Our Venues

Filmsoc screens films in three venues: George Square Theatre, Pleasance Theatre and Teviot. All are located near the central area of the University:

• George Square Theatre is located next to the Main Library on the south side of George Square.
• The Pleasance Theatre is next to the main Sports Centre at 60 The Pleasance, about 5 minutes walk from the central area.
• Teviot is one of the two main Unions, and is the gothic looking building on the south side of Bristo Square.

George Square Theatre (GST) is a large sixties style monstrosity of a building seating around 560 people. This makes it probably the second largest screen currently operating in Edinburgh. Here we show 35mm films on most Sundays on our Westrex projector. The University has finally listened to demand for better access for the disabled and there is now wheelchair access via a lift to GST. There is also a hearing loop which we can use if requested. Special thanks to the University of Edinburgh Development Trust who provided some of the funding to install the Dolby SR surround system in 2001.

Pleasance Theatre (Pleasance) is part of the complex that includes the Pleasance Bar, Cabaret Bar and Societies Centre. In this much more relaxed and informal atmosphere we show an eclectic mix of classic and arthouse films on 16mm and DVD in the 260 seater theatre (although the licence claims you can seat 315!) using our Fumeo 16mm projector or Sanyo XP-40 digital projector. Unfortunately, it does get quite cold in winter. There is no disabled access to this venue. Special thanks to the National Lottery Awards for All scheme who provided the majority of the funding for the digital projector and sound system in 2002.

Teviot is one of the main unions and we show films on DVD in the Mezzanine area. Seating is more restricted - our capacity here is only 100 - and it is our more rough and ready venue for cult movies. There is disabled access to this venue but it requires prior arrangement. If you are not a student or life member of the union, you will require to be signed in - please get the door staff to contact us.

All our venues are strictly non-smoking. Please note that eating and drinking within the GST auditorium are punishable by death at the discretion of the General Committee. We're a bit more relaxed about it in the foyer downstairs though. Also please note that many people like to watch the credits at the end - please don't stand up in the centre aisle at the end of the film. At the Pleasance, you can take drinks into the Theatre as long as they are in plastic cups or cans - please ask at the Bar - absolutely no glassware is permitted. Drinks are allowed in Teviot.

We also screen films in the odd other location as well. These include:

• The Pleasance Courtyard Otherwise known as "Cinema on the very big screen" - the location for our outdoor screenings
• Cameo Cinema The place where we hold our quiz, and get 2-for-1 entry to some screenings.
• Filmhouse We will be holding events with the Filmhouse soon - watch this space.
• The Lumiere at the Royal Museum.
• Holyrood

Technical Details

For the techies among you, here are the details of our equipment:

GST

• Westrex 7000 series 35mm projector
• Westrex 7000 series tower
• ORC Lamphouse running 1000W/1600W xenon lamps
• Dolby CP-55 processor and SRA-5 SR adaptor
• Three stage speakers (left, centre, right), subwoofer, and 12 surrounds
• Access to digital projector, hearing loop
• Raked individual seating (540 capacity)

Pleasance

• Fumeo hd1000 16mm projector (500W)
• Sanyo XP-40 digital projector with long throw lens (2100W)
• Roland sound desk
• Marantz Dolby Digital processor
• JVC DVD player
• Three stage speakers (left, centre, right)
• Raked bench seating (315 capacity)

Teviot

• Digital projector (1200W)
• DVD player
• Stereo speakers
• Temporary seating floor + balcony (100 capacity)