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.

Float Checking

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.

Before your stewards arrive, you should have time to check the floats. They are kept in the grey cabinet (commonly called the DM cupboard) in the Exec office. The key is on the labelled tag in the key box in the corridor, the qualified DM will have a key to this box. It is best to keep the DM cupboard key with you during the film as you'll probably need it a number of times. Make sure that the DM cupboard is locked when you're not using it as there is a large amount of cash and other valuable equipment in there. Check that each of the two floats contain £100 and that there is a good mix of notes and coins, if not then use the space change box which is also in the DM cupboard.

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!

Stewards

Stewards are very important to the society, you wouldn't believe how difficult it is to run a show on your own! Generally the Stewards won't arrive together - some of the extremely keen ones may even be there before you are - so keep an eye out whilst you're setting up. Make sure you introduce yourself to them when they arrive and make sure they know to ask you if they have any problems at any point during the show. When they first arrive, the most useful thing to get them to do is to help clear up any litter in L3.

You should have three or four Stewards signed up for the film (you can check who they are on the rota). If you don't then it's a good idea to recruit any Crew who have come to watch the film; most of them will be happy to help out.

You will need to check your Stewards' levels of experience; if they've done fewer than three shows then they have a smiley face next to their name on the rota and you'll probably need to spend a bit more time with them. Check how many films they've done before and that they've all had a go at selling tickets and being on the door; if not then try to give them a job they haven't done.

If they're completely new then obviously you will need to explain everything in relation to the role they end up doing on the night - if you can get an 'Off-duty' DM to supervise them on the tills, then this provides a good opportunity for them to learn our system.

Other important things to remind your stewards include:

• The fire evacuation procedure
• What to do if we have a wheelchair user
• That we don't allow hot food, hot drinks, alcohol or popcorn in L3.

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.