hanks/ Rachel Mc Adams IN A FILM OF YOUR LIFE, WHO WOULD PLAY YOU? Emma Stone POPCORN, SWEET OR SALTED? Sweet!

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INTERESTING FACTS

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 19

EAT PARK

IRE’S GR P M E T A S T N E IAL EV

T SPEC FIRST LOOK: A

Empire great park Empire Great Park in Birmingham hopes to make 2012 its best year yet with a big push to boost themselves up the Your Opinion Matters league table. General Manager Leon Fairbank talks to PULSE about the cinema and it’s plans for the next year.

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his Empire cinema is always looking for ways to celebrate film, from hosting the regional premiere of the last Harry Potter film to collaborating with a local college.

General Manager Leon Fairbank has enjoyed working at Great Park since he started in March 2011. He came to Empire after previously working in catering and has brought with him enthusiasm and passion for cinema.

“I really enjoy the magic of cinema and can still remember my first visit as a child, or at least the first one I can remember- Masters of the Universe 1987 with Dolph Lundgren,” he said.

But of course this is not the only reason he likes working at the cinema. “I take pride in making a difference to our customers’ experience and love it when I see Team Members talking to the children, giving

out promotional material and making them feel special,” he continued, “that is the difference between Empire Great Park and our competitors.”

Pride in the cinema is a common sentiment throughout all the employees. When Your Opinion Matters was introduced some were apprehensive about the response they would get. “I was quite nervous when the first round of Your Opinion Matters results came out as I thought customers would only leave comments if they had bad experiences,” Paige Browning says, “I was really surprised at how many positive comments customers left.”

This isn’t the only part of the Big E scheme that has had a positive effect in the cinema.

Colleague Joe Peach favours the Spotlight Checks. “Spotlight Checks have really made a difference to the customer experience offered at Empire Great Park as team members receive

20 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

positive comments and constructive feedback about their performance,” Joe said.

Even though the Spotlight Checks have only been in place since December, an improvement in the customer experience has already been noticed at Great Park and Leon believes that they’re just as good for the customers as they are for the staff. “I also think that the team members enjoy receiving a Spotlight Check as it gives them an opportunity to talk to the Supervisor or Manager more and explain our expectations better.”

Empire Great Park is aiming to make 2012 the year of communication. This means that they’re going to make sure their employees know more about the performance of the cinema, its competitors, what the customers think about it and the plans for the future.

Despite being located in one of the more competitive markets, there are eight other

PULSE TEAM IN FOCUS

A great team at Great Park

cinemas for them to contend with, Great Park enjoyed a relatively successful 2011.

“We grew our market share by 2%,” Leon said, “which, whilst it may sound a small amount, represents around £400,000 at UK box office annually.”

While customers are the first priority at Great Park, the cinema isn’t all serious business. It has teamed up with a local college to sponsor a cinema room. This is place in the college in which students can watch films and presentations. “We try to make this room feel different from other classrooms so have a number of poster frames on the wall which we update regularly,” explained Leon.

The cinema has also been happy for the college to use it as a classroom and has given tours to What are your total admissions to date? media students, in fact, the cinema and the college As an Empire Site-, Our busiest day was Tuesday in the February develops some of the course material together. In a half term in 2011 where we had over 7000 admissions, we are generous gesture, Leon is hoping that when the cinema hoping to beat that this year! is provided with new digital projectors he can place a 35mm projector in the cinema room to add the magic of What’s been your biggest selling film so far this cinema to the college. year?

Empire Great Park has a 67 strong team, including War Horse several who have worked there from the very beginning in 1998, before it was an Empire cinema. Operations Do you sell more sweet or salted popcorn?

Assistant Ray Farrell was even lucky enough to go to the We sell Sweet popcorn on a ratio of 6 to 1 Die Hard premiere in Leicester Square.

However one of the cinema’s fondest moments, Have you had any strange requests? especially from the eyes of Dual Projection Manager We quite frequently get asked to sing happy birthday and we Darren May, happened last year when it was chosen to used to have a big remote control that we made the birthday host the regional premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly child point at the screen to turn the film on Hallows: Part Two. This brought a lot of new customers to the cinema and this year Empire Great Park is hoping Have you ever had any celebrities visit? to host a few more special events for much-anticipated Jamelia, Ron Atkinson, Mark Ramprakash, Ashley Giles, we are also releases. “We pride ourselves on our film knowledge and in close proximity to two football teams so often have some of the as true film fans we think like moviegoers,” Leon said, “a football players in attendance. We have hosted the “Film days” at ‘MARVEL-OUS day’ is already on the cards.”

Empire’s great park Q&A

Great Park previously and Adam Deacon and Noel Clarke came and spoke to us about Adulthood for the film days, Ali Campbell and Astro from UB40.

FANCY HAVING YOUR TEAM FEATURED IN PULSE MAGAZINE? EMAIL US AT: editorpulse@empirecinemas.co.uk

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 21

cinema reps Rob Lucas (Basildon) basildon@empirecinemas.co.uk

Dion Mulholland (Swindon, Greenbridge) swindon@empirecinemas.co.uk

Kelvin Clarke (Bishops Stortford) bishopsstortford@empirecinemas.co.uk Yasmine Crowther (Hemel Hempstead) hemelhempstead@empirecinemas.co.uk Tish Clarke (Birmingham Great Park) greatpark@empirecinemas.co.uk

Perry Bartlett (Bromley) bromley@empirecinemas.co.uk Tara Delf (Leicester Square) theempire@empirecinemas.co.uk Laura Mcleod (Clydebank) clydebank@empirecinemas.co.uk

22 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

PULSE REPRESENTATIVES Pulse have recruited a representative in each cinema to become the link between your magazine and your cinema.

Feel free to chat to them about any ideas or enquiries you have and don’t forget to give them your COMPETITION CORNER entries from page 33.

Katie Gaskin (Sutton, Surrey) sutton@empirecinemas.co.uk Jenny Maguire (Wigan) wigan@empirecinemas.co.uk Amy Stonehouse (Sunderland) sunderland@empirecinemas.co.uk

Razak Hussein (Slough) slough@empirecinemas.co.uk

David Bol (Poole, Tower Park) poole@empirecinemas.co.uk

Andy Spoors (Newcastle Upon Tyne) newcastle@empirecinemas.co.uk

Kim Hallam (High Wycombe) highwycombe@empirecinemas.co.uk

Emma Chawner (Sutton Coldfield) suttoncoldfield@empirecinemas.co.uk

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 23

PULSE YoM special

Specially Selected is the second string to the Your Opinion Matters bow and begins its trial in March 2012 across three Empire Cinemas.

We are inviting selected customers in “undercover� to experience our cinemas and then complete a survey in a similar fashion to the YOM survey. We will provide them with tickets to visit the cinema and in return we can glean more information about them and their preferences.

We hope to have the programme up and running by early summer in all cinemas. Every month each management team will receive the results of these undercover visits and will be in position to share with all the team how they are doing against the YOM Objectives.

24 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

FANTASTIC FACTS The films are based on the short lived comic series The Men In Black, first published in 1990.

Bill Hader has been confirmed as appearing as Andy Warhol, with rumours that Castro, Jimi Hendrix and Yoko Ono might also show up.

It’s been over 3 years since Will Smith made his last film, Seven Pounds, the longest break he’s had so far since his acting career began in 1993.

Men In Black III

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Ten years ago Men In Black II hit the screens the same year as Spider-Man. In a strange coincidence, Men In Black III will be released the same year that the Spider-Man reboot is scheduled.

KNOW YOUR STUFF

May 2012

fter a decade away from the big screen, Agent J and Agent K are returning for the long awaited third instalment in the Men In Black franchise. This time their adventure will take them back through time, with Agent J (Will Smith) travelling back to the 1960s to stop an alien assassinating Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones). Men in Black III will give fans the chance to see what the early days of the agency were like as Agent J discovers secrets that his partner never told him.

Playing the young Agent K is Josh Brolin, best known for his scene stealing appearances in No Country For Old Men and True Grit.

Emma Thompson is another new actor to the universe, appearing as both a secretary in the 60s and Agent O in the present day agency.

With her role as Professor Sybil Trelawney

in the Harry Potter films she’s well versed in fantasy, but Men In Black III proves she can handle sci-fi just as well.

After handling the last two instalments, Barry Sonnenfeld is back in the director’s chair. In the decade since Men In Black II he has directed the family comedy R.V and the hit TV series Pushing Daisies for which he won an Emmy.

With an intriguing time travel storyline, the return of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, and the extra dimension that 3D adds, it looks like Men In Black III is on track to be a hit. With some fantastic new names involved and fresh ideas the franchise could well last past its third instalment, let’s hope so.

It’s likely Billy would’ve seen the first two Men In Black films during his childhood,

Genre: Action/Sci-Fi/Comedy Director: Barry Sonnenfeld Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Emma Thompson Movie Recommendations: X-Men: First Class Back To The Future The Matrix so the prospect of a sequel is sure to excite him. Not just for the nostalgia factor, but the excellent action and interesting time travel plot. JJ will also love the action and inventive alien designs, as well as the brilliantly realised sci-fi world. It’s not just for boys though, Dan & Sarah will enjoy the wonderful story. After all, there is heart and humour to go with the sci-fi action.

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 25

Pirates The

FANTASTIC FACTS

The PIRATES! In an Adventure with Scientists March 2012

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he latest feature film from Aardman Animations follows Pirate Captain as he attempts to beat his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz to the Pirate of the Year Award. The swashbuckling adventure features a whole host of whacky pirates and takes Pirate Captain from the shores of Blood Island all the way to the foggy streets of Victorian London.

With a long history of stop-motion animation, including the creation of the iconic Wallace & Gromit, Aardman are truly pioneers in their field. With Pirates!

In An Adventure with Scientists they prove just why they’re leaders of the pack.

A brilliant vocal cast truly brings the characters to life, lead by Hugh Grant as the Pirate Captain. Pirates! marks the

first time Grant has lent his vocal talents to a feature film, and although his trademark posh accent may seem an odd choice for a pirate he makes it work perfectly.

Voicing Pirate Captain’s rivals are Salma Hayek as Cutlass Liz and Jeremy Piven as Black Bellamy. Piven has a wealth of voice acting experience having worked on numerous TV shows such as SpiderMan and Justice League. Rounding out the cast are a group of famous Brits including Martin Freeman, David Tennant and Brian Blessed.

Aardman seem to effortlessly churn out fantastic TV shows and films, and Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists is no exception. With a sterling cast of voice actors, and some of Aardman’s impressive animation techniques it’s a joy from start to finish.

26 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

As well as Aardman’s traditional stop-motion style, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists will be complemented by computer generated scenery to create a more visually striking world.

This isn’t the first time Salma Hayek has voiced an animated film, she was Kitty Softpaws in Puss In Boots.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Animated Family Comedy Director: Peter Lord Starring: Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton Movie Recommendations: Wallace and Gromit Up Corpse Bride

PULSE FILMS IN FOCUS

We bought a

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Zoo

March 2012

his heartwarming feel-good movie by Oscar winning director Cameron Crowe, responsible for movie hits Jerry Maguire and Elizabethtown, is the perfect way to start spring 2012. Set in the stunning countryside of Southern California and based on a true story, audiences will follow the life of widower Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) as he tries to give his family the fresh start they deserve.

After the passing of his wife, single parent Mee struggles to bring his family back together resulting in his son being expelled from school. Finding it hard to get back on track he decides that a change of scenery could be the one thing to reunite his family again.

However, he soon discovers that he has literally bitten off more than he can chew, moving in to one of the most unlikely places, a zoo.

Matt Damon’s sympathetic character is helped and encouraged on his journey by his two adorable children and the eclectic zoo staff which consist of Thomas Hayden Church, star of Spiderman 3, as they try to restore the zoo to its former glory and give themselves and the animals a new lease of life. As his compelling story unfolds, Benjamin and his family form new friendships, especially with Scarlett Johansson’s motherly character Kelly. What really makes this story so unique is the unlikely bonds that are built between human and animal which are truly extraordinary to watch.

We Bought a Zoo is a magical family adventure that will satisfy a variety of cinema goers. It is the perfect movie for all of the Palmer family, where parents will be pleasantly surprised by the films classic family values that are reminiscent of the Christmas classic Home Alone. Sally and Jacob will also be drawn to this emotional comedy due to its personal plot line and hilarious misadventures that will have them on an emotional roller coaster throughout. It’s a lovely family movie that will have you grinning from ear to ear.

What really makes this story so unique is the unlikely bonds that are built between human and animal which are truly extraordinary

FANTASTIC FACTS Ben Stiller was considered for the lead role Benjamin Mee before the part went to Matt Damon.

Matt Damon was nominated for three Golden Globes and won best performance by an actor for his role in The Talented Mr Ripley

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Family, Drama, Comedy Director: Cameron Crowe Starring: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church Movie Recommendations: Big Miracle, Journey 2: The mysterious island SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 27

The Avengers Leaving Iron man and Captain America in the shadows FANTASTIC FACTS Marvel have announced a four-issue comic series that will act as a prelude to the film, due out in March this year.

Fans will want to keep their eyes open for a cameo from Stan Lee, the legendary figure who helped create Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, and plenty of other comic book favourites.

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April 2012

his is what it’s all been leading up to. After teasers at the end KNOW YOUR STUFF of Iron Man, Thor and Captain Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi America, The Avengers are finally ready to assemble. Comic fans are Director: Joss Whedon bound to have high expectations for this Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris one, but Marvel has pulled out all the Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel stops to make sure it doesn’t disappoint.

L. Jackson For a start they have Joss Whedon Movie Recommendations: directing, a man who has had years of experience creating rich and engaging Thor worlds. He was behind the wildly Captain America popular TV series Buffy the Vampire The Dark Knight Slayer, as well as more recent hits like Dollhouse.

It’s clear that The Avengers is set to A lifelong comic fan, Whedon has written several be one of the biggest movie events of 2012 comics including The Astonishing

28 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

X-Men, so he’s well versed in the source material.

The talent in front of the camera is impressive too. There is a slew of stars reprising their roles from previous Marvel films, including Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Fans will also be treated to some new talent too such as the always entertaining Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury, along with Mark Ruffalo as Hulk.

From the names involved alone it’s already clear that The Avengers is set to be one of the biggest movie events of 2012. As previous superhero films have proved, it’s not just the comic fans that are in for a treat.

Everyone can get behind the heroes in the Marvel universe, especially with such an epic storyline and fantastic action set pieces.

PULSE FILMS IN FOCUS

The Hunger Games

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March 2012

ased on the best-selling novels

by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is a sci-fi action adaptation set in the not so distant future. North America’s collapse, due to war and famine, has meant that a new country, Panem, has arisen. Within this unusual and futuristic country, every powerless civilian or those from a poorer background must take part in a lottery based television game; The Hunger Games.

Two civilians aged 12-18 from each of the twelve districts within Panem, are randomly selected to be pitted against each other as a form of brutal entertainment for their leaders, but an opportunity for them to win honour, status, food and wealth.

Katniss and her family have struggled to make ends meet ever since the passing of her father and, although being part of the lottery since aged 12, her name has never been successfully drawn. In a twist of fate the 16-year-old Katniss, played by X-Men’s

Jennifer Lawrence, discovers her younger sister Prim has been unexpectedly drawn out of the raffle and must compete for her own survival.

With her sister being just 12 years old and very under prepared for this savage TV show, Katniss volunteers to take her place in the battle of kill or be killed in the fight for survival. With her family’s health and security hanging in the balance, Katniss must train to become the ultimate “Tribute” and fight for the future and honour of her district.

The Hunger Games is a thrill seeking and action packed movie that takes the likes of Thor and Daybreakers to a whole new level. Billy and JJ are sure to be at the front of the queue to watch this reality gaming blockbuster but you may also find Dan persuading Sarah to tag along, where she will find the underlying love story and fight for a family’s survival rather touching.

FANTASTIC FACTS The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingly are a trilogy of young adult books by Suzanne Collins.

Jennifer Lawrence was originally cast as the lead in Savages but left to for the role of Katniss in The Hunger Games.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Action, Sci-fi, Drama Director: Gary Ross Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz Movie Recommendations: Men in Black III Prometheus

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 29

best exotic Marigold Hotel Release date: 24th February 2012.

Director: John Madden Starring: Maggie Smith & Dame Dudy

Linzi and Charlotte, PULSE’s new Editors, attended Empire Leicester Square’s Film Days this month. After being shown over 60 sneak peaks of upcoming films, here are their pick of the best for the next year...

wild bill

Dench, Bill Nighy

The film follows seven strangers to India in search of change. The group of British pensioners all venture to India for different reasons. Attracted by adverts for the recently refurbished Marigold Hotel and reinforced with ideas of a life of relaxing in exotic India they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self.

A laugh out loud comedy with an award winning cast.

Release date: 30th March 2012.

Director: Dexter Fletcher Lock. Stock and Two Smoking Barrels actor Dexter Fletcher turns director in his movie debut. Wild Bill is set in East London in the present day, leading up to the Olympics. The story follows the modern day struggles of poverty and a heart wrenching love between a father & son. After 8 years in prison, Bill Hayward returns home to find his now 15 year old son bringing up his 11 year old son after being abandoned by their mother. At first Bill is unwilling to play Dad, but a new bond with his son blossoms and Bill starts to realize what he’s been missing.

mini

previews

the hobbit: an unexpected journey 3d Release date: 14th December 2012.

Director: Peter Jackson Starring: Martin Freeman (the role of

Bilbo Baggins), Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom The Hobbit 3D follows Bilbo Baggins as he travels into the Lonely Mountain.

Accompanied by a group of dwarves, they try to find and reclaim the treasure.

30 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2012

battleship Release date: 11th April 2012.

Director: Peter Berg Starring: Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker and Liam Neeson Action packed adventure from across the seas to the skies over land. The planet works to fight for survival against a superior force.

The dictator Release date: 18th May 2012.

Director: Larry Charles Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen Set to be the biggest comedy of the year. Laugh out loud comedy from the writer of Ali G and Borat. The hilarious story of a brave dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy does not come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.

PULSE looking forward

madagascar 3: europe’s most wanted Release date: 19th October 2012.

Director: Eric Darnell Starring: Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer

All the characters are returning in a continuous fight to get back to their home town of New York City. They find a travelling circus in which they see as the perfect opportunity to travel through Europe.

The lucky one Release date: 4th May 2012.

Director: Scott Hicks Starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling and Blythe Danner A Marine finds a picture of a girl whilst out on tour. Believing she may have been his lucky charm, he travels in search to find her.

the bourne legacy Release date: August 2012.

Director: Tony Gilroy Starring: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton The fourth film in the popular franchise with a new hero being introduced. The events from the first three films have lead up to whether the characters life is at stake.

for

&

ONES TO WATCH

2012

twilight breaking dawn, part 2 Release date: 16th November 2012.

Director: Bill Condon The long awaited last of the Twilight films. Bella wakes after the birth of Renesmee - a newborn vampire. She is beautiful but bloodthirsty. The Cullens keep the baby from her for her own protection until she is strong enough.

They also assemble other vampires in order to protect the child from a false accusation that brings the family in front of the Volturi.

project x Release date: 2nd March 2012.

Director: Nima Nourizadeh From the director of The Hangover, Project X is quoted to be ‘Superbad on crack’. The story follows 3 high school boys trying to make a name for themselves by throwing the best party ever. The drinks are followed by more drinks and, as the night progresses, things begin to spiral out of control as word of the party spreads.

what to expect when you’re expecting Release date: 25th May 2012.

Director: Kirk Jones This star-studded film follows five couples in the journey of pregnancy. Starring a number of big stars, Cameron Diaz, J-Lo, Chris Rock and Cheryl Cole makes her debut.

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 31

Competition corner CONGRATULATIONS to last issue’s winner of a years supply of chocolate KELVIN CLARKE of Empire Bishops Stortford. For your chance to win check out the quiz on the next page.

Just for Fun

The Shining Pulp Fiction Inception Forrest Gump

32 | PULSE MAGAZINE | spring 2012

American Beauty The Lion King Die Hard Snatch

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Black Swan Kill Bill Trainspotting Finding Nemo

PULSE COMPETITION CORNER

Guess The Year For your chance to win a years supply of chocolate courtesy of our friends at CADBURY’S then read the facts below and guess which year we’re talking about. Put your answer in the big box along with your name, cinema, contact number, contact email and favourite chocolate and hand it over to your Pulse Rep by 1st May.

1. Seth Rogen, star of The Green Hornet and Pineapple Express was born on April 15th.

2. The legendary Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman died, perhaps most famous for her role in Casablanca.

Cut/Tear HERE

3. Steven Spielberg’s E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial was the highest grossing film of the year.

4. Tragedy struck during the filming of Twilight Zone: The Movie on July 23rd when Vic Morrow and two child actors were accidentally killed.

5. The film Gandhi won 8 Oscars at the 55th Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director.

6. It was a good year for threequels, with Friday the 13th, Halloween and Rocky all receiving a third instalment 7. Danny DeVito married Cheers star Rhea Perlman, the couple have had three children and remain together today.

and the year is...

NAME ............................................................................................................................................

CINEMA ............................................................................................................................................

TEL ............................................................................................................................................

EMAIL ............................................................................................................................................

FAVOURITE CHOCOLATE ...........................................................................................................................................................................

SPRING 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 33

STAR P O T T I N G

Celebrities love a good movie as much as the rest of us and PULSE wants to know what famous faces have visited your Empire. This issue we’ve heard from Empire Hemel Hempstead and Empire Wigan about their star studded customers.

34 | PULSE MAGAZINE | spring 2012

empire Hemel hempstead GUESTLIST Nick Knowles Goldie Theo Wallcott Ian Wright Jude Law Matt Baker Michael Duberry

PULSE STAR SPOTTING

EMPIRE wigan GUESTLIST

EMPIRE wigan

EMPIRE hemel hempstead

Russell Kane Jennifer James Sherrie Hewson Eva Pope Goldie Wigan Warriors Rugby Team Wigan Athletic Football Team Jason Roberts Dave Whelan Ruby Wax Leon Osman Jonny Lomax Luke Marsden Kathryn Drysdale Mark Croft Ricky Whittle Jordan Henderson Rebecca Shiner Amy Barnes Carly Stenson Debbie Greenwood Leighton Baines Lee Mcullough

spring 2012 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 35

LIGHTING UP PERFORMANCE

Coming Soon…

Progress Reviews for Team Members

r o f o d e r i p m E n a c t a h W you?