Kamloops Film Society thankful for community contributions towards Paramount Theatre renovations

“It was really important because the lobby is the first thing when you walk in,” Abbott told CFJC Today.

“The Film Society staff and volunteers, we’re always doing tons of programming and other things behind the scenes to attract people in and that first impression with the older flooring and stuff sometimes it was just a little bit run down.”

Abbott noted the upgrades at the Paramount were made possible with the support of:

Kelson Group — Trish Becher and Laural-Lee Bonato, donated interior design services
Kami Carpets — discount on carpet and vinyl plank, donated installation labour
United Floors — donated tiles in front of the concession, including labour
Sherwin-Williams Paints — donated paint for the entire lobby
Aall Glass — discount on custom case for the 1908 projector
Fibonacci Taping — discounted drywall services
Crawford Electric — discount on LED pot lights and installation
Annette Dominik — donated art rails for lobby
Indigenous Resurgence Project — donated art rails for main entrance
Brian Purvis — repair services

Abbott said the “focal point” of the upgraded lobby is a 1908 hand-cranked film projector, which is on loan from Lance and Laura Brown. It was identified by longtime Kamloops projectionist Lou Tessier, and restored by son-in-law, Jeff Bell.

There are also new newly donated art rails on the walls, so the Kamloops Film Society is able to showcase pieces by local artists.

“It’s really hard to show just movies these days as there are so many places where people can get content, so we are always looking for these creative partnerships, whether its a local band to play before a film or putting art in the lobby,” Abbott said. “That is what we really want to continue to do since it makes it more exciting, I think, for the audience and you get a sense of community.”

The Kamloops Film Society took over operations of the Paramount Theatre in 2019, and it has a long-term lease with the Kelson Group to remain in the space. As a non-profit, it primarily earns revenue from ticket sales and concessions, though Abbott said it also gets government grants and donations.

“A lot of the work that we did in the lobby was volunteer-powered, and we not have been able to do nearly as much if it wasn’t for all the people who stepped up and donated their time and what not,” Abbott said.

“But for bigger ticket things, that’s usually where we look for those capital grants but you have to be really strategic about when you apply and that you’re putting them towards your most high priority kind of upgrades.”

Moving ahead, there are plans to renovate other areas of the theatre – including the seats and the sound system – but that depends on grant funding, and there isn’t a lot of it out there. It’s why local businesses and people interested in supporting future capital campaigns are asked to reach out.

“With a building like the Paramount, there is a lot of potential, but we really want to work with the community as a downtown cultural venue,” Abbott said. “It’s not just about what the film society wants, we want to collaborate with the local community and continue to build it together.”

– With files from Elora McCormack/CFJC Today

by Victor Kaisar

Kamloops Film Society thankful for community contributions towards Paramount Theatre renovations

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