Lights, Camera, Screen 2
What is the Hebden Bridge Picture House ‘Lights, Camera, Screen Two’ Project?
Lights, Camera, Screen Two is an exciting project which explores the opportunity to add a second screen at Hebden Bridge Picture House. The project is proudly led by Emma Green, the Project Manager at Hebden Royd Town Council (HRTC) and Pete Berrisford, the Manager at Hebden Bridge Picture House (HBPH). At its heart, the primary goal of this project is nothing short of ensuring the long-term sustainability of our cherished cinema.
Your feedback will play a starring role in shaping the future of our cinema, and whether we remain a single-screen gem or not, your thoughts and opinions will guide our decisions.
Why do we need another screen?
Enhanced Financial Sustainability: The addition of a second screen would be a strategic move to bolster the cinema’s financial sustainability. As a not-for-profit cinema, any profit generated will be reinvested back into the cinema.
Meeting the Demand for New Films: Managing tight schedules for new films can be challenging for a single-screen cinema. With two screens, we can show more films simultaneously, ensuring we maintain our diverse programme whilst ensuring that you don’t miss out on the latest blockbuster.
Flexibility in Programming: The presence of a second screen means we can respond swiftly to audience demand. For instance, we could show a film earlier than originally planned or add more showtimes when there’s high demand.
Improved Cinematic Experience: Our aim is to make your cinema experience even better. With two screens, we can offer greater flexibility, to cater to the interests of the community and grow our audience. You won’t have to wait long to see that highly anticipated film, and we can add more showtimes during peak interest periods.
Community and Private Events: Having an additional screen opens exciting opportunities for community private hires and other events without disrupting our regular cinema programme.
Where would the second screen go and what will it look like?
The Picture House is fortunate to have an existing space which could easily be adapted to accommodate a second screen. The balcony area, which is self-contained with its own access, fire escape and facilities, could be transformed into a cosy auditorium for 80 guests.
What is the consultation process?
Community engagement is at the forefront of our consultation process. We want to hear from as many people as possible regarding your thoughts on the Picture House, the proposals of a new screen and what makes the Picture House special to you. This process is all about putting you, our valued cinema audience, at the forefront and there will be a number of opportunities for you to have your say, such as the survey below, and of course, you can always speak to staff at the Picture House when you visit. Click on the image below to take you straight through to the survey.
What is the Market Test and how will it work?
Starting in January, we’ll launch a ‘Test’ programme period designed to gauge your preferences and interests. During this phase, we’ll be screening highly anticipated films, including Poor Things, Migration, and Dune 2 on their UK national release dates. These films will be showcased daily for two weeks, offering you an exclusive opportunity to now catch them early at HBPH. But that’s not all; we’re also planning Live Arts screenings plus new family matinee tickets, all at special reduced prices. In between selected titles taken from the date of release we will return to our regular programme, with a special focus on foreign language and arthouse films.
How will the cinema pay for the additional screen?
If the consultation and various surveys show that the second screen is indeed a desirable and viable option, its development will likely be financed through a number of means. Hebden Royd Town Council and the Picture House itself may make a contribution and there are also a number of additional funding sources available to the Town Council. As the project develops more information on the funding requirements and provision will be made available.
How do I give feedback?
Your opinion is invaluable to us, and there are multiple ways for you to share your thoughts on the proposed project. Here’s how:
1. During opening times speak to a member of our team
2. Online Feedback: You can easily share your feedback online by filling out our consultation survey here
Alternatively, you can send us an email at consultation@hebdenbridgepicturehouse.co.uk.
3. Public Meeting: We will be hosting a public consultation event on Monday 15 April at 5pm – 6pm. Free refreshments will be available on arrival.
What happens to the consultation responses?
Throughout the consultation period, we’ll carefully review all the feedback and insights we’ve received from our wonderful audience. Your input will guide our decisions as we move forward with the ‘Lights, Camera, Screen Two’ project.
We’re committed to making this cinema the best it can be, and your voice is a crucial part of that journey. Stay tuned for exciting developments and thank you for being a part of the future of HBPH.