Ever since I could remember, all I wanted to be was a projectionist Every time we went to the movies, I had to visit the booth, all of which were IATSE.

I started running 16mm machines in Jr. High School...and this was a funny story. I had actually signed up for shop class for the semester. Unbeknowst to me, or my Father, my Mom withdrew me from shop class and enrolled me in a drama class! Boy was I PISSED! Actually, it was not a drama class, but a media class where we learned all about technical production w/video cameras and BETA and other high tech stuff, which at that time was all new technology. Anyhow, I eventually became the schools projectionist, as many of the machines were tempermental and I was the only person who was able to successfully operate them! I was constantly pulled out of class to assist other teachers with the machines....

Anyhow, my hopes of becoming a projectionist were dashed with the ugly demise of IATSE in AZ in the late 1970's early 1980's. Actually, many of the careers that I would have enjoyed went into history w/the advent of computers !

After High School, I studied aviation maintenance and earned my mechanics ratings. I went on to work in aviation maintenance for large companies such as Evergreen. At that time aircraft mechanics were a dime a dozen, and the career aspects were poor. So after having been laid off I had the opportunity to travel around the world a bit.

After I came back home, aircraft mechanics were still a dime a dozen, so I opted for the USAF. I served from 1989 to 1995 and was a C-141B and C5 A/B Crew Chief and Desert Storm Veteran...

After comming out of the Service I went back to college where I just completed my AAS in Machine Tool Technology. The program that I went through counts towards an NTMA apprenticeship...I am also working on my BS in Manufacturing Engineering Technology...

I recently worked as a projectionist for a major theater chain. I was hoping that they would have recognized my contributions towards the company and would have recommended me for a tech. position. Instead I was crapped on...enough said!

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My name is Kris Brunton. As you can see.

I work for Cinex Projection Systems in Napanee, Ontario, Canada.
I have been with Cinex for about five years now. Proir to joining Cinex I was a projectionist for 2 years in a theater in Sault Ste Maire, Ontario. It was a 5 plex that turned into a 7 plex shortly before I left. (It is now a Galaxy 12 plex). I worked at that theater for about 5 years - (2 as projectionist).

While at Cinex we have seen our company grow to about 35 employees. Our company has branched out to provide Seating, Security and Sound and Communication Systems, since my being here.

My interests and hobbies are: Sound, Projection and Snowmobiling. (unfortunatly where I live now I don't get much snow to do any sledding). I also love to travel so it works out well with my job!

I started on the floor in April '99 as a "Cinema Operative" (if you think that job title is bad, staff are now called "Cast Members", yuck). I became a Projectionist in May '00 but was transfered to the 4 screen UCI Plaza in Piccadilly Circus. While I liked the Plaza, and there were good times, the company seemed not to and almost no money, time or effort was spent on it.

The whole time I was there, I wanted to go back to the Empire and I got my wish when the Plaza closed in October last year and my GM and DM created a position in Booth for me (at least that's what they told me). Now I'm not planning to go anywhere for a long time.

And I wouldn't work at a multiplex if a gun was placed at my head! Sorry, I have issues with UCI multiplexes (Film Done ).

As it states to the left of this paragraph, my name is Tristan Lane. I currently work two jobs: One job is as a part time projectionist for the Riverfront Park IMAX theater in Spokane, Washington. The other job is working for American Cinema Equipment in Portland, Oregon.
I got my start in this business in a small-town 3 screener in Oregon. I first was a concession worker, and then was trained in Booth operations. I worked as a projectionist in that theater for 3 years and then moved to Boise, Idaho. I took a job with Edwards Theater Circuit as a projectionist at their 21 screener in Boise, and then Moved to their IMAX theater. The IMAX had a 3D SR system capable or running changeovers. Unfortunately that theater is now closed But I am grateful for the experience I gained there. I then took a job in Boise as a tech-support agent for Hewlett Packard. That job did not last long. I the Moved to Portland, Oregon where I got a job With A.C.E. A few months later I was offered a chance to run 15\70 in Spokane. I took the job, but was still able to continue with A.C.E. and that is where I am today.

As a teenager, I would rent 16mm films from the local depot and we'd have parties on the weekends.

In the mid-1980s I moved to Detroit, Michigan from The Bahamas. I am a US citizen but, until then, I had never lived in the United States. My sister was studying medicine there, so it just seemed like a good idea...until...WINTER!!!

While in Detroit, I got my first experience working in a movie theatre. I worked as an usher/concessionaire at the Rennaissance 4 Theatres in the Renaissance Centre. Our projectionist was part of the union, so there wasn't much opportunity to learn from him, but sometimes I would catch him in a good mood and he'd show me something. I learned how to lace platters and thread the projectors.

After that first winter in Detroit I moved back home and went to work for Pan American World Airways until they closed down in 1991. Good job and a good company. I sometimes think that it was maybe a good thing they closed down, because I'd probably still be working there.

Then I went to USC film school. During that time I worked for Cineplex Odeon's Beverly Centre 16 Theatres (as a box office cashier) and AMC's Old Pasadena 8 Theatres.

Everybody starts at AMC as an usher/concessionaire and I was no exception. But within my first month, I was admitted to the booth and stayed there for a year. The AMC Old Pasadena was a great little multiplex to practice/learn in.

An old friend-of-the-family opened a multiplex and my brother was hired as a manager. He'd call me up in Los Angeles from time to time and tell me about a problem he was having with the projection equipment - all bought used and nobody knew how to keep them maintained.

I decided to come back home and help out. First order of business was a re-install with newer equipment/technology. That provided me with the best learning experience as far as film projection is concerned.

The best part was learning how to dismantle/reassemble a projector head. After the upgrade/installation, I had six Century heads to practice on. Originally, the idea was to disassemble them and store the good parts in case we needed them for the new ones. But, after cleaning them up, I decided to try my hand at putting them back together. That same month, I went over to the supplier and got two weeks' training in critical cinema alignments.

A few months later, it was time to install equipment in the second location. This new chain was growing fast!

Less than a year later...another installation...and then another...I did a total of four installations in less than two years.

Along the way, I introduced Bahamian audiences to Dolby Stereo, DTS, Dolby Digital EX and - perhaps my most valuable contribution to Bahamian cinema - Savoral Popcorn Seasoning!

I have written/directed policy trailers and local big-screen commercials. I'm actually working on a new policy trailer right now.

I also create slide-show content. The computer where I design the slides is called "Slide Show Bob." Fans of "The Simpsons" may find that amusing.

Last year, I made my first feature film (POWERCUT, about three women stuck in a rest room during a power outtage) using the DV format. The film played locally to great reviews and small audiences.

I was recently called back into action to realign the projectors I installed. In the 18 months of my absence a lot has happened to my babies. So now I'm an independent contractor with a great alignment/maintenance contract.

I also have a television program in production (one of those cooking shows) and another movie project in development. The cooking show will start airing this summer; I don't expect to be shooting my second movie until early 2003.

I'm also an actor in repertory theatre.

The quote in my current signature is a recurring line of dialog from the TV show "Hill Street Blues."

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And, hey! Let's be careful out there.

~Manny.

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Moving to the top for all the new members!

I'll get a picture up in the next few weeks. One that makes me look nice and pretty. I was aquainted with this site through Paul Thompson, whom i work for/with (whcih is it, paul?!). I'm just out of frame right on paul's current "weenine man" photo.

I started in the biz way, way back in '97 with the Hoyts 10 in Brunswick, Maine. Did the whole concession and occasional booth work before moving to Arizona for college. There I got a job with Harkins Theaters at an 11 screen theater, and worked my way up to management in my first year. The people i worked with were amazing, and taught me very well, which makes all the difference. At Harkins, presentation always took precedence over payroll, which seems to be opposite from most other chains, judging from what i have read. I spent three years there learning all that i could from anyone who had something to teach. During my final year, Harkins re-opened their original theater (built in '33) after a million-dollar-plus renovation. It was about two blocks from my location, and only one screen, so we staffed it like it was "theater twelve." We played mostly art and foreign films there, movies that would have otherwise not shown at all in Phoenix. And, i swear, every day that we were open, we lost money. But Mr. Dan Harkins didn't care, which is what i think makes it such a great company, and the experience a valuable addition to my college education. (i sometimes refer to my job at the theater as my minor in business)
After I graduated in may (with a bachelors in architecture) I moved up to Washington with the intention of getting an architecture internship for a year, before going to graduate school at the University of Washington in Seattle. When the economy turned south, however, most firms put their intern programs on hold for a while. Back in with my parents (I needed to stay in washington so that i could get residency and save $10,000 a year in tuition) i found a job at the local three screen theater. Enter Paul. And thats where I am now. I'm still looking at going to school in the fall, but the theater seems to be in my blood. I think when Thursday night replaces Friday night as your favorite time of the week, thats when you know you're hooked for life.

Anyway, I'm not quite a tech-spert by any means, but i'm always craving knowledge. This site has quickly become my favorite, and i hope to contribute to the community in my small way.

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People pay to watch movies with me.