Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: No intermittent oil

my profile | my password | search | faq & rules | forum home

»	Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE » Operations » Film Handlers' Forum » No intermittent oil (Page 2)

This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2

Author

Topic: No intermittent oil

Frank Angel
Film God

Posts: 5305
From: Brooklyn NY USA
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 07-29-2006 07:34 AM

I am with Mark on this one. If you continually cover for idiots in the home office, nothing will change -- why should it? As far as they are concerned, you put in a request for oil, you told them how important it is to have a supply, but they didn't send you what you said you in dire need of, and nothing bad happened. They will conclude from that that there is no real emergency when a projectionist says he's got and emergency and asks for supplies. They will see no urgency the next time you say you need essential supplies.

I say, ask for the oil. Explain that without it a very expensive part of the projector can be ruined and many shows in that theatre may have to be canceled as a result. Then let it go; do without the oil if it is not forthcoming. Believe me, I hate to see equipment get damaged, especially when it is avoidable, but over the years I have learned that I shouldn't let my dedication to my craft be used as an excuse for incompetent and lazy people to sit on their asses and not do their jobs because they know I will "deal with it."

Just be sure you document everything -- put your requests in writing and copy more than just one person. Be sure to explain that this is an serious emergency and detail what will happen to the equipment if the issue is not dealt with promptly. Based on the amount of oil that might be left, predicate how long before projector intermittents will begin to fail. Again, make sure you put it all in writing; as incompetent and as lazy these bozos can be, you would be amazed how quickly they can spring into action when they need to save their asses and how ingenius they will become in order to point the blame onto someone else, most likely you. And outright lieing is not beyond them, which is why you need to be sure more than one person gets your request and warning.

It's an unfortunate lesson I've had to learn the hard way over the years, but damn it's effective.

| IP: Logged

Louis Bornwasser
Film God

Posts: 4441
From: prospect ky usa
Registered: Mar 2005

posted 07-29-2006 12:53 PM

You are encouraging the "Scott Tissue Theory" CYA with paper! Louis

| IP: Logged

John Pytlak
Film God

Posts: 9987
From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 07-31-2006 10:14 AM

If the purchasing department does not provide needed maintenance supplies when requested, be sure your circuit's engineering/projection/operations department is aware of the need, and the delay in getting vital supplies like the proper oil.

Get the support of your local management team too, as their neck is on the line if you have a dark screen due to equipment failure.

| IP: Logged

Leo Enticknap
Film God

Posts: 7474
From: Loma Linda, CA
Registered: Jul 2000

posted 08-01-2006 05:13 PM

quote: Diane Linton
I think most the leaks may be comeing from where the fill tubes connect

A new jubilee clip from a local hardware store (they cost pennies in this part of the world) should do the trick, after a thorough clean of the top of the casting to ensure a good contact.

My experience with Vic 5s was that you needed to replace them every couple of years or so to ensure a liquid tight seal.

As for the oil, isn't is sad that the senior management of a large chain can't put a system in place to ensure that basic, nuts-and-bolts supplies like projector oil reach the people who need them efficiently? I mean, how much does a bottle of projector oil cost compared to the customer refunds for just one lost evening show?

| IP: Logged

All times are Central (GMT -6:00)

This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2

Printer-friendly view of this topic

The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.