In Conversation With... Projection Manager Mike Sharples

Describe a day in the life of a Projection Manager.

Come in to work around 8.30-9am. Kettle on. Carry out the opening checks for the building. Spend a bit of time on e-mails. Deal with anything that has come up as a priority. Then, it depends on the day and what’s on. Part of the job is to make sure films and events go ahead as planned by managing the projection team, so there will be a bit of admin around that, ensuring the tech is all working as it should and developing that side of things, and sometimes I’ll show the occasional film. The other half is managing facilities, so some contractor and contract management, health and safety, and managed maintenance. There may be meetings to attend or tours for schools that are visiting. It’s a bit of a mixed bag.

What three skills do you think are most important in your role?

Problem-solving – because things go wrong. Calmness under pressure – because things go wrong with a paying audience in the building. Being practically minded.

What has been the highlight (to date) of your time at Leeds Heritage Theatres?

Mike Leigh (Writer/Director) threatening to break my legs – I think he was joking! Also, my hand is in an episode of Fat Friends.

What is the most challenging thing about your role?

One of the good things about it is its variety, but that also means keeping several plates spinning at once and accepting that the list will never be completed.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about working in a similar role?

I got into projection part-time while I was studying. I knew a bloke who knew a bloke and heard they were looking for projectionists. I popped in and spoke with the chief projectionist who got me shadowing for a few shifts and decided I was capable. These days we go through the proper recruitment process and jobs will be advertised so you need to keep your eyes peeled for jobs as they come up. Make connections at venues that still have projection teams, and volunteer if you have the time and they need them. With the difficulty in getting direct experience as a projectionist any related field will help, so theatre tech,  A.V., sound engineering, etc. – our current team all have experience in these areas.  As for any courses, they may be out there but I couldn’t go as far as to recommend one; everyone I know has learned on the job. I can recommend a book though – The Art of Film Projection: a Beginner’s Guide – which would score you points with me if you’ve read it!