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| How many years have you worked in the Movie Theatre Industry and how did you first become involved? 52 years. I applied for an usher position at a new theatre in Columbus Ohio. All jobs were filled but they offered me a 5 day job installing seats; actually unpacking seats and carrying them into the auditorium. I later became an assistant manager at that theatre and was promoted to manager when another location opened 3 years later. |
| What’s the best part of your Job? Working with young people that I can share my passion for film and exhibition and work with them to understand the art of showmanship, even in this automated environment. |
| What is your fondest movie theatre memory? In September 2012, my last of 34 years with Pacific Theatres, I organized a week-long celebration for the 60th Anniversary of Cinerama in Hollywood. From various print sources, our vaults, and private collectors, we played every 3 strip Cinerama feature (some digitally restored) and many of the single strip 70mm releases as well as producing a new 28 minute travelogue photographed in the original 3 strip Cinerama process. We had 12,000 people from around the world attend this celebration with Q&A’s with the stars of “Cinerama Holiday” (1955) and “SOUTH SEAS ADVENTURE” (1957) as well as the stuntman who doubled for Debbie Reynolds in “How The West Was Won” (1962) and the stepson of the inventor of Cinerama, Fred Waller. |
| How old were you when you went to your first movie? Do you remember the theatre and the city? I was 6 years old. My father was the Director of Audio Visual Education for the Columbus Public Schools. He received an annual pass to the local art theatre, The World. The film was a British release “Genevieve.” We saw it 5 times because it was free with his pass. In 1955, my parents took me to Cincinnati (100 mile drive) to see this sensation called “Cinerama.” I can still remember where I was sitting in the balcony of the RKO Capitol Theatre and the thrill of the curtains parting and that ride on the Atom Smasher at Rockaway Park. |
| What is your favorite movie of all time? What is it about this movie that stands out for you? I don’t have a favorite movie, I find something interesting or fascinating in every film. My favorite genre is 70mm roadshow releases of the 1960’s. There was something special about buying your tickets weeks in advance and then the anticipation as the date got closer. In 70mm on a giant screen, with an overture, intermission, walk out music, main curtain and title curtain and the showmanship put into every action of the presentation. |
| Do you have any special interests? What are they? Movies, all aspects. I have visited over 200 theatres nationwide, have a collection of over 5000 one-sheets and 10,000 stills and lobby cards. My wife tells me I need a new hobby but other than Ohio State Football, I never found one. (I worked for the Ohio State University Department of Photography and Cinema for 12 years filming anything the university needed, from afternoon football practices for coach Woody Hayes to a liver transplant at University Hospital) |
| Is there anything else that you would like to share about yourself? My wife and I have two wonderful sons. Our younger, Adam is a projection technician for Reading Cinemas in Southern California. I produced 8 digital restorations of the original Cinerama films, did the supplementary narration on two, and have them available in a DCP format for theatrical release and on blu-ray for home entertainment. Using the original camera negatives, untouched for 45 years and saving these historically significant films for future generations is one of the personal highlights of my professional career. |
| What does being a member of NATO of CA/NV mean to you? NATO offers me a window to exhibition not found anywhere else. The information on new legislation affecting the industry is essential to running our business. |
| Of all the resources that the Association offers (seminars, scholarships, email advisories, etc.) which is most useful for you? The semi-annual product seminars and e-mail advisories are the most important resources. |
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