Longstanding industry professional Eddie Poole is to be recognised with a special Lifetime Contribution to Cinema Award at the upcoming CEA Digital Cinema Conference, it has been announced.
Eddie, whose involvement in the industry goes back over 60 years, is still – in his eightieth year – closely involved in the running of the family’s Pavilion Cinema in Galashiels.
Welcoming the announcement of his Award, he said:
“I was honoured – and to be honest a little surprised – to learn that I was to be given this award by the CEA. I’ve been incredibly lucky to be able to follow my lifelong passion into a full time career and turn this into a successful business.
To be recognised for doing what I love is truly appreciated, but I really need to thank all my family, who have fully supported me in my efforts over the years in keeping the business going, particularly over the difficult periods; running single-screen cinemas is not for the faint-hearted.
I’d also like to thank the CEA, who were instrumental in encouraging me to keep the business going through some tough times – their advice in setting up our four-screen complex in Galashiels was critical to its success. I look forward to receiving my award at the CEA conference in November.”
CEA Chief Executive Phil Clapp added:
“I can think of no more worthy recipient of our Lifetime Contribution Award than Eddie Poole. His story is one of passion and dedication, and it is particularly fitting that our digital cinema conference is the forum in which we will present Eddie with this sign of recognition.
Eddie has witnessed and worked through the industry’s biggest milestones, including the seismic changes brought by digitisation. During his career, he has helped revive cinemas all over Scotland, bringing the magic of the big screen experience to a wider range of communities.
Listening to Eddie talk about cinema reminds us all of why we work in this industry, an emotion so simple, yet one that ultimately unites us in our attachment and excitement about the magical feeling of going to the cinema.”
Eddie will receive his award at the CEA Digital Cinema Conference: The Cinema of the Future: innovation driving the audience experience, which is being held on Thursday 27 November at the Cineworld at the O2 in Greenwich.
Download full press release, recording Eddie’s lifetime of dedication to the UK cinema sector.