Yellowknife (Oct 15/03) - Jay Pickering "reely" likes his job.

The manager of Capitol Theatres says there is more than meets the eye when it comes to behind the scenes work at the busy theatre.

On the job for more than three years, Pickering, who also teaches high school part-time, says he runs a tight ship to ensure each new film arrives for viewing.

"It takes a lot of coordination, but we haven't lost a print in four years," Pickering says of the delivery process.

From booking the film and promoting events to doing charity work with schools and groups, Pickering deals with all aspects of working behind the big screen.

Yellowknifers love their films, he says.

As the average age of Yellowknifers is about 35, he says the emphasis is on families and therefore, market trends do not always apply to this area.

"We're now drawing on the past of adults and they are bringing their own kids into it," he says of current trends for filmgoers.

Films such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, the Matrix and Spiderman are good examples of the popular sci/fi and fantasy films enjoyed by all ages, Pickering says.

"I see more and more families coming in here."

And if the film alone is not enough to entice people from the streets, the distinct aroma of fresh popcorn is, he laughs.

"I think it stems from back in the days of Barnum and Bailey. It's cheap, light and easy to make," he says of the favourite snack.

But while great films have come and gone over the years, ironically Pickering says he rarely gets to see one.

"I'm usually in the back."

Or he's up in the projection room. Here, Pickering expertly winds a large reel of film around numerous spools so it is ready for viewing.

Titanic longest film

"The longest film I've seen was the Titanic," he says.

Arriving in two and one-half 6,000-foot reels, if stretched out, it would be 14,000 feet in length, he says.

Recalling the nightmare of a day when a film broke and unravelled on the floor, he says it is one experience not worth repeating.

"There was 12,000-feet of film in huge clumps on the floor. It took three days and nights to clean it up."

But all in all, it's a job Pickering truly enjoys. "I like the fast pace and the dynamic variety. No day is the same."