Ever wondered whos counting the cash from your local cinema?

But how much do you know about who owns Britains cinema chains?

The emphasis is on sometimes in that sentence.

This article has now been updated to reflect the change in ownership at Odeon.

Dalian Wanda also owns American cinema chain AMC Theatres, which Odeon is now a subsidiary of.

The deal to bring Odeon under Dalian Wandas umbrella is said to be worth 921 million.

By 2013 Vue had increased to the size of 143 cinemas.

This ideal scenario, where the cinema enthusiasts own more than the faceless corporations, unfortunately couldnt last forever.

Cineworld is arguably one of the good ones.

19 sites are currently fully operational.

Offering a money-saving membership option has also helped craft Picturehouse a reputation as favouring films themselves over corporate cash-hunting.

Thankfully, the merger seems to have had a positive effect in many places.

Lets just hope its sorted out paying staff right before Eric Cantona starts kicking people.

It picked up sites that Cineworld couldnt hold onto as well.

Thats a preconception quite possibly inspired by its anti-big-chain origins.

In 2008 it acquired the Screen Cinemas chain, and now has ten cinemas across the country.

Priding itself on what it calls unique premium cinemas (with cushions!

The Owner:The 2000 relaunch of the original Everyman cinema was the brainchild of entrepreneur Daniel Broch.

Again, seeing cinemas managed by one passionate fanatic can only be a good thing.

For starters there is Reel Cinemas, a fifteen-strong chain born in Loughborough.

Sounds like a very interesting chap, and theres no whiff of a multinational benefactor in sight.

Not all smaller chains in Blighty have such inspirationally independent backroom stories though.

Showcase and its boutique Cinema de Lux brand is owned by the National Amusements corporation.

It has a fine pick-n-mix selection, though.

For more on the backstory of Birminghams aforementioned Electric Cinema meanwhile, check out the excellent documentaryThe Last Projectionist.

Its well worth an hour and a half.