Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: General Cinema's New Web Site

This is topic General Cinema's New Web Site in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001902

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 02-07-2001, 12:50 AM:

I heard about a new web page for General Cinema, called www.gcbooth.com. It has some suspiciously familiar looking material on it. Including Tim's Intermittant Video. It looks like a knock off of this site.

What I find amusing is that most General Cinema theatres are not suppose to have internet access, yet it is designed for General Cinema managers that do not have someone competant in the booth. They are talking about putting information that is on the site onto a CDRom so that the theatres can use it. Not that I will ever get to see the CDRom unless it comes out to the theatre by Sunday, it seems pointless to put information that should constantly be changing on a CD.

I am curious what those of you in Film-Tech land think about the site.

As someone who has worked for General Cinema for almost 8 years as an operator, and seeing the way the company has gone down hill and where they are heading, anything they can do will help, not hurt.

They do have Film-Tech listed on the links page. But, I am surprised that they would spend the money when Film-Tech is free.

Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 02-07-2001, 12:57 AM:

This is such a blatant Film-Tech wannabe, almost to the point of stealing the 'look and feel' of Film-Tech!! (although the white letters on a darker background is kinda cool...)

Check out their 'Links' page.... look who's hiding at the very bottom.... the answer lies there

Aaron

Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 02-07-2001, 01:00 AM:

Clicked on link but came up saying the site was under construction.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 02-07-2001, 08:19 AM:

Looks like the person who ownes the site is Steven Geiger. Is this the person you were referring to Aaron? I couldn't pull the site up as it is "under construction".

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 02-07-2001, 08:22 AM:

This is kind of funny and kind of sad at the same time.

I really hope that someone got Tim's permission to use his great intermittent animation and Brad's permission to use the manuals. It would be pretty rude for them to not even bother to do this much. At least there's a link to this site.

I do find it amusing that a lot of GCC booths have a poster-size chart on "how to make splices." Personally, I take the position that anyone who does not know how to use a splicer should not be allowed in the booth unsupervised. Period. But that's just me.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 02-07-2001, 06:23 PM:

I think the site is outright blantent ripoff Brad should get an injunction on the manuals at least the guy is to lazy to do his own scanning

Posted by Rachel Carter (Member # 693) on 02-07-2001, 06:49 PM:

WOW, can you say R-I-P O-F-F!?!?!? They make is so obvious, at least they could try to change the page around a bit.

------------------
"Blood is thicker then blondes" - From the movie, Save the last Dance.

FUNNY!!!!!

Posted by Ian Price (Member # 14) on 02-07-2001, 06:56 PM:

The manuals were copied from Film-Tech because their cover pages are still there.

I was an English major.

I seem to remember that copying ideas was encouraged as long as you noted the source. But copying content was call plagerism and punishable by being expelled.

In the real world, plagerism is punishable by forking over vast amounts of money. Anybody want a cinema chain?

Posted by Sean M. Grimes (Member # 445) on 02-07-2001, 06:56 PM:

The link provided at the top of the page is incorrect it should read www.gcbooth.com there is a period at the end of the code. And yes, not only is the site a rip-off it is also a poorly designed website. some of the scans are absolutely horrible!!!!

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 02-07-2001, 10:59 PM:

Hey Brad, if you sue and get some money. Would you mind kicking some back to me? After all, they laid me off. I should get something more than 2 weeks notice and a few extra hours the last week.

Sorry about the period at the end of the link.

Posted by William Hooper (Member # 71) on 02-07-2001, 11:12 PM:

Heh, I beat them to the "Exploded diagram as wallpaper" idea:

CLICK HERE

Even though I admit that my graphics skills are so limited that the best my stuff ever looks is like a well-laid out parts manual...

I think copyright infringement for just copying to their site .pdf files created by Brad Miller would be a real problem for them; the way folks copyright their own versions of movies that have fallen into PD is that the law states that copyright applies to additional information or changes in content. If they scanned the originals themselves with the permission of the owners, they could be in the clear.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 02-07-2001, 11:53 PM:

I think the guys were just trying to make a site that was GCC specific to help out their projectionists. As I noticed, their manual download page is comprised of only manuals for equipment that GCC installs. I may be wrong here, but even though they did not specifically say this, I get the impression that they are just trying to make things easier for GCC employees so as to not have to surf through hundreds of manual download links to find what is in their local GCC booth.

Just for the record, I am not interested nor am I going to bother with any legal action. They did both email me and were quite nice and friendly. In the end, the way I see it is that they are just providing another site of help to projectionists for improving presentations and that's the whole point of this one.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 02-08-2001, 04:51 AM:

I agree with Brad that they are just trying to help their employees with an internal website. For example, they did not take the Film-Tech banner page off the manuals, and they do provide a direct link to Film-Tech. By contacting Brad directly, they showed their good faith. What website hasn't put up "borrowed" material? IMHO, this constitutes "fair use", although it is always best to ask permission of the copyright holder. Brad asked Kodak permission to post the back issues of "Film Notes for Reel People" and "Cinema Notes", and it was readily granted, as it would be to any similar site helpful to theatres.

I recall Steve Geiger (who evidently developed GCC's site) has probably been aware of Film-Tech for at least a year. Likewise, I suspect Tim Reed (a Film-Tech regular) may have had some input to their site, as at last report, ASC has him servicing General Cinema theatres in the Northeast. Hope we hear from Tim and Steve here again also!

------------------
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 Cell: 716-781-4036 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 02-08-2001, 01:58 PM:

I would not say that the manuals are GCC specific. They have acquired theatres over the years, as well as built many theatres with varying equipment. I know that they use to have a wide variety of equipment in No. Calif. However, since they don't have anything here anymore it becomes a moot point. But, I saw very little in regards to CinemaCrappica equipment listed, in particular the platters. I do know that they had several theatres built with that stuff.

Don't get me wrong, I think it is a good idea. However, the way they are going about it is wrong. First, it is on the internet. They do not allow the theatre's computers access to the internet. So, they are going to put the pages on a CD. Bad idea since the pages should really be updated regularly. GCC has its own intranet. I think that if the page was to be used specifically for GCC theatres it should be on the company's intranet. Of course that is just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Posted by Andrew McCrea (Member # 674) on 02-08-2001, 03:06 PM:

If I were Brad, yes I'd call my lawyer and have a chat. If I was Brad's lawyer, I would like this site!

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-08-2001, 09:42 PM:

Kevin, I'm sorry to hear you've had the rug pulled out from under you, too. I know that all too painfully. Do you have a backup plan?

Brad and John P., you are very perceptive. I know Steve Geiger as an unpretentious gentleman. I can assure everyone his intentions were pure.

He has received no compensation from GCC for building the GCBooth website, it's been completely of his own accord, for the betterment of what often is a bad situation in the booth. Things that have happened in the past cannot be changed, we're faced with a situation that simply is, and we must deal with it. Steve's eagerly and diligently approached his job.

He's a very ambitious, knowledgeable and, above all, respectful person, and if you ever meet him, you'll like the heck outta him. I know he's certainly treated me graciously and went out of his way to make my family and I feel at home here in New England. And, heh, heh, if there's anyone who's definitely NOT the "corporate" type, it's Steve Geiger. He's subject to the same sword we all have hanging over our heads. We're in the same boat.

Several months ago, I recall him enthusiastically telling me about the website, which he pointed out, was for GCC employees only; to reinforce his training program, and to help consolidate information specific to their needs.

He's always looked up to and respected Film-Tech, and he appreciates its purpose and existence. We discuss it often. I guess that's why he came to Brad. While no one likes blantant copy catting, I think he was more of the mindset that, if something can't be improved upon, why change it? (My opinion.)

His forum section uses a similar script that this site uses, it may be the same one for all I know and I don't know how much it can be changed, if at all, so that much is going to look the same.

Even though he really didn't need to as far as I was concerned, Steve even asked for my permission to use the geneva movement animation long before he posted it.

You gotta respect that.

------------------
Better Projection Pays!

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 02-08-2001, 10:03 PM:

Now if we can only get Steven to register and participate here.

(Tim, can you please email me about something unrelated? I do not have your current email.)

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 02-11-2001, 12:28 PM:

I tried to access the site today and all I got was an error message saying the site is locked out for exceeding space allotment.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 02-11-2001, 06:01 PM:

I just checked, and they switched servers, and are on line again.

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 02-12-2001, 10:47 PM:

Hey Tim,

My backup plan involves trying to get GCC to pay for "retraining" through unemployment. I would like to be retrained to be a Microsoft Systems Engineer. I figure that with a MCSE and my Bachelors I should get a decent salary. Should that fail, I just might have to grow up and get a real job.

BTW, do you service the Tynsboro 12? My General Manager is relocating there. He is a great guy to work for. So if you do, take good care of the theatre for him.

Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 02-12-2001, 10:55 PM:

Kevin, Guy Eriksen has been bugging the hell out of me about WHO bought the junk out of the turd-cage? Did you ever find out? I understand the person did not buy the old sound gear! Anyway, now that you will be on government payroll (Unemployment) are you going to Vegas? If so, I'll see ya there! If not, good luck with the new job....
Later..

------------------
John Eickhof President, Chief Slave
Northwest Theatre Equipment Co., Inc.
P.O.Box 258
Wendell, ID. 83355-0258
208-536-5489
email: jeickhof@nteequip.com

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-13-2001, 12:14 AM:

Kevin, yes the computer arena is definitely where everything is now! I wish you the best of luck and hope all goes well for you.

Say, I was just up at Tyngsboro tonight, aligning an SDDS reader, they're in good shape. I look forward to working with your GM!

Well, keep your head above the water and keep us posted on your progress. Holler if you need anything. It sure pains me to see this happen.

------------------
Better Projection Pays!

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 02-13-2001, 01:58 PM:

Check out the maintainance calander. What a joke! The projectors only get cleaned once a week. I wonder if they actually get it that ofter as they are usually so filthy after a weeks run that no one would have the time to clean them properly. Hopefully at least some of the operators at the GC sites have more sense than that???
Mark @ GTS

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 02-13-2001, 02:58 PM:

Mark:

Looking at the calendar, it specifies the entire film path should be thoroughly cleaned on a weekly basis. But page 3 also specifies cleaning the projector film path after each show. I guess its a matter of how you define "thoroughly" vs. routine. At least they are trying to set a firm schedule for maintenance, and get people to keep a maintenance log.

If we have suggestions for improvement, I'm sure Tim Reed or Steve Geiger would consider them.

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 02-13-2001, 09:35 PM:

Hey John,

Couple of guys out of LA bought the stuff. Conrad and Larry. Larry said that you have bought stuff from him in the past. God knows why Guy wants that stuff. I know he was drooling over what was there when he stopped by last week. Kept trying to take things. You would figure after being let go from GCC for "borrowing" an amp, he would have learned his lesson.

I will let you know if I am going to Vegas. I would hang out with Big Dave, but he seems to get into trouble with his wife when Steve and I are in town. Don't know why.

Tim,

Thanks for the support. I'll let you know what I am doing.

Aaron,

Thanks for the offer.

Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 02-13-2001, 11:47 PM:

Thanks Kevin, now I know why Conrad offered me some older XLs for almost nothing!!!
Anyway, take care! I hope you can come down to Vegas! John

Posted by Kevin Crawford (Member # 469) on 02-14-2001, 12:27 AM:

They are in great shape. I just put a new shutter in the one that was in #1. Couple of them had brand new intermittant and hold back sprockets. Plus, Guy would probably buy them. You know how he loves those machines.