Duty Manager Training Guide

Introduction

This page will include information for trainee Duty Managers on what they should be learning in their training. This should compliment details contained within the Trainee DM Booklet.

Upon Arriving

We usually ask that trainee DMs turn up to screenings 45 minutes in advance of the scheduled start time - this allows for extra preparation prior to the stewards turning up.

Health and Safety

Check that the fire exits at the bottom of L3 are clear, make sure that there is nothing blocking either side (inside or out) of the doors and that the inner doors can be opened from the inside simply by pushing them. Be careful not to lock yourself out whilst inspecting the fire doors!

Projectionist Communication

You need to talk to the Projectionist regularly throughout the start of the show:

• As soon as you see the projectionist, you'll want to check that the film is ok and that there are no major technical problems that would prevent the screening from starting on time.
• Another important thing to check is the length of the Ads and Trailers reel; it should normally be about 20 minutes long but can vary. Knowing what the first and last trailers are can help to ensure that you can be inside when the film starts.
• Find out whether the film is subtitled so that you can put out the appropriate signs to make the audience aware, and so you know if you're asked. Bear in mind that there is almost always a trainee Projectionist and you should talk to them instead of the qualified projectionist unless informed otherwise by the qualified projectionist.

If there isn't a Projectionist present approximately half an hour prior to the advertised start time and you don't know who it is supposed to be then check on the rota. Their contact details should be online and you can give them a call to see what's going on. If you can't get hold of them then first see whether there are any other Projectionists around for the show. If there are then it's worth asking them whether they're willing and able to cover the show.

If this isn't possible then call the Chief Projectionist (number also on the website) and try to arrange cover, either by you ringing some Projectionists or by the Chief Proj doing so and then ringing you back by a set time to let you know what's going on. Use your common sense at this point.

DM Qualification

This is a test show to see if you're ready to qualify as a WSC Duty Manager. More information on what might be involved is available at the DM Qualification page.