Forum Topic

Ealing Project: future in doubt

The company behind the cinema has gone bust.It's hard to know what this means for the cinema, though. The Riverside Studios went into liquidation some years ago but has carried on trading as if nothing had happened.

Susan Kelly ● 236d21 Comments

Visit https://www.actonecinema.co.uk/now-playing A community run cinema really good films, at good prices.  We saw Conclave earlier this week. Easy to get to on the 207,SL8, E3, 440 and a couple more. Take a look!

Libby Kemp ● 177d

I loved the idea of a local cinema and became a member when Ealing Project started. But there's hardly ever anything I'm interested in going to see. It's mostly children's films and Gladiator-genre stuff. If they showed a wider range of films, I would certainly go more often.

bela cunha ● 181d

Hilarious Philippa. Your persistent posting of your inane ramblings on multiple sites indicates that you have far too much time on your hands. As for your sense of humour? Well, not one thing you’ve ever posted anywhere indicates that you possess one. Quite the contrary in fact. Perhaps you are Paul James’ mum.

Simon Hayes ● 193d

Simon  Both you and Peter seem to be referring to something that is not in this thread. You are your own echo chamber.  I don't need alcohol or drugs BTW to maintain good humour. I have no idea where you lost yours - you'll just have to keep looking.

Philippa Bond ● 193d

That’s good news Mark!I didn’t know they had live jazz. I’ll have to look up which nights and pop down.Dominik

Dominik Klimowski ● 194d

ActOne is also taking part in the Ealing Film Festival. There is a link between this local burst of creativity and good independent cinemas in my view so it is very much to be hoped that the Ealing Project makes it.I was at ActOne at the weekend and am pleased to report it appeared to be thriving. Full screenings and a packed out jazz night.

Mark Evans ● 194d

Well I know Mr Yale and a mighty fine chap he is!

Peter Tolhust ● 194d

Hi Susan, and everyone,It’s confirmed that Ealing Project will be part of the Ealing Film Festival next week.It will showcase films on Wednesday 27th. So I urge people to support it by attending if you can. Details are on the Ealing Film Festival website.Cheers,Dominik

Dominik Klimowski ● 194d

🤣

Rosco White ● 194d

Bit early to be on the sherry, Philippa. Christmas isn’t for another five weeks. I suggest you have a cup of tea.

Simon Hayes ● 194d

So - Are you Simon Hayes or Peter Yale - or are you both of them?

Philippa Bond ● 194d

Dominik, you seem to be ignoring my question?You are like Paul James & sadiq khan, making unfounded allegations & possibly slanderous 🤷‍♀️

Peter Yale ● 195d

I like it as a cinema, but I'm not sure I'd spend that much time downstairs in the bar area.I used to go to The Riverside studios cinema in Hammersmith back in the 90s, and that had a fantastic range of films. I remember paying something like £4 for a double-bill, and they'd have two film which could be from very different eras, but connected by theme. It's probably the equivalent to what 'Mubi' is now, but on the big screen.As an aside, it was also the venue where 'TFI Friday' was filmed, so my friends and I would often bump into random celebrities in the bar when leaving the cinema.I visited Ealing Project a lot when it opened. I was a member for a year,  and I hope it survives somehow.

Dominik Klimowski ● 195d

I like the underground space. Entering through a narrow shop entrance, going downstairs and then seeing this cavernous space with its comfy sofas and bar is impressive.My problem with it in recent years is the lack of diversity in films; they have tended to be very mainstream and that's not really where my interest lies.

Susan Kelly ● 196d

Do please declare your interest in the Picture house Dominik. Your opinion isn’t entirely independent.

Simon Hayes ● 197d

Hi Susan,This is a big shame. But inevitable in the sense that the Ealing Project felt like a placeholder until the Picturehouse finally opened. I'm guessing there isn't the demand for two cinemas in such a small area?I really like the Ealing Project, but I think it's hampered by its location underground. The amount of space it has should make it a popular destination for arts events, socialising, and people working during the day, but I fear no-one really wants to spend too much time in a windowless room, especially when there are now more alternatives available.A big shame, as I actually prefer the cinema seats too the ones in the Picturehouse (which I think aren't designed well).Anyway, that's my opinion, as a keen cinemagoer. Those 16 years without a local cinema to walk to were quite sad.Dominik

Dominik Klimowski ● 197d

Also Ealing would need a friendly billionaire benefactor like The Riverside.

N V Brooks ● 205d

The Really Local Group's venue in Catford closed last week after a dispute with the local council over rent. It looks like their problems go beyond Ealing. It is a shame because the concept behind the business is a good one. Being glass half full, you could say the rescue of the Riverside Studios provides a template for what could happen at the Ealing Project although Hammersmith lacked a cinema.

Mark Evans ● 205d

https://www.ealingproject.co.uk/home

Philippa Bond ● 213d

Looking at the breakdown of creditors not including HMRC about half is in the form of intercompany loans which will have to be written off. A good proportion of the rest is payments to film companies and rent. Both these creditors will have a vested interest in the cinema continuing to operate so it should be possible for the liquidator to persuade them to take a haircut to get the business back on its feet. Current releases still are being shown so it looks like the film companies aren't pulling the plug. The best chance of survival is if more local people go to watch films there. I've only been once since opening but plan to make an effort to visit regular because — use it or lose it.

Gordon Southwell ● 234d

They have issued a statement saying that, for the moment, its business as usual.

N V Brooks ● 236d