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When 'Titanic' opened, the opposition cinema near where I worked at the time made banner headlines in the local paper, because 'the projector broke down' during the first night, resulting in a cancelled show, 700 refunds and comps.

I later found out that the chain were trying to save money by having the projectionist sign out after the last round of shows started. They'd end on automation, then the duty manager would go round shutting everything down.

As a result of this decision, all the projectionists at that venue (most of whom had lost hours) took the decision to make themselves uncontactable during this last hour or two of each shift - they switched their mobiles off and their home answering machines on. 'Titanic' platter wrapped and the manager was helpless.

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Most major multiplexes and in fact smaller sites to have almost no multi-skilled projection staff. Yes, many are recruited from front of house areas, but once in projection remain there to improve in skill and experience.

Two of the busiest cinemas in the country that are operated by us have no multiskilled projection staff. I recruit projectionists from within our own company for training and outside experienced projectionists. The mix for us works well, and in addition to the Technical manager (Chief) at each location I like to have at least one projectionist with 10 -20 years experience.

Age has nothing to do with dedication, I was once a 15 year-old in the projection room who did not run my first shift as projectionist until the age of 19 - almost 4 years as a full timer!

In our projection staff today i see a mix of 18 - 65 year old all interested in presenting the best picture and sound they can. I have little time for staff with no interest in the craft of projection, no matter what age they are. I will never hire a projectionist who thinks he knows it all and guards his knowledge, we were once young and keen to learn too!