Urgent action needed to save Screen Machine

The popular Screen Machine mobile cinema which serves around 40 communities in the islands and Highlands could cease by April next year if funds cannot be secured to purchase a new mobile cinema.

 

Regional Screen Scotland, which owns and operates the cinema, is only currently able to continue its service owing to Screen Scotland which provided it with last-minute funds to lease the new cinema they are now using.

 

However, this lease lasts until April 2024 and beyond that, without intervention, the Screen Machine service will be wound down.

 

The company will require approximately £1.4 million for a new cinema which will take  between one year and 18-months to build.

 

Regional Screen Scotland are hoping that they can convince the Scottish Government to help fund 50 per cent of the cost and is asking for the public to help by writing to their MSP, MP, or councillor, and to the First Minister, cabinet secretaries and council leaders.

 

If they can convince the Scottish Government to provide 50 per cent of the cost that will enable them to pay a deposit and begin the construction process. Then, they will then embark on a massive fundraising effort to bring in the balance.

 

This September, the Screen Machine service will mark its 25th anniversary since their senior operator, Iain MacColl, screened The Little Mermaid for Screen Machine's first audience in Invergordon in 1998.

 

The Screen Machine made its first appearance on Arran in January 2001 and it has been well-loved and well-supported by the community for over two decades.

 

A spokesperson from Regional Screen Scotland said: “This September, the Screen Machine service will mark its 25th anniversary. Whilst this is a cause for celebration, there is reason for concern.

 

“After 17 years of near continual service, we retired the cinema that many of you will know and love as it is no longer fit to manage a full tour. Its unreliability led to a sharp increase of cancelled screenings and poor service to many of our communities. At short notice, Screen Scotland stepped in with the funds to allow us to lease the cinema we are currently using: Cinemobile. But this lease lasts only until April 2024. Beyond that, without intervention, the Screen Machine service will be wound down.

 

“We urgently require significant investment to enable us to commission the construction of a brand new greener Screen Machine.

 

“We understand this may come as a shock to some of you, but we believe that with the voices of our communities behind us, we will be able to sway the Scottish Government and progress with construction."

 

A spokesperson from Regional Screen Scotland appealed directly to their Arran audience saying: “Brodick is one of the busiest locations that Screen Machine visits. During our most recent visit, in mid-August, we sold over 500 tickets, and the average audience per screening was 63 – which is excellent for an 80 seat cinema. So we know that Arran is right behind the Screen Machine service, but now we are asking you to do a little extra by writing to your MSP to ask them to help pay a deposit to build a new cinema.”

 

To help relieve some of the financial pressures Regional Screen Scotland has also added an option for you to add a £1 donation to your adult or 60-and-over tickets when booking online. These donations will go to the rising and ongoing costs of operating Screen Machine, such as fuel, ferry journeys, and accommodation for their operators.

 

A spokesperson from Regional Screen Scotland said: “Every extra £1 will help us to keep bringing the Screen Machine service to you, your family and friends, and to your community.

 

“Thank you to everyone who has added a donation to their tickets so far. Don't worry if you haven't or are unable to spare it - we're still happy to welcome you along to Screen Machine!”

 

Information on how you can help, useful details on who to contact and what you can say, can be found on the Screen Machine's website at www.screenmachine.co.uk