Meet the projectionists: Mark Kennedy

What and where was your first job as a projectionist?

I was a trainee projectionist at Odeon West End Leicester Square.

How did you first get into it, and was the training on the job?

Out of desperation, and after seeing an ad in the Evening Standard (when it was worth reading). It was all on the job training, by some of the best in the business, so I was very lucky.

Of all the films you have projected over your career, is there one screening that stands out most vividly in your memory?

For me, the most memorable screenings are not necessarily about the film you’re showing, but more about the occasion and how the audience reacts.

I ran The Full Monty (1997) to full houses of 700 people for weeks. I’d stand at the back of the auditorium for the last 10 minutes to hear the audience’s laughter build as one gag after another lands, until they were roaring with laughter, and on their feet cheering and clapping.

The late-night show of Natural Born Killers during the 1994 London Film Festival. The film was about to be banned, and this was possibly going to be its only UK screening (turns out the BBFC just delayed giving it a certificate, so apparently tickets were exchanging hands for £500. The atmosphere inside the packed auditorium was electric.

The European premiere of Reservoir Dogs during the 1992 London Film Festival: again an electric atmosphere and a Q&A with the whole cast after screening.

A private screening of Pink Floyd’s The Wall (1982) as a birthday treat for Sir Alan Parker’s grandson. I always loved the film, and I’m a big fan of Sir Alan’s work, so it was extra special when he popped into the box beforehand to say hello and ask about the print’s condition, etc. He also sent me an email afterwards, thanking me and explaining that he hadn’t intended on staying for the whole screening, but I projected so well that he did.

What is the future for projecting analogue film?

It will continue in boutique cinemas and at cinematheques. Skills need to be retained, but I think it will become more of an additional skill.

Why is projecting film special, and different to digital projection?

I like digital and all it brings. It requires new skills, which I’ve enjoyed learning, but projecting film is a completely different experience. The obvious difference is it’s physical, meaning you feel more involved in the process, from making up the print to making sure the presentation is perfect.

What is the most common misconception you’ve encountered of what a projectionist does?

That we watch films all day, or just press a button. 

What’s your best war story of a projection that went horribly wrong?

Spending the afternoon with Chris Rea of ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ fame, after projecting two of the reels of his film La Passione (1996) in the wrong order. Luckily the screening was for the press, and not the gala premiere, which was in the evening. He was very nervous ,and wanted to make sure we projected it all right on the night. He was great company, and I got to see Shirley Bassey, who was in the film.

At the premiere of Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige (2006), the engineer helping me in the box slipped and accidentally switched off the power to the projector lamp, so there was no picture on screen. With an audience in darkness , we quickly switched it back on, restruck the lamp and carried on, but the engineer was so mortified. He returned the next day and installed missile switch style covers so it couldn’t happen again.

The BFI Film on Film Festival runs 8 to 11 June 2023.