Intermission pint could go after digital upgrade

AFTER more than 30 years of celluloid, Alderney Cinema is going digital.

Since opening in 1982, all the screenings at the island's volunteer-run cinema have been made using 35mm film.

But after August, film studios will cease to make 35mm film versions of new movies.

In response, the not-for-profit Alderney Cinema Club put out an appeal and managed to raise more than £10,000 towards a new film projector.

The digital equipment, together with items such as a phone line, laptop, sound converter and acoustic damping curtain, will cost up to £40,000.

So far, 24 individuals, couples and trusts have contributed donations and debentures towards the cause.

The new projector arrives on the boat this week and will be installed next month.

Alderney Cinema Club's Thankful Thornburrow said: 'It was critical that we got a digital projector because 35mm films just aren't being made any more.

'We want to thank everyone who responded to the appeal – the public's generosity has been tremendous.'

Head projectionist Stuart Painter said the switch represented the end of an era.

'It is quite sad in some ways,' he said. 'I love showing film. Film has to be spliced together to put 6,000ft of it on a spool. There's a skill to showing it. Much less skill is needed to press a button.'

The switch to digital is expected to mean a slightly clearer and steadier picture – and films shown more quickly after the release date. They won't be the only significant changes.

Going digital will mean the end of the need for an intermission – there is no longer any need to change a spool.

During the interval film-goers have traditionally gone across the road for a swift pint at the Georgian House pub. Mrs Thornburrow said the club had not yet decided whether to create an artificial 'intermission' during the film. 'Some people like an intermission; other people would prefer for the film to run continuously,' she said. 'It is a difficult decision to make.'

The 35mm projector is not going far, however – it will be kept in the projectionist's eyrie in case of technological hiccups.