PULSE magazine - Issue 5 - Autumn 2011

PULSE THE MAGAZINE FOR THOSE WHO MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN - EDITION 05 - AUTUMN 2011

News

Your

Opinion Matters

THE NEXT STAGE: MAKING CHANGES

Faces of TRUDY EAST GENERAL MANAGER EMPIRE SWINDON

Portfolio SPOTLIGHT CHECK: KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR PERFORMANCE

Star Spotting....

CELEBRITY VISITS EMPIRE

Top 10 Tips KEEPING IT GREEN AND RECYCLING AT EMPIRE CINEMAS

Films in focus TWILIGHT/ TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY/ TIN TIN/ FRIGHT NIGHT/ THE THING/ CONTAGION

HELPING YOU TO DELIVER

BRITVIC AD

BIG E Customer Key We gave our cinema buddies some grilling.

What do they like? We asked them: - How often do you go to the cinema?

- What films do you favour?

- What is your favourite time to go to the cinema?

- What purchases do you make?

- What would make it the best cinema experience?

“Billy” - The care-free student - Two / Three times per month - New releases - Opening weekend / “Saverdays” / Orange Wednesday - If feeling flushed: Hot dog / Nachos / Combos - Deals / Being first to see films / Fast & efficient service “Jane & Friends” - Sociable best friends - Once per quarter - Rom Coms / Big event films - Evenings - Chocolate / Still soft drink / Wine (if there’s a bar) - Making it an occasion / Spending little / Stress-free “Dan & Sarah” - The romantic couple - Once / Twice a month - Mixed - Evenings - Sharing combos / Chocolate / Ben & Jerry’s - Dinner beforehand / Fast & efficient service / Cleanliness “The Palmer Family” - The typical family - Once a month for big releases or Juniors on a Saturday - Family / Animation - Weekends / School holidays - Own refreshments / Kid’s Boxes / Coffee / Chocolate - Kids enjoying themselves / Cleanliness / Safety “JJ” - The typical teen - Two / Three times a month - PG and 15 rated films - Weekends / School holidays / Early Evenings - Anything & everything! / Tango Iceblast / Popcorn - Being treated like an adult / Limited conversation “Beryl” - Retired senior - Once in a blue moon / Regularly to Seniors - Big event films / Whatever’s showing on Senior screenings - Midweek / Quiet times - Tea / Coffe / Occasional chocolate or Ben & Jerry’s - Cleanliness / Welcoming / Good manners / Friendly “Sally & Jacob” - Wheelchair user & carer - Once / twice a month - Mixed / Generally easy-watching - Week days / During quiet afternoons - Mixed, but not usually a lot - Wheelchair facilities / Welcoming / Safety / Cleanliness Produced by: BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Feature Writing Editor: Helen Archard Staff Writers: Alice Bagnall/ Edward Bailey/ Kirsty Welsh/ Kelly Woolford/ Hannah Lawrence Art Designers: Emma Curran/ Patricia Pribolova

Letter from Roz It’s been a year since Pulse hit the staff rooms of Empire Cinemas all over the country.

In this autumn edition, we’re offering you the chance to tell us what you really think, be honest!

After catching up on all the latest gossip from Empire Cinemas, we would like our avid readers to complete the questionnaire at the back of the magazine, tear it out and give it to one of your managers. In return for your ideas and feedback you will be rewarded with a yummy pack of Cadbury’s tasters. You can’t beat free chocolate!

We’ll have a look through your feedback and make some important changes so keep your eyes peeled for your ideas in upcoming issues.

So what can you find in this edition?

We’ve got our latest product testing feature. This time, some of the hungry gang from Hemel Hempstead tried out the delicious nachos and cheese sauce.

They popped into rival cinemas to get a taste of the competition too. It’s a mouth-watering read!

Our Team Blog on page 21 comes from Basildon this quarter so a big thanks to Phil and the team, not forgetting their new friend Titan!

Flick to pages 12 & 13 where we delve behind the scenes of the interesting world of film booking.

Thanks guys for letting us know all your secrets!

Derek Cownty leaves us for pastures new but we are delighted to welcome Craig Jones who joins us from Universal Pictures UK. You can find out more about him and the team on these pages too.

This quarter sees the 2nd chance for all you avid film makers to earn yourself and your team some dosh. After the successful “Big E In Action” entry of Hemel Hempstead last time, is there another Cinema who can challenge them? You just need to make an entertaining, enlightening and award winning Big E film. See the back page for details of this years competition.

Have a great autumn and keep making it personal with all those customers. We’ll see you again just in time for Christmas with another packed edition of Pulse.

Roz

editorpulse@empirecinemas.co.uk

AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 3

IN PROGRESS

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Contentsautumn

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6 7 8-9 10 11 12-13 14 15 16-17 18-19 20 21 22-23 24-25 26 27-31 33-34 34

PRODUCT QUALITY NACHOS & CHEESE SAUCE NEW SILVER E PRIZE DRAW WINNER TOP 10 TIPS SPECIAL KEEPING IT GREEN YOUR OPINION MATTERS THE NEXT STEP FACES OF EMPIRE TRUDY EAST BEHIND THE SCENES FILM BOOKING FILM FOR THOUGHT STAFF REVIEWS CHARITY AT EMPIRE KEEPING FIT CINEMA IN FOCUS SLOUGH CUSTOMER FEEDBACK LETTERS STAFF PROFILE NEIL THOMPSON GUEST PAGE BASILDON SPOTLIGHT CHECKS PERFORMANCE REVIEWS EMPIRE CINEMAS OUT & ABOUT HALLOWEEN SPECIAL FRIGHTFEST 2011 FIILMS IN FOCUS REVIEWS FEEDBACK QUESTIONAIRRE COMPETITION CORNER CELEBRITY SPOTTING

6

20 27 34

AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 5

THE

PULSE PRODUCTS

Nacho CHALLENGE

Empire Hemel Hempstead sent their finest Cheesy Nacho Warriors out to sample some of the local cinema’s nachos and cheese sauce. Phil-a-delphia, Elliott Edam and Cheesy Louise put their taste buds to the test!

ODEON

CINEWORLD

EMPIRE

Inspiring, creamy, outstanding: Is this cheese heaven?

Admiring the nicely presented portion and remarking how the texture and smell appears similar to our own beloved cheese sauce.

We all dip… We chew… We sit in stunned silence… We dip… We chew… We dip…

We chew… Until the whole portion is gone!

Pre-packaged, sludgy, cold: Fit for human consumption?

After reading the ingredients that show this pot of sauce contains only 10% cheese, we pull back the foil lid of the sauce container and a repugnant stench escapes. Bracing ourselves at the orange jelly-like horror before us: We dip… We chew… We recoil in disgust… We grab a bottle of water…

Familiar, smooth, delicious: Everything you’d want from a cheese sauce

Finally back on home turf again, the Cheesy Nacho Warriors are nearly cheesed out for the evening, but not quite as we settle down to a portion of our own. We dip… We chew… We’re happy and content!

Phil: There’s an explosion of flavour in my mouth!

Elliott: And a slightly spicy taste too…

Louise: I could drink this stuff… Now there’s an idea!

Phil: Urrgh! Is this baby food?

Louise: I wouldn’t give this to my dog!

Elliott: *throwing up in the corner* Eat at your own risk!

OME FROM C Y E H T E at WHER anchester th r based in M

le e a wholesa me TCSL UK ar rived to beco o and has st ag s ar ye 25 er it w hin started ov od products Mexican fo of er li pp su the leading market. opa m the cine ound corn as ade from gr m e ar s ip ch an authenTheir nacho ety giving it ri va r ou fl normal eese posed to the delicious ch crunch. The ng yi sf ti sa premium tic taste and nd and is of from Holla d ce ur so sauce is r. full of flavou r the sauce, quality and ity cheese fo al qu gh hi a g for plains When lookin e Dutch!” ex her than th rt fu no ok UK. you need lo er for TCSL eral Manag en G r, jalake al Scott W olland and salsa from H es li pp su l so ast that wil TCSL UK al to create a fe o ic ex M s from peño pepper mbrero off. nd so s from arou blow your y ingredient it al qu st be the the best They source can deliver that Empire re su en to the world stomers. uct to its cu quality prod

6 | PULSE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2011

Louise: Very satisfying, good taste and temperature.

Phil: Now these are enjoyable! Cheese isn’t too strong here.

Elliott: This is totally flavourable… Is that even a word? Addictive too.

HOW DO WE MAKE SUCH AMAZING NACHOS

? * A little Jalepeno juice should be added to the cheese sauce when preparing to give it an extra kick, not too much though as this will make it watery. * Make sure you heat the sauce in the Bain Marie in plenty of time for the walk-in and keep the lid in place to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Whilst Empire’s nachos are pretty damn good, we narrowly missed out to the delights of Odeon’s nachos. Our cheese sauce is mild and creamy but slightly watery in comparison to Odeon’s, where the staff assured us that their cheese sauce was cream cheese heated to exactly the right temperature to make it pourable.

The

PULSE PORTFOLIO

Silver E

Awards

Meet our stars Standfirst standfirst standfirst standfirst standfirst standfirst standfirst standfirst standfirst standfirst standfirst standfirst standfirst Second Silver E Prize Draw Winner Announced Amy Stonehouse from Empire Sunderland has become the second winner of the Silver E prize draw, a quarterly event which all members are automatically entered into when awarded a Silver E. Amy first discovered she had won the prize draw when she received a phone call at home.

“I thought it was a wind up at first. When it sank in I was really shocked and pleased,” she said.

Amy has won a trip for two on a luxury yacht. The prize includes learning to sail around the Isle of Wight with expert tuition, a champagne reception and a buffet lunch on board.

“It’s something that I would never have dreamed of arranging for myself, but life is all about new experiences and I’m excited to give it a go.

“I couldn’t really say which part of the trip I’m most looking forward to, although most people would tell you I am fond of a nice glass of champagne,” said Amy. Amy will be taking her partner of 8 years Mark on the trip.

“He would be a bit put out if I took anyone else,” Amy explains.

We hope they both have a wonderful time.

The second Silver E prize draw is just another example of how hard work and determination amongst staff is noticed and rewarded.

New Silver E: Chris Silver

Our newest Silver E even has the name to match. Chris Silver was greeted by the nomination when arriving to work at Empire Swindon and given the official letter by General Manager, Trudy East.

“When I opened it loads of little silver stars fell out,” said Chris.

The hard work Chris has put in to make customer experience memorable is what has made him stand out from the crowd and earn his nomination.

“My biggest achievement would be working with customers, building a rapport with them and making them feel welcome,” explains Chris.

“I was thrilled to bits and enormously honoured and regarded it as one for the team.”

Congratulations to Chris for outstanding dedication in providing the Big E to our customers.

Dean Mowbray

Dean Mowbray was the lucky winner of the first Silver E prize draw. He tells us how he found the Hard Rock Falling concert, which he won tickets for.

“It was a real treat! My fiancée and I really enjoyed it. The Barenaked Ladies (the band not the people) were particularly entertaining and I think the Silver E prizes and incentives are absolutely amazing.”

AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 7

PULSE online survey

Your

Opinion Matters Empire Cinemas launched their online customer feedback survey in April this year and last issue we published the overall results for every cinema. After going through the results for each question, the focus now is how our cinemas are learning and improving based on the feedback.

T

he Your Opinion Matters survey encourages customers to rate their cinema experience in terms of the Big E and the findings are expressed on Billy’s face. The results collected in May ranged from ‘shockingly bad’ to ‘good’, so Empire challenged each of their cinemas to improve during the summer with hope of boosting them towards the OMG Good level.

“Since May, all the teams have been working on improving the key areas of dissatisfaction in their cinema to help ensure the customers get an improved experience when they visit us in the future,” says Lisa Rowland, our Customer Experience Manager. “We hope that the customers will be encouraged to give us their opinions in the autumn and allow all the cinemas to see how they have made progress in their action plans.”

Different cinemas had different areas to work on but some issues were universal, for example, the toilets. A quarter of our customers told us they were unhappy with the toilet facilities for reasons ranging from the state

of repair or general cleanliness or the lack of toilet paper and soap.

The results published in May revealed that customers gave lots of positive feedback about how they were greeted upon arriving at our cinemas with four out of five people saying they were ‘really’ or ‘fairly happy’ with the welcome they received. However, many customers highlighted that there was a lack of attention paid to them as they were leaving the cinema with only 40% saying they were given a farewell.

As the summer period is so critical for us, the Operations team have been out and about, sometimes even ‘undercover’, visiting different cinemas around the country to help keep the focus in the right place. It was also a helpful exercise to pick up valuable tips on our cinemas ‘Making it Personal’, which could be published in the newsletter.

10 | PULSE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2011

After sharing the results of the Your Opinion Matters survey, Head Office have decided to launch an initiative in which they will spend a day during October half term working in the cinemas to both lend a hand and experience it during the busy key times.

Team member tackles the toilets to boost their YOM scores

1

F

minutes trudy east

with

10

PULSE FACES OF EMPIRE

rom writing action plans and planning film schedules to the general operation of the cinema building, a General Manager’s day is never the same. Trudy East, General Manager of Empire Swindon reminisces about her long-spanning career in the cinema industry.

Can you give us a brief history of your time working in the cinema industry?

It all started when I was 17 with work experience at The Jet Centre, a shopping complex in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, which had 4 cinemas. They then offered me a summer job and I continued to come back every year for the holidays whilst studying for my degree. I got promoted to manager when I was 21 and went to The Savoy in Dublin to train on the opening weekend of the first Jurassic Park.

I left the cinema environment for a few years to teach, but I honestly missed it and came back in 1998 as a manager with Cineworld, Swindon. My team and I moved over to Empire Cinemas in 2006.

tickets online, use ATM’s or get their tickets from any till within the cinema. We have also introduced gift cards and Orange Wednesdays available from the till points.

I personally feel that Empire Cinemas are 1 step ahead of our competitors with our innovation.

What do you think about the Big E? I think the Big E concept is brilliant. We can all easily relate to the characters and the importance of making it personal to every customer is paramount.

Our company is striving for world class service and, by putting the Big E into practice with every customer, it will definitely help us achieve that.

“I personally feel that Empire Cinemas are 1 step ahead of our competitors with our innovation.”

How do you feel that the cinema industry has changed since you first started?

Technology has had a huge impact on the cinema industry like the introduction of digital projectors and 3D, for example.

Things like being able to do live link ups for opera’s and ballets and other special events are also pretty revolutionary. On the customer side, they can now purchase

Tell us about your first experiences of cinema My mum took me and three of my friends to our local 2 screen cinema to watch 101 Dalmatians. I was so excited but half way through the film broke and we all got moved into the smaller screen.

However there weren’t enough seats so we had to sit on the floor at the front of the screen. We got to watch the film from the start again though!

interesting facts Favourite film of all time: Dirty Dancing Favourite film of this year: Bridesmaids Looking forward to seeing: The Smurfs Best thing about working for Empire: The people I work with.

Popcorn, sweet or salted: Salted

A special thank you to Trudy East for sparing the time to talk to PULSE Magazine.

AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 11

D N I H BE

E H T S E N SCE

STANDFIRST

ng i k o o b of film

IN PROGRESS

Y

ou love to watch the films, the customers come to watch the films and you all provide an amazing experience all customers want to see at Empire.

But, how do the films get to Empire cinemas and who’s in charge in making it all happen?

It all comes down to three special people based at Head Office in London who ensure the films screened in your local cinema are correctly picked and they do all the hard work to get films to your screens. However, how do they get the films on time? How do they

know what the audience wants to see and what do they do to ensure customers are getting the ultimate Empire experience?

Pulse went behind the scenes to question the people who make it all become possible...

Derek Cownty, Rob Knight and Zerrin Turna all work hard at Head Office in Leicester Square to ensure films shown at Empire cinemas up and down the country are the ones the audience want to see.

Rob Knight is the film booker for Empire: “As a film booker, my job involves formulating the upcoming film schedules at our cinemas. Our company size and structure

16 | PULSE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2011

does mean that we are involved in some areas that similar positions that our competitors would not be. This includes Film Hire Invoice Reconciliation, business analysis, website maintenance and working on our customer magazine, Escape.”

Surely being a film booker would involve a typical daily routine and watching films and seeing if they’re suitable for the audiences of Empire? “Funnily enough it’s a very hands-on job!” explains Rob. “Monday is the most fullon day of the week. We adjust our planned out schedules using business levels from the weekend to decide upon screen sizes, number

PULSE BEHIND THE SCENES

Big welcome to

of shows and formats used for the upcoming play week. This is followed by a department meeting and then numerous phone calls to distribution to agree upon our plan with them. Once these are completed we pass on the schedule to our cinema team using a Film Scheduling system – this formulates film times and then we go through these times with them prior to programming and going to press.

Following on from Monday’s busy day, the team compile tasks such as booking special season shows like Empire Juniors and Seniors, sending documents to various cinemas, arranging meetings, attending

presentations and dealing with general queries daily.

Both Rob and Zerrin work below Derek to decide on the films shown at Empire, whilst also figuring out what films will be shown and how often: “Fortunately we have a twoyear calendar which allows us to see what films are going to be out way in advance,” says Zerrin, the film bookings administrator.

“For example, we knew years ago when the final Harry Potter would be out giving us the opportunity to set out film times, promotions, screens which would be showing the film and also specialist screenings. The final Harry

Potter is over two hours long and because it’s going to be so popular we need to ensure it’s going to be showing continuously for at least six weeks.”

Once the confirmation of a film has been set, the team set about arranging for the digital drive to be delivered to the cinemas it’s being shown at which is arranged through the National Film of Transport (NFT)

A massive thank you to the film booking team for talking to PULSE.

SUMMER 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 17

PULSE FILM FOR THOUGHT

thought

for

film

Belleville Rendezvous This will probably be considered by many to be an odd choice for anyone’s favourite film but this French animation is, to my mind, one of the best films ever made. It’s simplistic and has a whimsical, comedic feel although is a practically a silent film. The narrative is cleverly told through actions and expressions and while there is background music and a song or two, the film gets by without any clunky dialogue or pointless narration.

It follows the story of an old lady, her grandson and their dog as the grandson grows up and enters the Tour De France. During the race however, the grandson is kidnapped by gangsters, shipped to the teeming metropolis of Belleville and forced to work in a high society gambling den. His grandmother (and dog of course) immediately give chase and with the help of the famous singing group the Triplets de Belleville they cleverly manage to bring down the gangsters and escape home. The film is charming, witty, adventurous and a visually beautiful piece of work. I defy anyone to not enjoy watching it.

Heather Dunn, Poole

Edward Scissorhands

PULSE specialises in keeping its readers up to date with the latest film releases but we also like to take a little dabble in films gone by. Everyone has at least one favourite film which can be watched over and over and it still gives us goose bumps. We received an email from Neil Thompson, Empire Newcastle, who was interested to find out a bit about the favourite films of Empire Cinema’s staff so PULSE have risen to the challenge.

star wars empire

There are 3 things in life we sometimes want but don’t always need. These are wine, chocolate and men! Bridget Jones’s Diary is a hilarious romcom that all women can relate to. It’s a feel good film that looks at every aspect of women’s lives whether it be losing weight for that important dinner to finding true love. With the typical Englishman, Mr Darcy, to the bad boy all women encounter once in their life, Bridget Jones lives them all. A must see film for a girlie night in or even just alone with a box of chocolates and a bottle of wine, Bridget Jones will have you laughing the whole way through!

From humble beginnings to global domination, it transcends age, race and background to be the cornerstone of almost all movies fans around the world. The story is simple: The eternal battle between good and evil, the struggle of the few in the face of overwhelming odds, love and hate colliding between different races and backgrounds. Made in a time before CGI and computer animation, this film is real. Sets and backgrounds are built with such attention to detail you have to believe the places exist. Your imagination is freed to move in this truly remarkable world and shows the true power of cinema and more importantly storytelling. With a mixture of characters as individual as they are memorable, there are no big names here, just a great cast breathing life into a world beyond our own.

Of course I am talking about The Star Wars Trilogy. It’s near perfect storytelling over three films which makes picking a favourite as hard as picking a favourite child. It has been a part of my life as long as I can remember, from the worn out VHS copy I watched as a child, to the pre-ordered BluRay of today, via toys and collectables, this is film to me. More than a simple movie, it is a believable world that sucks you in and never lets you go. Like life itself, it is full of emotion, drama and moments of love and humour, just in a galaxy far far away…

Sheri Spicer, Poole

Jim Powell, Poole

One of my all-time favourite films is Tim Burton’s classic Edward Scissorhands, a poignant reworking of the well-known story Frankenstein. Through a mixture of comedy and romance Burton alters the traditional horror genre to tell the story of a monstrous outsider in a quaint suburban society, a character with whom many of us can empathise. Edward represents the social neglect and awkwardness that we all feel at some point during our lives and, as a result, is a lovable and believable character whilst also being wonderfully absurd.

The themes of horror and romance are contrasted against each other throughout the film, such as Vincent Price’s guest appearance and the romantic falling snow that is so characteristic of the film. Edward’s character creates a quirky love story that is both funny and poignantly sad in places. Through this, Burton remains close to the original horror story and pays a unique homage to Mary Shelly’s famous monster. Burton uses Edward to satirise society which is so unchanging and dominated by ‘normality’ as he subverts what is typical and suggests that perhaps we don’t need to follow archetypal conventions and conform to society but merely be ourselves and be happy that way. Edward Scissorhands is an iconic masterpiece in which Burton unleashes his imagination. Using sketches and drawings from his teenage years to create a vibrant candyfloss dream world and a ‘pop’ Hammer Horror, the result is one of the most visually appealing cult films of the 90s.

Christina Badger, poole

Bridget Jones Diary

14 | PULSE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2011

PULSE EMPIRE charity

fitness

for charity

Empire Cinemas are proud to see how many staff members are dedicated to pushing themselves to their physical limits, all for worthy causes. Here we have a team of cyclists and a Great North runner we want to shout about.

T

Paul Baxter said: “I wanted to do eam Empire are firmly something memorable for my 50th birthday seated in the saddle. On 3rd and when I received a flyer about the event September 2011, Operations I thought it would fit the Director Paul occasion perfectly. Myself Baxter will be leading a and a few of the Empire team of Empire Cinema Cinemas team will join staff on a 250 mile bike together to cycle the route and ride from London to hope to raise over £3,000 for Paris in aid of British British Heart Foundation.”

Heart Foundation.

Paul will be joined by his The journey Team Empire Member, two daughters, Andy Bush, will take place over Andy Bush.

Gordon McDonald, Julia the course of three Daniel and her partner and Jan Dwyer. days and will take Paul and ‘Team Empire’ Cycling this massive route will require through the French countryside to reach their dedication and motivation as well as hours of destination of Paris.

intense training. “We have all been practicing most weekends and all have us have managed to do at least 50 miles so we are confident that we are in good shape. I also ditched the tube for the summer and have been riding into the office, not easy with the laptop and work notes!” he said.

Paul’s final thoughts on the ride: “Apprehensive” By the time Pulse goes to print, Paul and the team will already be in the saddle so keep your eyes peeled for an update on how they got on. There’s still time to sponsor Paul and the team by visiting www.justgiving.com/ teamempire.

“Prior to me arriving they had just built a new school, as they had been renting rooms until then for lessons. I don’t know what I expected when I arrived but I’m pretty sure it was nothing like what I was greeted with the first day! As I was aware that they had just built a ‘new school’ I guess I at least expected a building, but what I actually saw were 3 mud huts and a small field. There were no toilets, just a sink, and no electricity. There were no teachers either, so it was a bit of a shock to find out that I would be the teacher.

“Luckily there was another volunteer there from America and I was also with a friend, so there were only three of us to be divided among about 70 children. I was really unsure as to how it was all going to go and if I was going to enjoy it or not, but I absolutely loved it and the children were just so adorable.

“I spent 6 weeks there and then went on to do some more travelling but because I loved it so much I decided to go back for another 6 weeks before I left South America and I’m so pleased I did. They need so much help as it is just a Peruvian man and his family that run it and they don’t have much money. There are also times when they have no volunteers which means the children have no teachers. They rely solely on the volunteers so it is really hard for them when there aren’t any. Before I left they asked me if I wanted to be an International Coordinator for them so, along with a few other previous volunteers I help with fundraising and organising volunteers and translating etc.’

“I’m hoping to raise £500 for the race, although I haven’t started pestering people yet but every little helps.”

If you’re interested in donating or want to volunteer, visit: www.tinkuyperu.com

A

dele Bainbridge is a supervisor at Empire Newcastle. This autumn she’s taking part in the Great North Run, all in aid of charity.

“I am going to be running the Great North Run in September which is 13.1 miles long.

I’ve never done anything like this before and have only just started properly training for it, so I’m trying to run 3/4 times a week.

“Typically, I leave everything to the last minute, so I’m not too worried... yet! I am up for the challenge though and am really excited; I have always wanted to do it so I’m looking forward to it.

“What gave me the motivation to do it was the fact that I spent a year travelling around South America and South East Asia in 2009/2010 and during that time I spent three months volunteering for an organisation in Peru. They are a really small non-profit organisation based in Huancayo in the Peruvian Andes. They run a school that teaches English to children of some of the poorest families in the area.

AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 15

LEFT TO RIGHT: Honey 2 is a hit, EMPIRE SLOUGH, The Slough team and a bright, warm welcome.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN Slough We’re making our way to the South East of England now to visit Slough, a bustling town on the western side of London. We explore its exciting history, recent events and plans for the future...

C

onveniently located in the city’s centre, Empire Slough is adjacent to the Queensmere and Observatory shopping centres.

Handy neighbours to have to attract people into the cinema, which would explain the impressive number of admissions to date which stands at over 123,400.

The surrounding area is also home to a

variety of facilities such as McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Nandos to keep hungry film fans watered and fed.

As one of our larger locations, Empire Slough hosts 10 screens plus a basement.

General Manager Anan Nithy explains how they are planning to make the most out of their exclusive screening. “Slough aims to become world class in customer experience

16 | PULSE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2011

through our staff and management. As the only site to play Bollywood films we are starting to attract a wider community of audience,” he said.

Empire Slough started its life as a theatre before being turned into a multiplex cinema

by MGM, which was then bought by Virgin and later by UGC. It then became Cineworld through the merger.

PULSE TEAM IN FOCUS

In 2006 the Slough site became part of the Empire chain and improvements both internally and externally have been made ever since in order to bring it firmly into the 21st century.

Future development plans involve making all 10 of Slough’s screens digital, fitting new concessions stand and installing a new Ben & Jerry’s scoop ice-cream stand. “It is almost like a re–launch of Slough,” said Anan.

Screen 4 in particular at Empire Slough is well known for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it was installed exactly where the old theatre used to be. The old stage is still there with forbidden costume changing rooms located underneath it.

It is also rumoured to be haunted by a ghost called Elena from the theatrical days. You may even feel her presence after midnight every Thursday!

After recent developments it is now

the only screen in Slough to be stadium seated and boasts the biggest screen on site. It is soon to be re-named as the Impact screen because of the 354 people it can sit.

“Customers are now coming in just to watch films in this screen,” said Anan.

In 1995 screen 4 was also visited by the whole of the England football team! One lucky member of staff was even tipped by Paul Gascoigne.

The Big E programme has been a huge success within Empire Slough so far and has improved staff morale and performance greatly. Staff said: “It makes us thrive that much more in order to provide an even better customer experience.”

Slough is in the process of introducing a performance board, which is a school inspired system that will show each team member’s progress. A member of staff who has worked hard or done something extra will receive a

gold star next to their name. At the end of each month, the team member with the most gold stars will win the prestigious ‘Employee of the Month’ award. “This will help staff know what pace they are working at and make them aware of what they can achieve,” Anan told us.

Empire Slough’s team recently planned a very successful event to celebrate the release of Fast and Furious 5. They arranged a car show to take place on the top floor of their car park and had between 20-30 modified cars turn up to take part.

As one of our cinemas with the most interesting history, Empire Slough prides itself on its unique character and ability to attract a wide range of audiences. Every member of the team’s goal is to become world class in customer experience and is what makes Empire Slough stand out from the crowd.

MEET THE SLOUGH TEAM INTERESTING FACTS

The total number of admissions to date is 123414.

Empire Slough’s biggest selling film so far this year was Fast and Furious 5 with 6541 admissions.

Empire Slough sells a lot more sweet popcorn than salted.

A customer once unusually requested hot cheese on their popcorn.

Staff at Empire Slough have worked in cinema for a combined 60 years.

General Manager: Anan Nithiyananthan started work in the cinema industry 11 years ago as a general assistant for Warner Village.

He then worked for VUE, Cineworld and now Empire Cinemas.

Operations Assistant: Salimah Adatia used to work in the telecommunications industry before joining Empire Cinemas 6 months ago. Salimah was part of the cinema’s best weekend to date during the release of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2. Salimah said: “The cinema was the most exciting place that weekend!”

Supervisor and Duty Manager: Zeeshan Khan began his career with Empire Cinemas as a team member in 2006. He has played vital roles within the company as part of the

health and safety and payroll teams until a year ago when he was promoted to his current roles.

Senior Supervisor: Hassan Wattoo is currently in charge of retail for Empire Slough. He has played a big part in marketing the company.

Supervisor: Raz Hussein is one of Empire Slough’s recently promoted supervisors, as well as a member of the marketing team.

Raz has been part of the Slough team for 9 months now and has had a huge impact on the cinema. He has helped with the style of the building itself and also organised events including the cars at the release of Fast and Furious 5.

FANCY HAVING YOUR TEAM FEATURED IN PULSE MAGAZINE? EMAIL US AT: editorpulse@empirecinemas.co.uk AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 17

K C A B D E E F R E M O CUST D R A O B E C NOTI EMPIRE POOLE LE EMPIRE NEWCAST

ma, customer at the cine I am a very regular Last e others in my area.

I prefer it to all th the on ts to book ticke Sunday I was trying had em al, however your syst internet, as per norm stly e cinema and was fir th d lle ca I . h’ itc ‘gl a y e and helpful securit greeted by a very polit me d re my details and assu gentleman who took to him me back. All credit someone would call lled the manager, Dean, ca for within minutes ful. lp he d e, considerate an me. He was so polit to ly s for me and my fami He saved the 5 seat easure ormers 3. What a pl sf an Tr y jo en d an go someone still values it was to know that of such excellent levels customers and has mpany. and credit to your co m ge a is He . ce rvi se rs and y enjoyed Transforme Thank you. We reall . ow rr y Potter tomo are going to see Harr

I recently visited Em pire Cinema at Poole with my grandchildren. Unfort unately my phone must have fallen out of my pocket du ring the film without my know ledge. I live 40 miles from Po ole so when I discovered it later it would have been dif ficult to collect it. I would like to compliment the staf f at Poole who were so helpfu l, polite and professional. Th ey went that one step furthe r and arranged my phone be posted to me after clearing this with head office. I am so very grateful to them.

Many thanks Sue Wilson

GNE JULIETTE GASCOI

EMPIRE BI RMINGH

AM

Just wanted to give you Since Empire some feedbac took over th k. e cinema at Rubery it has Great Park in improved trem endously. I appreciate al particularly located seati ng, and the p of a good old resence -fashioned u sher to sho your seat an w you to d “keep order ”. The screen comfortable rooms are and clean an d the staff ex tremely polite and hel pful.

Well done!

Martin Sk etchley

18 | PULSE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2011

PULSE FEEDBACK EMPIRE POOLE

Men to watch the new X I visited your cinema due to ly disappointed that movie. I was obvious h this tc were unable to wa a technical error we inform the feel that I should I r ve we Ho . ing ow sh n was w well the situatio ho of le op pe y ar ss nece e. dealt with at the tim at least 3 times d an d me ll infor We were kept very we g staff mber of your usherin me a or r ge na ma e th it became th the audience until came in and spoke wi own. sh not going to be apparent that it was the manager of the screen after t ou me ca we n he W e with whole, she then spok spoke with us as a d us te ec ividually and dir nearly every guest ind d ul change er of staff who co promptly to a memb red us next show time, offe e th to ts ke tic r ou ained the e we visited and expl free tickets next tim eryone! technical fault to ev dly essional and very frien She did this in a prof is rare in and an apology that manner with a smile st of the time. these situations mo lieve was is manager who I be th at th el fe I ed de In ame is a I did not get a surn h ug ho alt i, kk Ni d name ry positive any and has given a ve credit to your comp situation. ially terrible business outlook on a potent this is rvice and believe that se er om st cu in rk I wo set to seen and she is an as ve ha I st be e th some of if she was would be very happy your company and I rvice. giving that level of se am te my of er mb me a your iting this branch of I will definitely be vis ly and mi fa , be telling friends cinema again and will e. giv nderful service you colleagues what wo time. eat service and your gr e th r fo u yo k an Th Sincerely Miss N Corbin

EMPIRE P OOLE

I would ju st like to assisting w say thank ith our qu you for ery. We ha night and c d a wonde an’t believe rful how much changed sin the place ce our las has very helpfu t visit. Th e staff w l and frien ere dly and we really enjo Again, man yed it. y thanks.

Regards,

EMPIRE NEWCASTLE I just wanted to say thank you so much for yesterday, the party was fantastic. Due to your special help nothing was a problem and you ensured everything went smoothly and Lucy, Charlotte and all of their friends had a great time.

I also think the party was excellent value for money with amazing customer service. Myself and others were really impressed so thank you again and I hope you get some future bookings for party’s.

Thanks again Regards Nichola Cowen

everyone, are Roz says: “Come on d Newcastle Poole, Birmingham an receive such the only cinemas to a compliment letters? If you get send it on to letter remember to us.”

Congratulations to Nikki from Empire Poole who featured in this issue’s star letter, she has won a £50 voucher! Keep making it personal for your chance to win.

Lloyd Hide

AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 19

PULSE STAFF PROFILE

A Classic Film

Our staff have many hidden hobbies and talents, as we’ve seen over the last few issues. This autumn we share with you a man with a passion for his favourite film which has spanned 40 years.

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stories of World War 2. He used to fascinate me with tales of his time in Prisoner of War camps during the six years of fighting the Germans. It was him who suggested we see the films whilst on holiday and I’ve never looked back.”

This memory stayed with him until 1996 when he started a documentary on it. “I loved the film so much I decided to begin a documentary which would include interviews with the cast and information surrounding the film itself. I decided to make the documentary for my own use and assured the film’s Executive Producer, Elliott Kastner, it wouldn’t be for money-

eil Thompson, a projectionist at Empire Newcastle, was first touched by the war film Where Eagles Dare when visiting the Coliseum Cinema in Whitley Bay in the early 70s.

Inspired by his father, who accompanied him on his first viewing of the film, Neil said: “The reason I had such a labour of love for the film stems from my father’s

INTERESTING FACTS Neil Thompson Favourite Film? Where Eagles Dare

What Film are you looking forward to seeing next? Senna

proud of my hard-work “I’mdocumentary and happy that

Favourite actor/ actress? Clint Eastwood and Pierce Brosnan In a film of your life, who would play you? Gregory Peck Popcorn: Sweet or salted? Salted

based on my passions

“

Favourite film this year? Being a sci-fi fan it has to be Paul

Neil Thompson in the projection room

making purposes and fortunately he was happy with it.”

The premiere for Where Eagles Dare was coincidentally held at our very own Empire Leicester Square in London in 1969.

Neil has travelled to the main location of the film, Hohenwerfen Castle in Austria, and met and interviewed the majority of the cast involved in the film, many of whom have

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sadly passed away. “With the cast leading busy lives I didn’t think they’d be happy to have participation within the film but, by chance, they were willing to be involved,” said Neil.

Editing his documentary footage in his spare time alongside being a projectionist at Empire Newcastle, cinema is a massive part of Neil’s life. been in completing the He’s involved with I’ve reached a goal the cinema industry for over 37 years and his love for film has never faded. “I’m proud of my hard-work in completing the documentary and happy that I’ve reached a goal based on my passions,” he said.

Empire Cinemas are always happy to employ staff as committed and zealous about cinema as Neil and their love of the industry truly shines through into the customer’s experience

Basildon

PULSE TEAM BLOG

M A E G

T LO B

Empire team members Welcome to the page that is written by your very own A big Hello from the team at Empire Basildon!

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e’re gearing up for the busy summer ahead and are looking to make our customer experience the best in Essex, if not the world! We have plans in place to make this happen and we’re looking forward to The Big E coming alive here in the coming months. Also, it would be rude not to mention that our team won the annual Empire Football tournament, taking the trophy away from Birmingham for the first time. Part of the closing usher duties now includes a polish of our trophy.

Big E Corridor

We have brought the Big E characters to life by creating our Big E corridor. One of our talented team members, Gemma Renaut, has painted the characters on to our main staff corridors and they look great. They serve as a constant reminder of what we are aiming for and what The Big E is about. Each month we change their speech bubbles to keep our team informed about the cinema and our progress while trying to make the information interesting in the process. For instance, did you know, if you laid all our customers from 2011 so far in a line, from head to toe, they would stretch for 470 miles? We also have our Big E board updating staff on current incentives, displaying pictures of all our team member of the month winners (picked on Spotlight review scores), plus anything we think the team will find of interest.

Next up will be our superhero day where we have a group of acrobats dressed to impress as our favourite superheroes. We have lots of other ideas stored up for making Empire Cinemas the ultimate place to watch films this year.

Sally

After going through our feedback from the Your Opinion Matters survey, it was clear that we needed to concentrate more on maintaining our toilets. After discussion with managers, supervisors and most importantly our team members, Sally the toilet trolley was born. The team felt that not having all the stuff you need for a proper toilet check in one place was the biggest issue. Carrying the equipment necessary for checking and cleaning the toilets, Sally now accompanies our team on all toilet checks. We are looking forward to seeing if Sally has made a difference when we take part in the next wave of Your Opinion Matters later in the year.

Must go now as our football trophy needs a bit of a buff, but remember, The Only Way is Essex!

Customer Experience

As well as making sure we deliver the Big E experience to all of our customers, we are always looking for ways to enhance their visit and make it memorable. For Pirates of the Caribbean we had a pirate ship in our outer foyer whilst for Transformers we had a visit from Titan, an eight foot robot, who wandered around the cinema certainly giving our customers something to remember. JJ and the younger members of the Palmer family in particular were ‘wowed’ by our giant guest.

Basildon’s new regular: Titan!

If you would like to be the news team blog, please email us at: editorpulse@empirecinemas.co.uk AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 21

Empire Cinemas are keeping it personal with their staff as well as their customers. The new ‘Lighting up Performance’ scheme indicates where staff can improve in their day to day work as well their feedback on their successes at work.

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ighting Up Performance is a new scheme that was launched in Spring this year, which will aim to help everyone who works for Empire Cinemas be the best they can be. In essence, it is a new initiative that will help staff do the best job they can to achieve the Big E with customers.

The scheme aims to motivate staff by giving encouragement and positive feedback, as well as setting individual objectives.

After all, it is the workforce who determine the success of Empire cinemas, and will help achieve the vision of becoming a world class cinema chain.

Previously, staff will have received a POSH review, which will have given them a score for their performance.

Instead of a POSH review, staff will have a Spotlight Check meeting with a supervisor or manager, who will highlight areas of good service and mention one area to be improved upon. This means it will be more personal to each individual employee and will give the manager or supervisor a chance to point out good as well as bad areas of service.

The programme launched in Newcastle in the Spring, and has since been expanded to Hemel Hempstead, Swindon, High Wycombe, Basildon and Bishops Stortford throughout the Summer.

The current feedback from staff has been great; with many saying “it is much better than POSH review as it’s not about a score but instead I got

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proper feedback and was praised. I work hard and it was good to get some recognition”.

The managers and supervisors are receiving training to help them deliver the Spotlight Checks, as the scheme is set to be featured in all remaining Empire cinemas during the autumn.

As well as practising delivering Spotlight Checks on the course, the supervisors and managers are also receiving feedback from the General Manager by way of a Progress Review. These formal review meetings give each supervisor and manager the opportunity to discuss how motivated and engaged they are in the current role as well as receive feedback from the General Manager on how they are doing.

Each manager or supervisor

PULSE EMPIRE PORTFOLIO

TOP TO BOTTOM: Monitoring team members at work, the Spotlight Check meeting and the team member headlight which marks performance areas.

is given a ‘light’, either red, amber, green or purple, which gives them a clear visual representation of their performance rating.

By Christmas 2011 every staff member will have received at least one Spotlight Check and all Supervisors and Managers will have had at least one Progress Review, so all staff will be well educated in how they can improve their customer service and deliver the Big E to customers.

As staff settle in to the Lighting Up Performance programme, there will be more elements added in 2012, but the Spotlight Checks and Progress Reviews are a brilliant foundation for moving closer to delivering the Big E in customer service.

AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 23

PULSE SPECIAL EVENTS

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orror fans braved the dismal weather this August bank holiday weekend and were out in full force for Film4’s Frightfest 2011.

The five day event took over Empire Leicester Square for a host of World premieres and cult films.

Halloween began early with hoardes of vampires, serial killers, werewolves and the odd psychopath donning the big screen of Empire One. Pulse were invited along to absorb the spinechilling atmosphere.

With an interview with film producer, actor and director Larry Fessenden and a panel discussion about the American horror scene in amongst the films, diehard fans were in their element.

Empire Leicester Square’s team were kept busy all day making sure that this event was spectacular for all and did a fabulous job!

PULSE would like to thank Empire Leicester Square for a brilliant day at Frightfest.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Queues of horror fans enter EMPIRE LEICESTER SQUARE, Frightfest poster, Making it personal at the admissions desk, A busy Empire One and some gory team members got into the Halloween spirit.

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REVIEWS TWILIGHT

Breaking Dawn Pt.1 Twilight: Breaking Dawn Pt.1

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September 2011 he vampire saga which has dominated bookshelves and the box office for several years has returned for its blood sucking first of two part finale. Not only is it the final novel from author Stephanie Meyer but the big bosses of Hollywood have decided to tease fans a little more by splitting the film in to two instalments.

Due to be released in November 2011, the first part is rammed with extreme romance and drama as we watch the illustrious couple, Bella (Kirsten Stewart) and Edward (Rob Pattinson), take their relationship to the next level. Obviously this does not come without eventful complications.

Expecting parents Edward and Bella are torn over their unborn child who poses threats to the vampire coven and the werewolf pack headed by Jacob (Taylor Lautner). Although developed from the novel, it’s controversial plot line in Breaking

Dawn has led Chicago and Dreamgirls director Bill Condon to interpret them in to a more digestible and refreshing manner whilst keeping the suspense and making it less controversial for those of a younger age.

This clearly is another successful kill for the vampire franchise which is sure to leave you wanting one final fix.

Interlaced with intense scenes of drama, danger and suspense, the penultimate segment of Twilight: Breaking Dawn is a brilliant start to the end.

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Pt.1 will of course see those vampire fanatics like Jane and her friends at the front of the queue sporting team Edward t-shirts, but you may also find that the fantasy action and passionate fight scenes of vampire versus werewolf will draw Billy to a seat. Although Twilight has a predominantly female fan base, it is possible that you could see JJ in the line for popcorn intrigued to know what all the fuss is about.

FANTASTIC FACTS Breaking Dawn Pt.1 is the most expensive movie of the franchise with a starting budget of $75 million.

This is the first Twilight movie not to be filmed in Canada. Instead they split filming time between Louisiana and Brazil.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Drama / Fantasy Director: Bill Condon Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Launtner Movie Recommendations: Harry Potter Super 8

AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 27

Real Steel

FANTASTIC FACTS Both animatronics and motion capture technology were used to create the scenes of the brawling robots, promising some breathtaking and realistic fighting action.

Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard was brought in as an adviser to ensure that fights were reminiscent of the human equivalent.

DreamWorks clearly have confidence in the film, as plans for a sequel are already underway.

A 1963 episode of The Twilight Zone was also based on Richard Matheson’s short story.

Real Steel is set for release earlier than scheduled, to avoid competing with the next film in the Twilight saga.

real steel

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October 2011 n the near future it isn’t humans who will compete for the most prestigious titles in boxing; it will be 2000lb humanoid robots. That’s the premise of this sci-fi/drama hybrid from Night at the Museum director Shawn Levy. Based on Richard Matheson’s short story Steel, the film adaptation sees Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) lose an opportunity to become a boxing champion, instead settling for a career as a small time promoter when the robots take over the sport. His chance of glory isn’t

over however, as he teams up with his son to build a fighter capable of becoming a contender.

Real Steel confidently melds a variety of genres together. Not only will JJ get a kick out of the big robot action reminiscent of Transformers, Billy will also love the boxing drama last seen in The Fighter. It’s not just a manly film about boxing and robots though. At its core is a story of a man and his estranged son building a relationship, making it the perfect film for Dan & Sarah to enjoy.

Contagion

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Genre: Sci-Fi / Drama Director: Shawn Levy Starring: Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Kevin Durand Movie Recommendations: Transformers

FANTASTIC FACTS The film is scripted by Scott Z. Burns who wrote the screenplay The Bourne Ultimatum.

Contagion September 2011 irected by Steven Soderbergh who was responsible for the success of Oceans 11, 12 and 13, Contagion is an action packed sci-fi thriller which brings our fears of a worldwide pandemic to reality on the big screen. As an unknown, lethal, airborne virus begins to take down its victims, the worldwide medical community race to find a cure that will spread faster than the virus itself. As the growing epidemic continues, ordinary civilians struggle to

KNOW YOUR STUFF

survive in a society that is quickly crumbling around them. With a star studded cast including Kate Winslet who plays Dr Erin Mears it takes the film away from a usual low budget thriller and pushes it towards a box office hit.

Contagion very cleverly creates a sense of fear, toying with the reality of something so terrifying becoming reality. Not only will Billy and JJ thrive on the action and thrill factor, they will appreciate the huge Hollywood starts being roped in to help cure this deadly virus. Definitely this autumn’s thriller blockbuster!

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Contagion was part of a bidding war between Summit Entertainment and Warner Bros.... Warner Bros won.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Sci-Fi / Action / Thriller Director: Steven Soderbergh Starring: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Kate Winslet Movie Recommendations: The Thing Fright Night

PULSE FILMS IN FOCUS

tinker tailor soldier spy

FANTASTIC FACTS This isn’t the first time the book has been adapted. It was made into a TV series in 1979 and a radio drama in 1988.

It’s no surprise that director Tomas Alfredson followed the career path he did. Both his brother, Daniel Alfredson and father, Hans Alfredson, are directors too.

The Telegraph has already tipped the film as an Oscar contender and, with such star power behind it, it’s hardly surprising.

tinker, tailor, soldier, spy

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November 2011 irst published in 1974, John le Carré’s novel Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy follows George Smiley, a British spy. He is forced out of retirement to hunt down a suspected Soviet “mole” that has infiltrated the Secret Intelligence Service. Taking place during the bleak days of the Cold War, it’s bound to add a tense atmosphere to the thriller. With some fantastic British talent and the director of Let the Right One In on board, there should be no doubt as to the quality of the film. This film has plenty of scope for follow ups as well as

John le Carré has penned a total of six novels featuring George Smiley. It wouldn’t come as any surprise to see the British spy on our screens again in the near future considering the fantastic direction and acting ability on display here.

The tense action and mystery of the plot makes the story stand out from more simplistic offerings and will keep Billy hooked throughout. It’s not just the boys who are catered for though, there’s also some love and romance thrown in so it’ll make a great movie for Dan & Sarah as well.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Thriller Director: Tomas Alfredson Starring: Tom Hardy, Colin Firth, Gary Oldman, Mark Strong Movie Recommendations:

FANTASTIC FACTS The sequel was first announced back in April 2010, seven years after the original. It’s a long time to wait for a second serving, but it should be more than worth it.

Despite being English by name, the movie was also filmed in Macau and Hong Kong.

Perhaps most famous for her role as Agent Scully in The X Files, Gillian Anderson has been cast as Agent Pamela Head.

johnny english 2 Johnny english reborn

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KNOW YOUR STUFF

October 2011

t’s been eight years since his last adventure and time hasn’t been too kind to Johnny English. During his time out he was sent to Mozambique on a mission which went terribly wrong. Unable to handle the shame of failing, Johnny has been hiding in a cave somewhere in Tibet and it’s safe to say his morale is at an all time low. A monk from a nearby monastery takes pity on the down on his luck spy and trains him in martial arts. His new skills will prove

invaluable as MI7 calls him back for another mission, thwarting the plans of a gang of assassin’s who are out to kill the Chinese Premier.

This is one that should appeal to all ages, perfect for the Palmer Family. There’s plenty of slapstick humour for the kids, and the adults will enjoy the spoofs of classic spy films. Of course, you can’t have a spy film without a big helping of action, and that will certainly appeal to JJ.

Genre: Action / Comedy Director: Oliver Parker Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Ben Millar, Gillian Anderson, Pierce Brosnan Movie Recommendations:

AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 29

The Thing

October 2011

FANTASTIC FACTS Producers Marc Abraham and Eric Newman decided on making a prequel as a remake would’ve been like “painting a moustache on the Mona Lisa.”

Norwegian actors were cast to portray the Norwegian members of the cast.

KNOW YOUR STUFF This isn’t a run of the mill remake of the 1982 horror classic, although it does stick closely to the storyline. This is in fact a prequel, the events of which take place three days prior to the original plot where a Norwegian scientific team discover the wreckage of a UFO in the ice of the

Antarctic. Palaeontologist Kate Lloyd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and her two assistants join the team when an experiment frees a frozen alien from the wreckage. With its ability to mimic any life form it absorbs, it soon threatens to pick off the team one by one. The prequel matches the original in its paranoia and distrust as the characters struggle to figure out just who is infected, definitely not one for the faint of heart.

September 2011 FANTASTIC FACTS Fright night will be distributed by Walt Disney motion pictures group For television, Gillespie produced and directed the highly acclaimed Showtime series United States of Tara. His direction of the pilot episode earned Toni Collette both an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Horror/ Comedy Director: Craig Gillespie Starring: Collin Farrell, ChristopherMintz- Plasse, David Tennant, Toni Collette Movie Recommendations: Twilight

Fright Night

There is something spooky going on in Charley Brewster’s neighbourhood as people begin to vanish. As he uncovers clues to their disappearances, he begins to realise they all lead back to his mother’s new neighbour Jerry. This remake of the 1985 original sees Colin Farrell take on the role of the mysterious neighbour, who turns out to be a vampire responsible for the missing humans. Charley and his best friend Ed, played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse who’s better known as McLovin in Superbad, make a cracking comedy duo in this 3D comedy horror. When no one believes in their discovery of a vampire they enlist Peter Vincent (Tennant), a self proclaimed vampire killer and Las Vegas magician. Directed by Craig Gillespie, this unusual horror Fright Night is sure to fill seats.

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Genre: Sci- Fi/ Horror .

Director: Matthijs Van Heijningen Jr Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen, Adewale Akinnuoye- Agbaje Movie Recommendations: Super 8

PULSE FILMS IN FOCUS

November 2011

Arthur Christmas Ever wondered just how Santa delivers all those presents in one evening? Well, his ultrahigh tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole might have something to do with it. This festive story revolves around the next generation of the Claus family. We meet Santa’s son Arthur who’s set a mission to complete before Christmas morning. Alongside our lead, we’re also introduced to Arthur’s

FANTASTIC FACTS Joining the star studded voice cast are comedians Kevin Eldon and Matt Lucas The script was worked on by Peter Baynham, the screenwriter for Borat.

brother Steve, heir to the Santa empire, and their crotchety grandfather Grandsanta.

Coming from Aardman Animations, you can expect the same passion and heart that goes into Wallace & Gromit and their other legendary creations. A stellar voice cast, including James McAvoy and Hugh Laurie, truly brings the characters to life and will certainly get you in the mood for Christmas.

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Comedy Director: Sarah Smith Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy Movie Recommendations:

The Adventures of Tintin FANTASTIC FACTS This film is based on three of the original stories: The Crab with the Golden Claws, The Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham’s Treasure Peter Jackson, whose company WETA digital produced the film, plans on a sequel and wants to direct it himself.

The Adventures of Tintin :The Secret of the Unicorn October 2011 Dreamworks presents this computeranimated 3D adaptation of Georges Remi’s beloved Tintin comic strip in the first instalment of a planned trilogy. Written by Steven Moffet, who brought us Sherlock and Dr Who, and directed by Steven Spielberg, audiences are reunited with intrepid reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell) and his plucky puppy Snowy as they go on pursuit of a great story.

Along their journey they stumble across a riddle for Sir Francis Haddock’s treasure and go on the hunt to retrieve it. They

encounter many difficulties that put their investigating skills to the test but it’s no match for this fearless duo. Accompanied on their escapade by Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis), they form an alliance and aim to get the treasure to its rightful owner

KNOW YOUR STUFF Genre: Animated/ Adventure Director: Steven Spiellberg Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, Daniel Craig, Nick Frost Movie Recommendations: The Hobbit Harry Potter

AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 31

PULSE COMPETITION CORNER

Competition corner Guess the Celebrity....

We’ve got hold of some snapshots of our favourite Hollywood stars in their younger years. If you can guess all eight you could be in with a chance of winning a years supply of chocolate! Just write your answers next to the pictures and fill in your details and hand it in to your manager along with the questionairre on the previous page. Good Luck!

1.

2.

3.

4.

6.

7.

8.

5.

pictures: rexfeatures.com

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

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

CONTACT EMAIL/PHONE NO.

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PULSE STAR SPOTTING

STAR G N I T T O P S

EMPIRE NEWCASTLE GUESTLIST Peter Beardsley Alan Shearer Tino Asprilla Kylie Jimmy Carr Kiss Ant Mcpartin Newcastle United

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 Swindon and Empire Newcastle about their star studded customers.

EMPIRE NEWCASTLE

EMPIRE SWINDON

EMPIRE SWINDON GUESTLIST Mark Owen Richard Hargreaves Jude Law Sienna Miller Anne Robinson Rik Mayall

Ade Edmondson Billy Piper Melinda Messenger Ralph Feinnes Greta Scacchi Martha Fiennes Jonathan Wilkes Jason Dononvan Prince William Richard Kiel Bob Hopkins Tony Adams Keith Jack

Dom Joly Joe McGann Oliver Tobias Nigel Havers Sharon Davies Kate Moss Gillian Anderson

AUTUMN 2011 | PULSE MAGAZINE | 35

in action THE SE QUEL Create a 3-5 minute film outlining how your cinema has improved upon issues highlighted by the Your Opinion Matters survey earlier this year.

DEADLINE: THURSDAY 1st DECEMBER PRIZE: ÂŁ500 to the winning cinema (To be announced at the Christmas meeting in December) Details will follow on how to upload the films...

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