By The Dome It’s Known: The Kursaal Story
Will be introduced by Chris Izod
Synopsis: Using archive film and photographs a look back at the history of the world-famous Kursaal on Southend seafront. Featuring archive recordings and the personal recollections of trippers who visited the 26 acre park and the Kursaal workers who task it was to keep the amusements running smoothly throughout the busy summer seasons. Recalling the arrival of Eric the Whale, Al Capones famous Killer car, the world renowned Tornado Smith and his Wall of Death and of course the fabulous Kursaal Ballroom.
With The Southend-on-Sea Film Festival returning once again from 26th – 29th May, I got an opportunity to ask Chris Izod a few questions about the documentary ‘By The Dome It’s Known: The Kursaal Story’ which has been selected to play at the festival on Saturday 28th May at 4 pm.
Q. What can we expect from the film?
A. The film is a nostalgic look back at the famous Southend landmark. Interviews with the Kursaal company secretary John Crowley. Staff who worked there in its heyday. Concessionaires and ride owners and visitors, also members of the Borough police force who worked there on busy weekends and holidays,
Q. How did the idea for the film come about?
A. I have always loved the Kursaal Amusement Park. I spent many happy Saturday evenings there with my father in the 1950’s. He told me about having seen Eric the whale arrive at the Kursaal when he was a child. Seeing Tornado Smith and his lion in the High Street. My father was a fund of stories about the Kursaal, he used to work there in his teens and saw his first sound film there in the Kursaal Kinema.
Q. What was the process for bringing the footage for the film together and how long did it take to complete?
A. I have been making films since the 1970’s. Mostly for the Classic cinema Group for whom I worked as a cinema manager and marketing promotions manager. We worked on 16mm film and later on in the 80’s video for a local production company mainly for the military.
In 90’s I started making reminiscence therapy audio programmes for use in elderly persons day centres. As the programmes were heard so photographs and other ephemera started to show up which meant that some of the audio recordings could be repurposed into video programmes. I have made 15 local history videos and audio programmes which have been featured on BBC radio and TV and Sky TV and sold around the world. The Kursaal programme was started in 1992 and was a great seller in local book shops. By now practically everyone who took part in the programme has passed away but their memories are preserved for future generations. In 2021 I decided to upgrade the original programme with extra footage and photos where possible. I retained the original voice over Mark Roman, one of the original radio pirates of the 60’s and the voice of the Year To Remember Pathe News series.
Q. Whilst researching for the film, did you find out anything unexpected?
A. There are always unexpected stories which surface during interviews. Some are just local hearsay and have no real basis in fact but some can be corroborated by research in the local archives and with the help of the Southend Museum Service.
Q. Did the film change at all during the filming process?
A. Making local history films is like putting together a Jig Saw. My films always change during the creative process. I start with a script and shooting script and then see how things develop. They evolve as new stories arrive and new film is discovered. I never have a deadline to work to I just see how things progress. Entirely different to working on a commission
Q. What were your favourite moments whilst making the Film?
A. I love listening to people recalling their own memories of events that have formed their lives especially their childhood. Interviewing a contributor can take many hours and I never stop someone talking if I can possibly avoid it. Its all in the editing later. That’s what takes the time and I find it fascinating and so rewarding. When I first started every interview was recorded on open reel analogue tape and edited with an editing block, China graph pencil and razor blade. Digital had made this creative process so much easier now.
When you hear a story from different sources which sounds a bit far fetched and then suddenly photos or old movie film turn up which confirms the story.
Q. Did you experience any issues whilst making the film?
A. No not really. Apart from breakdowns and occasional damage. I was filming the fire at the bowling alley on Southend pier from the west side. Walked out into the mud to get better shots and didn’t realise|I was sinking. I Was up to my knees before I knew something was wrong. Nearly lost my new Betacam camera then.
Q. What do you hope people will take away from the film
A. A warm feeling for the past of our town. I make programmes that mean something to me and people of a certain age. It is always rewarding to get feedback from the audience at film festivals and when I do presentations for local groups. New photos and memories are always out there and just waiting to be preserved.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are working on?
A. I have just completed a programme titled Southend On Stage, about the history of theatre in the town. I have nothing planned at the moment
Q. If someone is looking to direct their first film, what advice would you give them?
A. Start off with a subject that is close to your heart and you feel comfortable with. If a subject means something to you it will probably appeal to others. Drag your friends and family in to help if you can. They work for free (usually) and films cost money. It is so much easier today to create a great programme just using a mobile phone and free editing software.
The Southend-on-Sea Film Festival runs from 26th – 29th
You can find out more about the end and purchase tickets on the website here: https://www.southendfilmfestival.com/
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
