Staffing structure

Staffing structure

The way in which a cinema is staffed varies enormously depending on how it is organised, whether services are supplied in-house or contracted out, how much of the operation is voluntary in nature and the extent to which certain functions can be centralised (in a chain for example, marketing, programming and finance functions are often undertaken centrally whereas a stand-alone cinema will have to do all this at the venue). A local authority run cinema may also make use of other central council services (cleaning, payroll, IT etc.) and a charge is generally made for these against the cinema’s operating revenues.

It is not really possible therefore to present a ‘typical’ staffing structure and its associated costs. However, what is presented below is the bare minimum full time equivalents for a full time two screen stand-alone situation with an owner/manager who does all the day to day staff and building management as well as marketing the facility. While these are full time equivalents, in practice with projection, box office and ushering you are likely to employ a number of part time staff on a shift rotation. The numbers below are based on the assumption that the cinema is open 7 days per week for two evening performances plus weekend matinees and that the box office opens an hour before the first performance.

Venue (cinema) manager 1

Book-keeper / accountant / admin 1

Projectionists 1.5

Box office 2

Ushers 2.5

In practice of course, you may also employ people to take on specialist roles in the areas of education, marketing and, with a larger number of screens you might need front of house and box office managers to look after a greater number of floor staff.

"Broadening horizons and seeing the world differently is - or ought to be - in the remit of film. Which makes ICO culturally significant and to be applauded."

The 2010 Guardian Film Power 100

Advice & Info

Independent Cinema Office