So you’re up for volunteering with
Screen Porty Community Cinema!
Here’s some useful information to help you find out more about volunteering with us. Screen Porty Pullers are a great team who help out before, during and after the screenings of our community films at the Wash House in Adelphi Place. There are lots of things to be done, from setting out the chairs to welcoming guests, serving at the bar and washing the dishes!
Not everyone does everything – we have a system for signing up for what you can do on a screening day. And there’s no pressure to make it to every screening – although of course we’d love it if you can!
Why do you call Screen Porty volunteers ‘Pullers’
Puller comes from a job used in the film industry, the Focus Puller. What is a focus puller we herar you say?
A focus puller is responsible for maintaining the focus of a shot in progress. This can entail keeping a subject in focus for a shot’s duration or racking focus mid-shot. They are part of the crew team and also share the responsibilities of organizing, loading, and unloading gear.
So for us, Pullers play an essential role of keeping Screen Porty’s efforts, doings, events in focus (see what we did there?). The Crew, Screen Porty’s admin team of volunteers who do the heavy lifting of making a community cinema happen, but seek feedback from Pullers and we all work as a team work to get make screenings a success.
Screen Porty also aims to encourage a sense of community and connection through the events sure but also socials and film outings. Community Cinema is a team effort and one that we hope is fun, connecting and able to adapt to what we all want it to be,
Do I need to be a film buff?
No way!
You just need to be friendly, willing to lend a hand and to be part of creating welcoming and inviting community experiences for everyone who comes to a Screen Porty event.
We also ask Pullers to feedback about how the group is doing, how things can be improved and help spread the word about Screen Porty events.
How does communication work outside of screenings?
We have a Pullers WhatsApp group – you will need to have the app to receive updates, ask questions and share info. We also have a Pullers section on the website, really useful for finding out about event planning,future screenings, gatherings, resources and other Screen Porty news.
How does it work on the day?
There are usually 2 shifts on a screening day. The first is for the set up and takes a couple of hours. We put out the chairs, sort out the screen, set up the bar and the box office and generally get organised. This is a great shift to do if you like doing ‘behind the scenes’ stuff and being part of a proactive, energetic team. An hour or so before the screening starts the second shift begins, making sure we are good to go.
Once doors open it’s the Pullers job to warmly welcome guests into the Screen Porty community. This is a great shift to do if you are sociable and like people! You might be on the front door, helping on the box office, serving drinks or ushering – each role is vital. This shift usually lasts until after all the guest have left and we’ve cleared up (unless you need to dash off early and that’s ok!)
You can sign up for one or both shifts and there will always be other Pullers around to ask for help.
How many screenings are there each year?
Our seasons are September. - June.
We aim to show 10 films across the year, including family and children matinees. We tend to end in June with a big audience puller film / theme then stop over the summer and pick things up in September again.
Are there any social events for Pullers, outside of screenings?
Absolutely!
We try to have an ‘end of term’ and ‘start of term’ get together each year to better get to know each other, say thank you and to grow own Pullers community. We want to get better at organising other socials, like visits to other community cinemas.
Like the sound of it?
Great!
Your next step is to speak with our Volunteer Coordinator, Jacky. This chat will help to make sure all your questions are answered and that the Puller role is right for you – and that you are right for us (see point 3 above!) You can contact Jacky at screenportyvols@gmail.com
Thank you so much for your interest. Screen Porty only exists with the support of its amazing volunteers. See you soon!
