Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: new projectionist looking for advice

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Posted by Barron Dripp (Member # 483) on 05-31-2000, 03:54 PM:

I am a projectionist in training and am lookinf for any advice/tips/hints on how to become better at it. I am also intereseted in finding any reading materials that may help me, if there are any that I could get my hands on. I would appreciate any help! Thanx!

Posted by Ari Nordström (Member # 288) on 05-31-2000, 04:46 PM:

The most important piece of advice I can give you is probably to keep your calm at all times, no matter what happens. My best trainees have always been the ones who are the calmest, the ones who won't allow an incident or two to stress or panic them.

Another piece of advice is, don't ever forget that you're actually working for the patrons, your audience, not some megaplex chain or manager who doesn't know better. The patrons pay your salary, so keep them happy.

As for reading, Film-Tech is a good place to be! I've discovered that there's always something new to learn around here, and the people here are both knowledgeable and helpful.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 05-31-2000, 06:08 PM:

Well the fact that you're registered here is a great step....shows your serious about your craft!

My best advice is "Always make sure you thread in frame." Nothing looks less professional that starting the show out-of-frame. It's so easy to do it right, so there's really no excuse for doing it wrong!

Posted by Mark Huff (Member # 480) on 05-31-2000, 06:33 PM:

Definatly learn projector part names. Also the best way to learn anything is to learn from the most experienced projectionist in the theatre. Lastly whenever you have a tech come out to the theatre to fix something or for a PM visit watch them repair items and ask any questions that you may have on any item. Usually the tech was once a projectionist and can answer any questions you may have.

Posted by Bruce McGee (Member # 131) on 05-31-2000, 08:35 PM:

The first smart thing you did was come here. These guys are the best!

Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 05-31-2000, 08:37 PM:

We talked about reading material here awhile ago.

Go back to 03-20-2000 and look for the topic title: "Books / Training on Projection" which John Pytlak started. It has several good suggestions. In fact, just go through the last year of posting- you sure to find a comment about the equipment you actually use, or a situation you've been in.

There really are not many books about projection; it's just been one of those things that has been passed from one person to another by "hands-on." If the head projectionist (or equivlent) who is showing you stuff is good, you will learn a lot. If not, you are screwed.

It usually doesn't take any longer to do something correctly (than incorrectly.) So if whoever is training keeps showing you "short-cuts," be wary.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-01-2000, 01:47 AM:

You might want to click on "tips" at the bottom of the screen.

Also, there is a wealth of information from Kodak under "Film Notes" if you follow the "manuals" link below. I highly recommend finding out the brand and model numbers of everything in your booth and downloading the manuals as well. Even if you only learn the correct name for the parts, you'll be far better off.

And of course, if you've got any questions, just ask. You'll be amazed at how fast these guys can solve a problem right here. It's team effort at it's best.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 06-01-2000, 07:20 AM:

The last few years of Kodak's "Film Notes for Reel People" are also posted on Kodak's web site: http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/newsletters/reel/

You can get on the "snail mail" subscription list for "Film Notes for Reel People" (now called "Cinema Notes") by e-mailing pamela.jackson@kodak.com.

The Kodak ScreenCheck Experience has a projectionist training program: http://www.kodak.com/go/screencheck

Kodak's publication H-23 "The Book of Film Care" has lots of good information on film handling, cleaning, and storage. It is also available on-line at: http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/support/technical/care.shtml

Of course, you can always download Joe's video, and learn more than you ever wanted to know about projection!

------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com

Posted by Barron Dripp (Member # 483) on 06-01-2000, 07:27 AM:

Thanks everyone for the help. I hope to one day be as good a projectionist as everyone here.
Oh yeah, and I did download Joe's Vid. Even for a beginner like me, it was funny as hell, Great work with the FX, Joe!

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 06-02-2000, 04:34 PM:

The thing I'd advise people to do is:
"Make yourself indispensible".

Work your ass off, learn as much as you can don't be afraid to take on a "s***" job once in a while. (Up to a point!)

Working in the "Movie Biz" is highly political. There will always be somebody that'll knock you for personal reasons. No matter WHAT people think of you personally, they won't be able to assail your work. As much as people back-stab each other in showbiz, there is one thing that can override politics... the ability to get the job done.

If you make yourself known as "the guy who gets things done", you'll be able to rise above almost anything.

Yeah, I know I sound pretty jaded but it's from MY OWN personal experience. I've had so much sunshine blown up my ass I think I've got colon cancer! The main reason I've been around this long is that people sometimes depend on me to do things that others can't.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 06-02-2000, 06:28 PM:

Here's a thought: try to work in as many different booths as possible. Learn as much as you can about as many types of equipment as you can get your hands on. It's fun to run a fully automated multiplex on one day and a single-screen with carbon-arc and changeovers the next, particularly if you can put on perfect shows every time in both environments. Visit booths at other theatres. Talk to as many "old timers" as you can; they're a dying breed and it's worth spending some time to learn what you can from them.

Posted by Ari Nordström (Member # 288) on 06-03-2000, 02:59 PM:

Scott's right. Try as many different booths as humanly possible. This is how I got a steady income, a good reputation, and invitations to work at film festivals.