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Posted by Mark Huff (Member # 480) on 08-23-2000, 10:22 AM:
I am thinking of moving to Winsconsin and I wanted to know if that state requires any type of projection certification. And if anyone knows any types of special laws theatres have to adhere to. Such as marquee laws or anything like that.
Posted by Charles Lubner (Member # 157) on 08-23-2000, 11:33 AM:
Hey Mark. I have worked in several Wisconsin theatres for the Marcus Theatres chain (dominant operator in the state) and no, there are no requirements for being a projectionist here. Most Marcus Theatres use regular college kids like myself, however, there are a few theatres in Milwaukee and Madison that are under contract with IATSE, the projectionist union. If you let me know what part of the state you plan to move to, Milwaukee, Madison, LaCrosse, etc., I will be happy to assist you in getting a job with Marcus. Most areas of the state also have plenty of independent theatre owners too, if that is the route you are looking for.
Good Luck!
Posted by Dustin Mitchell (Member # 372) on 08-23-2000, 03:43 PM:
Now Charles, don't go filling his head with Marcus propaganda 
. I also live in Wisconsin, Eau Claire to be exact. I work at the Carmike here in town-yes, we're still open. I'd also be happy to get you a job if you are moving to the Eau Claire area. However, I can't offer you anything more than mininum wage. Maybe a little more if you have enough experience, but probably not 
.
Posted by Charles Lubner (Member # 157) on 08-23-2000, 04:51 PM:
I did mention his options also include independents Dustin, not just Marcus. Although, you have to admit, Marcus does have a certain advantage over Carmike...we're flush with cash, thanks to our Baymont Inn motel division. Also, if you want to move to the Appleton area Mark, Marcus just announced plans today to add 3 all stadium seating/all digital sound screens to its Hollywood Cinema, including a 75ft wide UltraScreen. It beats working for the Carmike there, which is closing it's doors in a week :-) (sorry Dustin).By the way Dustin, I've tried calling you at the Oakwood 12 several times but you're never at work. Email me sometime and give me your number in private.
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 08-23-2000, 08:36 PM:
What is the UltraScreen?
Posted by Cory Johnson (Member # 103) on 08-23-2000, 08:57 PM:
The Ultra Screen is Marcus' trademarked 75ft. wide screen for showing films on. The screen is 75ft. wide and has stadium seating and digital sound. It is basically a screen that it several stories tall. I have seen several films on the one at the Point Cinema in Madison and have enjoyed watching them on them. To bad they can't project the football games on them =-). They also have on in Milwaukee. Something to check out the next time your in town... They negative point are that you need a 5000 watt bulb in the projector to get enough light on the screen and the bulbs are only warrantyed for 500 hours. Still, an impressive feat for 35 mm film.
Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 08-24-2000, 04:51 AM:
Cory Johnson said: "The Ultra Screen is Marcus' trademarked 75ft. wide screen for showing films on. The screen is 75ft. wide and has stadium seating and digital sound. It is basically a screen that it several stories tall... The negative point are that you need a 5000 watt bulb in the projector to get enough light on the screen and the bulbs are only warrantyed for 500 hours. Still, an impressive feat for 35 mm film." As Pat Moore and I noted in another thread, it is a real challenge to properly light screens larger than 25 x 60 feet with a 35mm projector. It would be interesting to know the actual screen luminance (footlamberts) you are getting on a 75-foot screen with 5000 watts for both scope and flat. The pictures may look okay, but I bet the levels are well below 16 footlamberts.
------------------
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 Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-24-2000, 07:49 AM:
I will side with Pat and John on this issue. 75' is way too big for a decent 35mm presentation. MOre like 7kw is needed. I've been there, done this. You cannot get enough light on the screen without risking damage to the film itself with a 7kw lamp. Also image resolution goes to hell at this size and print unsteadiness can make viewers dizzy. Edwards has been doing this sort of thing for quite a few years. Overall, I'd give anything along this size two thumbs down if its a 35mm instalation. Indeed, a pretty bad design decision was made here. What's needed is 70mm for this size venue. For 35mm, a maximum width of about 50 to 55 feet and operating a 5kw lamp is about what can be tolerated.
Mark
Posted by Cory Johnson (Member # 103) on 08-24-2000, 08:07 AM:
Are the levels at 16, no. If I had to estimate, I would guess they are around 10. Then again, the side effect of having a screen that large is having picture that isn't quite as bright as it could be. It must be going over well, however, because they have built 2 of them and are planning a 3rd. Customers seem to really enjoy it, though - even if the picture isn't the brightest.
Posted by Cory Johnson (Member # 103) on 08-24-2000, 08:34 AM:
I would say the main problems with the screens are:
There isn't as much light as there could be on the screen, however, it isn't bad and is more than watchable. Average customers don't know the difference. I've seen worse on much smaller screens.
Secondly, the focus is lacking at the outer edges of the screen, but again, I've seen much worse.
As far as the film jumping and a shaky picture, I've have not seen that to an issue. The picture is very solid on the screen.
Posted by Dave Cutler (Member # 515) on 08-24-2000, 08:51 AM:
What type of projector are they runnig to keep a steady image? I would be suprised if the screen is even 10 Footlamps. I have a couple of 50+ footers but we run with 6.5 kW bulbs. Then again I would agree that you may not absolutely NEED all 16 Footlamps on that wide of a screen. After all Drive-Ins have been getting away with it for years. 
Posted by Rory Burke (Member # 512) on 08-24-2000, 11:08 AM:
I remember a theater company that I used to service in Southern Cali. They had one of the best pictures I've seen in a long time. 50foot screen with three bladed shutter and a 4.5k bulb pushing it. Looked sharp, bright......liquid is the word I'd use. 16ft/L on the screen? no problem! I went back a few months ago and I almost cried. I was attempting to see Gladiator in THX and I swear it looked like Batman! Dark Dark Dark. I had to complain because it was ridiculous. The manager told me the bulb need to be replaced but they had no-one available to change it. (HUH???) I offered my assistance and he reluctantly accepted it knowing that the bulb took precedence over appropriate staff touching the equipment. I had my light meter along with my other gear and before I replaced the bulb......I measured 2ft/L in the center with .5 ft/L on the sides. I couldn't belive the bulb condition!
There were bright spots!
THERE WERE BRIGHT SPOTS!!!!! the screen was mostly blackish gray with ocasional bright areas. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! What the #($#)(IS Going on? Presentation has gone to the dogs!
I've never gone back there for fear of what else I might find. kind of the feeling of driving by your old house and seeing what the new owners have done or haven't done with the place.
Rory
Posted by Dave Cutler (Member # 515) on 08-24-2000, 11:17 AM:
Rory, in this case I wouldn't say that presentation has gone to the dogs, training has. The manager atleast let you replace the bulb for them, I wouldn't think that many would do that. He must have cared about the presentation somewhat to have done that. His tech probably "didn't have time" to come and replace it or had some other excuse.Hard to believe that there are theatres out there that can't even change their own lamps. I think that was the sadest part of your story.
Posted by Rory Burke (Member # 512) on 08-24-2000, 11:45 AM:
The only reason he let me change it is beacause I changed about 200 bulbs in the3 years I serviced his and the other theaters. He told me(on the down low) that they are just simply trying to milk the bulbs as long as they possibly can. As soon as the complaints reach a certain level then they take action. Can you believe that!? they are doing just what the worst case scenario "theater company with no money" tells us what happens. Should I go on? Their dowsers dont work any more and so they have four lens that are cracked because of it now. the three one of the shutter blades is slightly burned on one of the edges making the picture ghost like you wouldn't believe. They dont plan on changing it at all I was told while my jaw dropped down to the floor. They had to cancel their last order of bulbs to alleviate their debt but instead payed a restocking fee for them. ????huh????? Now they order bulbs on an emergency basis only. Should I go on? I have hours and hours I could talk about.
Dave: I disagree with you. I think presentation has gone to the dogs. The poor projectionists are just dealing with it as best they can. In this case I think that someone made a concious corporate decision out there that directly affects the customer but did it in a way that is blatant brash and abusive and customers still to this day take it...pay $8.oo bucks and hapily watch the crap on the screen and like it still. we cant win I'm afraid.
Rory
Rory
Rory
Rory
Posted by Dave Cutler (Member # 515) on 08-24-2000, 12:36 PM:
If it a policy to run a lamp that long then that is definately a problem. You can run a lamp longer than the waranty, but as soon as it starts to go dim or flicker, out it should go.The other problems you mentioned are also scary. I can't believe they wouldn't repair a cracked lens, replace a damaged shutter, or at least repair the dousers. When things get that bad I say it's time to close the doors. There is no excuse for ripping of your guests like that. I don't blame you for not returning again.
Posted by Rory Burke (Member # 512) on 08-24-2000, 01:17 PM:
Note: This theater has Strong projectors with Christie platters, QSC mx series amps and was THX certified in 1996. All the equipment and all the hardware for a first class presentation yet a third world outcome.Rory
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 08-24-2000, 07:15 PM:
Is it still THX certified?
Posted by Rory Burke (Member # 512) on 08-25-2000, 11:12 AM:
Even if it is still THX certified its all the theater chain's fault for not enforcing quality....even still for not maintaining a minimum standard. Ive notcied that the majority of movie goers just deal with all the little presentation %)@! ups and accept it for what it is. I dont want to insult the customer but they are mostly Mummies with $8 bucks it seems. If more complained more consistently then you might get results. It shouldn't take a "Firestone' scale screw up to raise attention regarding any matter. Warning signs are abundant long before Hiroshima falls! Maybe the overall aparent degradation in presentation quality throughout the industry is a typical "warning" sign that something is wrong. (ie. industry financial instabililty)Rory
Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 08-25-2000, 12:44 PM:
My bet is that THX has not been out to recertify. Even if the chain has their own guy that can recertify, he probably just rubber stamped it. It is a shame. THX should not let things like that happen. It degrades their status in the industry, as well as with the consumer.
Posted by Evans A Criswell (Member # 381) on 08-25-2000, 02:13 PM:
>My bet is that THX has not been out to
>recertify. Even if the chain has their own
>guy that can recertify, he probably just
>rubber stamped it. It is a shame. THX
>should not let things like that happen. It
>degrades their status in the industry, as
>well as with the consumer.This is the kind of thing I was asking Ted Costas in the 1-800-PHONE-THX thread. I was basically asking if recertification involved reinspection, and for Ted, the manager of THX TAP, to tell us how many theatres actually got reinspected when they got recertified. Unfortunately, he never responded. I believe I had some valid concerns. A theatre that is in extremely bad condition should not be able to simply buy the recertification without an inspection.
I wonder how the poor financial condition of the theatre chains will affect THX. Will chains stop paying for recertification and use that money in other ways? If that happens, what will become of the THX TAP?
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 08-25-2000, 02:37 PM:
Maybe there need to be a new trailor
Used to Be THX - tag line"the audience isn't listening as they have gone somewhere else"
Sad state
Posted by Rory Burke (Member # 512) on 08-25-2000, 02:49 PM:
Hello again Evan C.!Not again my friend!!! Let us asuume those screens are THX recertified. Who is to stop the theater company from changing all the bulbs just prior to inspection, fix a couple of odd and end things and pass the recertification. It can be a few weeks down the line or a few months before they would again deteriorate in quality. You have to keep up with the maintenance on a consistent basis. This requires spending some money. That is the simple problem that I was attempting to point out.
It is the people with the "first string" responsibility or influence that are not playing like they are supposed to. THX is a "second string" participant. The theater chains completely disregard their equipment and we all want to blame THX? How can that be? Is that fair to blame THX? I can make practically any theater pass a THX certification provided acoustics are ok, but with that certification it doesn't guarantee that the projectionist is going to close the broken dowser at the end of the show preventing the lens from cracking. Or even that a theater chain has the approprate staff to do basic bulb changes. In this particular case it is the theater company that is failing THX and not THX that is at fault...certification or no certification. Come on Evan...these screens have had 16ft/L in the past and are capable of accomplishing it again with about 1/2 hr worth of adjustments. How is that THX's fault? If someone were to complain and THX didn't do anything about it then maybe..... but we've all read Ted's threads and I believe he follows up on all complaints. Are the financial turmoils THX's fault? Maybe Ill call THX and complain cause I didn't like the movie I saw last night or better yet lets blame THX for those "Firestone" tire happenings too. Yea! Lets bash THX because we can....ridiculous! If I misunderstood you please re-elaborate.
Rory