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| How many years have you worked in the Movie Theatre Industry and how did you first become involved? I have been working in the movie theatre industry for over 23 years. When I was in high school I had gone to the movies with my family and I saw the Now Hiring sign and from that moment on I was hooked! |
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| What’s the best part of your Job? Do you have any memorable experiences that you would like to share? The best part has been all of the people I’ve gotten to work with over the years. Laemmle Theatres inherently provides a very familial atmosphere from everyone in the head office to every staff member, manager, and GM at each location. I have been very fortunate to work with such a great team of people. Also, movie theaters have a way attracting a myriad of personalities that all somehow blend together in such a unique way. As far as memorable experiences go, and not to be a downer, but not too long ago a member of my staff passed away. I was incredibly moved by the way that the corporate office and the members of staff from all the Laemmle Theatres supported us; even managers from other chains reached out to us. I was moved by how everyone came together in a spirit of support that was incredibly touching. I know that when tragedies happen it causes everyone to unite but I was so touched at the level of compassion and togetherness from everyone in our local movie theatre industry. |
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| What is your fondest movie theatre memory? When I was a kid my father was a very big believer in going to the movies. He believed it was one of the best ways we could spend time together as a family because it allowed us to have great conversations afterwards. So, growing up, every weekend my father and mother and sister and I would go to dinner and take in a show. My childhood and adolescence are bursting at the seams with fond movie theatre memories because so much of going to the movies for me was being with my family. That isn’t a specific memory, but what I’m fond of is the fact that even now at my age when I go to a movie either alone or with friends, when I get in the theater and the lights dim and the show begins I am immediately transported to that place where I was with my family as a kid taking in a show and I believe that I will always have that feeling. I will always be grateful that my family spent so much time together at the movies because for me, no matter how old I get, when I sit in a theater I will always have my family with me. |
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| How old were you when you went to your first movie? Do you remember the theatre and the city? Well, it’s entirely possible that I don’t remember exactly which film I was taken to a theater to see because my parents might have taken me immediately after birth! However, the first film I recall seeing in theaters was at a Dickinson Theatre in Joplin, MO and that film was Clue: The Movie . . . with the Miss Scarlett ending! |
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Paul Mazurky’s Harry and Tonto is the movie that I am constantly drawn back to! When I was a kid I would see the cover of the video and I was always curious what the story was behind the old man with his cat. When I was a teenager I finally saw it and it broke my heart and made me laugh and now, any time I need a pick-me-up, I put on Harry and Tonto. |
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| Do you have any industry related hobbies or experiences? Please explain. One of the best programs that happens every year in Los Angeles is the LA Conservancy’s Last Remaining Seats program that re-opens the movie palaces in downtown LA and screens classic films. Laemmle Theatres has afforded me the opportunity to get to work with the Los Angeles Conservancy and participate in several of their events which help to protect the movie history of Los Angeles. |
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| Do you have any special interests that you would like to share? Outside of movies I’ve always loved theater and there is a lot of really great theater in LA. I’ve been really lucky to get to work with several theater companies throughout the city. |
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| What does being a member of NATO of CA/NV mean to you? NATO provides a sense of community, which I think is incredibly important. Also, over the years I have become incredibly grateful for much of what NATO provides, but more specifically the seminars and scholarships are something that are invaluable! |
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| Of all the resources that the Association offers (seminars, scholarships, email advisories, etc.) which is most useful for you? I think it gets said a lot, but the seminars are extremely helpful, and the scholarships are something that I know have helped a lot of people! |
