Sixty seconds with our newest recruit... Blade

With 25 years of experience, from cleaner to Technical Manager. From The Palace to Merlin Cinemas, it’s our very own Blade Frampton, Cinema Engineer, South West of England

How did you make your start in the world of cinema?

I stumbled into the industry back in 1997 while studying for my A-levels and pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot. That didn’t work out so while wondering what I wanted to do with myself, I was introduced to cinema! At the time, my uncle managed the Palace Cinema, Bridport (under Reel Time Entertainment). He asked if I wanted to cover his cleaner’s maternity leave, which is when I discovered ‘the projector’ and got bitten by the bug. Since then, I have remained in the industry, moving from Reel Time Ent. to Apollo Cinemas, before Merlin Cinemas, where I spent the past 21 years of my career from projectionist to Technical Manager.

What led you from projectionist to an engineer, and how did that experience shape your career path?

Twenty-one years ago, Merlin had just one cinema in Torquay. It was a fantastic journey to be a part of their growth and expansion. This expansion created the need for someone to manage and take care of the technical aspects, which I fulfilled until recently joining Omnex.

What do you consider to be your greatest career accomplishment so far, and why is it significant to you?

Not so much an accomplishment, but the most meaningful moment in my career was the recent service visit to the Electric Palace, Bridport. Walking through the doors for the first time after 25 years was a very special moment. It has certainly changed and looks amazing, but the memories all came flooding back — even sharing a ghost story or two with the staff. It still felt like home. It’s amazing that after all this time I now look after the very place where it all unexpectedly started.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

I would say the rollout of digital cinema was daunting. Having spent years learning as much as possible about film, projection, and engineering to keep it all running, digital cinema brought about change overnight. I was fortunate and took every opportunity to embrace the new technology. Learn as much as you can and do as much as you can! I was busier than ever after digital came in.

What are the most important skills and qualities for someone working in cinema technology, and how have you developed those in your career?

Patience and a cool head could well be top of the list! Undoubtedly you will come across a job that may not go the way you start, and it can test you. Anyone can read a manual and learn how something works, but being able to think outside of the box to tackle a problem is a useful trait to have.

What drew you to Omnex and your current role?

I had known Simon from the early days of LANsat and Darren previously from AAM. Omnex supplied equipment to Merlin for the past few years, providing amazing assistance during the stressful re-opening after the Covid shutdown. During this time I got to know to several of the Omnex team. Merlin continues to grow and as such it was challenging for one person to keep up with the workload. Omnex saw a potential fix for this and offered me the opportunity to join their team, to support Merlin as a service customer. This has given Merlin the coverage they need and now I work with a great team of engineers sharing the load. Omnex has also opened many new doors for learning and training opportunities for me.

Can you describe your experience working as a projectionist, and what did you enjoy most about that role?

I found projection to be an oddly satisfying job. There’s something about getting a presentation onto the screen with perfectly timed lights/curtains from your own world behind the glass that just gives you a buzz. It might sound silly to some. Working alone, in the dark next to a clattering beast that’s reliant on you to keep it oiled and maintained, projecting a film that you had to piece together late into the night. Those are fond memories.

How has your experience working in a cinema as a projectionist influenced your approach to working with cinema owners and managers now that you’re an engineer?

Having first-hand experience working as a projectionist, I understand training and knowledge is important in keeping problems to a minimum. It also helps, as an engineer, for the on-site team to have some knowledge and understanding. It makes communication when dealing with issues easier for all parties. I’m an open book and always happy to show and share experience and knowledge with others, but be warned, once I get started, I can talk for England!