Unusual Situations

Overview

Duty Managers need to be able to think on their feet to deal with a situation as it occurs and evolves. However there are some extreme examples all Duty Managers should know before working on a show which are described below. The steps taken are by no means the only way to look at the problem but to give you an example to follow and the priorities that should be taken. If you feel there is a better way to deal with the issue then please contact the Chief Duty Manager and he will add it as his discretion.

Shutdowns

Shutdowns are necessary when there is some sort of delay in starting the film and consist of putting the slideshow back on after the trailers and before the film to 'buy some time'. From a Front of House perspective this mainly occurs due to overrunning ticket sales, which could be down to a number of issues including large audience numbers or a delay in ticket sales, resulting in not being able to process all the sales before the film starts. It is better to decide early on that you may need a shutdown as it is good practice to keep the projectionist informed on the risk as it develops during ticket sales. This then allows them be prepared for the shutdown if it is still required. Similarly to avoid an end of show panic it's a good idea to tell the projectionist to do a shutdown unless told otherwise if you suspect you may need one.

Once the shutdown has occurred the Duty Manager must clear the queue (or other issue) as soon as possible to reduce the delay to the audience. It is often a good idea to go back to the projectionist and ask them to restart the film as the last few tickets are being sold.

Shutdowns can also be necessary during the middle of a film when dealing with unruly audience members but this will be covered later below.

Problems with L3

Sometimes there may be serious issues with L3 other than simply tidying. The most common issues are Health & Safety related however some other group may think they have it booked. In the latter situation as the Duty Manager you can refer to the printed copy of the room bookings timetable on the Exec Office wall. If this fails to induce motion then the online room bookings can be checked and if that doesn't work security should be called who will confirm and enforce the room booking. Similarly, if the room is locked security can be called who will then open it.

On the subject of Health & Safety these issues should become obvious when you perform the checks inside of L3. Many issues can be dealt with relatively simply such as an object blocking the doors but potentially more serious issues may occur.