posted 07-10-2004 12:39 AM                       

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Paul, how exactly to you define professional projectionist? Is it just a matter of having the skills, know-how, and pride to do your job perfectly? What if I did not know how to change the belt on a Century R-3 sound head because I never worked with one? Would that mean I'm not a professional projectionist?

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Ken, that is a very good question.
A professional projectionist is one who knows the booth equipment like the back of their hand. One who knows how to repair their machines, or make quick fixes to get them through the show should a problem develop. One who knows the theory of motion picture projection, and how the equipment works. One who knows how to keep the machines running at peak efficiency. One who knows electrical and electronic theory, and has the ability to adapt to precision machinery. One who knows how to work under extreme adverse conditions without whining about someone taking their damn TV set away from them because they were not paying attention to what they are getting paid to do. One who realizes they are getting paid to do a job, and one who will do the best possible job under any unfavorable conditions. One who knows how to operate their machinery, and one who takes pride in keeping it clean. One who takes the extra steps necessary to insure the film is handled correctly, and one who takes pride in their show, and one who will get off their dead ass and keep an eye on things. One who knows how to present the product correctly, and one who will not settle for hind tit in their performance. And, one who knows what they are doing, and one who is completely alert of their surroundings. One who can pick up abnormal noises and investigate them. One who does not panic if something goes wrong, and one who knows exactly what to do if something does go wrong. One who knows how to read the manuals, and one who is willing to pick up a technical manual or literature for any piece of booth equipment and study it to learn more about it, and one who will learn from their mistakes, and one that has common sense and how to use it. Also, one who will is willing to learn more about anything that has to do with industry. One who can be creative about the way they want to present their program. And, one who is willing to take that “Extra Step” needed to make his or her performance enjoyable for the customers who are paying to see the show.

There are many other things, too. But you get the idea.

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