GALLERY- January 2007

This month we feature a set of photographs of a contemporary behind the scenes view- a modern working Multiplex Box. These images are of the Wakefield Cineworld which is a 9 screen complex located in a retail park within walking distance of Westgate Train Station. Photos copyright Kenny Smith.

Interestingly, the Complex originally opened as 12 screens, however some space at either end of the site has been converted from Screens to self-contained Restaurants with outside entrances.

Also included are two views of the former Leeds Odeon which opened as the Paramount in 1932. It was gutted internally and has been entirely rebuilt, retaining only the shell and facade. For a while it was proposed as a residential development, however acquisition of properties to the rear by the Grand Theatre Trust resulted in a retail scheme instead.Photos courtesy Ian Grey

	A general view of the Box. One large common space located above the screen entrance corridors serves all nine screens.
Close-up of the film path through the mechanism. There are two lenses, one for normal 1.85:1(Wide Screen) and the other for 2.35:1 Anamorphic (Cinemascope).
	The Christie Digital projector which forms part of the Digital screen Network.
Film is stored on platters, colloquially known as kake stands. This is a non-rewind system, film is spooled from the centre of the playout platter onto the collecting platter from whence it is ready for its next showing without requiring to be rewound like a dual spool tower system.
	This is a view of the bench area where films are made up for projection and broken down after their run.
Another view of the box, showing storage cupboards for spare parts such as replacement Xenon lamps and consumable items..
	The original corner entrance to the Paramount on Briggate/The Headrow. The roof line is now tidier here as the large air intake frilles of the original building have been removed.Note that one of the banners is damaged.
The stage end. The top of the fly tower remains and appears to now be a plant room . Many of the windows to the Headrow were originally blind windows without rooms behind, however they are now all used for light into the retail space within.