Moviola is one of the largest rural cinema operations in the United Kingdom. We bring to the task twenty years of experience, built up in the best way – by simply going out and doing it. Mindful always that we have to cover our costs, that we are reliant (just like the commercial cinema) on a supply of popular films, and that we must give the public a service that delights them, we have been successful in establishing a business that continues to grow.
Initially the service we offered included providing all the necessary equipment and a presenter who would take charge of setting up, projecting the film and packing up at the end of the evening, freeing the local committee to deal with booking the hall, putting out chairs, welcoming the audience and selling refreshments. We still have one or two venues which operate in this way (though we are not taking on any new ones), but the vast majority of our associates have their own equipment and present their own shows, relying on us to arrange licensing and deal with the film distributors. This has meant that our network, instead of being limited to Dorset and its surrounding counties, now covers the whole country from Cornwall to Orkney, and from Norfolk to Wales.
Although our main interest is in making films accessible for all ages in the countryside, we also value and encourage Moviola’s contribution to community life: a Moviola show is a social occasion. In summary: We love films. We love showing them, we love creating the proper environment in which to appreciate them, and we love facilitating the shared audience experience.
The Board
Philip Comer, Chairman
Philip currently lives in the village of Corpusty in Norfolk, but for many years he lived in Crowcombe in Somerset, where he was the local Moviola organiser. Now retired, he has a background in risk management, having set up a consultancy in the 1980s.
Dr Brian Clay, Trustee
Brian was a founder member of Moviola. He has been involved with community cinema for decades, including acting as Regional Secretary of the South West Group of the British Federation of Film Societies, now known as Cinema for All. He lives in Dorchester and helps run its Film Society.
Helen Bradley, Trustee & Director
Helen is the Parish Development Officer for Hythe & Dibden. One of her earliest projects was working in partnership with Moviola to set up the cinema in Hythe, which has been operating for 15 years now. In her spare time, she is a music photographer and writes concert and CD reviews for a number of music publications.
Debbie Gent, Trustee & Director
Debbie has worked in film and television for over 30 years in various roles including production, post production and corporate. In her spare time she enjoys reading, walking, creativity and adventure.
Steve Allen, Trustee & Director
Steve has spent over 35 years in television, writing, editing and directing. He has volunteered for front-of-house at film festivals, and is deeply involved in Photoshop and Desktop Publishing.
Roger Treleaven, Trustee & Director
Roger has professional experience in IT and consultancy, and has volunteered with Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury Museum and various community groups.