A little obsession is not only good for the soul, it could be great for your career. Just ask Dan Halsted, who parlayed a love for 70s exploitation and Kung Fu films into a prime gig with one of Portland’s most beloved entertainment venues.

Dan is the head film programmer at the Hollywood Theatre, Portland’s popular, independent art house movie theater. The Hollywood is not only known for its retrospective film series such as Grindhouse Film Festival and the Kung Fu Theater (curated personally by Dan), as well as  Hecklevision, Brew Masterpiece Theatre, but for its selection of first-run films ranging from Richard Linklater’s Boyhood and Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar.

Dan joined us to talk about what he has in common with Quentin Tarantino, the subtle differences between film and digital projection and how a little detective work led him to discover a treasure trove of films thought to be lost forever.

Dan also shared with us what occurred during an unexpected encounter with Portland Police that would change his life.

At the Hollywood Theatre Saturday, Nov. 15th at 7pm is Movies in Black & White’s screening of Rocky III, with a Q&A session featuring guest panelists writer David Walker and comedian Anthony Lopez. You can get advanced tickets here.

There’s always something cool happening at the Hollywood and to be part of it, check out their events calendar and follow them on Twitter @HollywoodTheatr.