This is topic Looking for a few good men in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


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Posted by Ted Costas (Member # 473) on 05-01-2003, 03:11 PM:
 
And women!

Can you guys out there help me? Dolby has a Theatre Presentation Inspection service, where we grade theatres on the way they present a film to the audience. The focus is on the technical end of the presentation, so I need the most experienced people I can find in all the major cities in the USA and Canada. I'm hoping some of you may know some talented projectionists who may be interested in being part of the team here at Dolby. I have a bunch of good people already, but I am always looking to improve on our experience level, so if you or anyone you know may be interested, here's what I need you to do:

Please e-mail your contact information, an electric copy of your resume, and a brief note explaining why you'd be a person qualified to judge the way a film is presented technically.

Send this all to: screen.inspector@dolby.com

I have a lot of respect for you guys, and am hoping this posting will point a few of you my way. Most of our projects are on the opening day of a major release, so you would have to have a flexible schedule on Fridays primarily, and this is part time work, strictly. John Pytlak, what do you say? We need a guy in Rochester...

I'm sure there will be some questions. So hit me with 'em. Otherwise, if you know any good candidates, please spread the word and pass them along if you would. And in the unfortunate circumstance that we are set with people in the city you are in, thanks for thinking of us, and call us when you move.

Yours, Ted

Ted Costas
Director
Dolby Distributor Services
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 05-01-2003, 03:35 PM:
 
What's the potential "conflict of interest" if someone is a THX Theatre Alignment Program (TAP) evaluator as well, or a Kodak ScreenCheck inspector, for that matter?:

http://www.thx.com/mod/services/filmServices.html

http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/screencheck/evaluation.shtml

http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/screencheck/worldwide.shtml

http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/screencheck/projTraining.shtml

My interpretation would be that an evaluator is an "independent contractor" who's being asked to be objective in their evaluation, regardless of the company contracting for the evaluation. So Dolby can have them do an evaluation for a release, and the next week they do a different movie for THX.
 

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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 05-01-2003, 07:19 PM:
 
Tim, I work with/know a bunch of overly qualified people here in the Dallas area who would love to help. Just give me a shout anytime you need something evaluated.
 

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Posted by Ted Costas (Member # 473) on 05-01-2003, 08:12 PM:
 
Brad, you must be confusing me with "Tim" Schafbuch, formerly of THX. Remember Tim, for those of you who don't, he ran THX's Professional Division for quite some time. If I had two words to describe Tim, they whould be "Class Act." In my opinion, and I must stress that the following is my opinion, and not that of Dolby Labs, Tim was one of the main reason's I stayed at THX as long as I did. He left a week or so after ShoWest to pursue other opportunities. I'm just waiting to hear what company swoops him up.

But, Brad, you gotta sign up to work for us. We need you to apply and get in our data base, so we can use you when we need you.

And John P., to answer your question, yes, you are an independent contractor, and can work for Dolby as well as THX. But since you did work previously for THX, we will have to start completely from scratch in your re-training. (Ha, ha) But seriously, Dolby's program is very technically oriented, only a small percentage of the report deals with operations. That's why I'm going to Film-Tech... to beef up my ranks.

Three people have already applied today from the above posting, spread the word.

Thanks!

Yours, Ted
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 05-01-2003, 08:17 PM:
 
Tim, I work with/know a bunch of overly qualified people here in the Los Angeles area who would love to help. Just give me a shout anytime you need something evaluated.

(Thanks Brad, For the template! )

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 05-01-2003, 09:00 PM:
 
DOH! Sorry Ted, I can't believe I wrote "Tim"! My brain hasn't been working too well lately. Need more sleep.

Now please allow me to be a minor nuisance: Will Dolby have us evaluate the first day as well as the same print 2 months down the road? THX never did that, but that is the most obvious test there is from a quality control standpoint.
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 05-01-2003, 09:03 PM:
 
THX used to have evaluators do at least three evaluations over a period of weeks from the opening. Lately, it's just been opening day.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 05-02-2003, 03:09 AM:
 
Yes, Sorry TED! That's what I get for following on our fearless leader!

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 05-02-2003, 04:56 AM:
 
I applied. I hope I make it. Of course if anyone else in Denver is picked, I will challenge them to a presentation nitpicking duel! And I will win!
 

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Posted by Per Hauberg (Member # 529) on 05-02-2003, 05:51 PM:
 

quote:

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That's what I get for following on our fearless leader!

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DON'T patch this leader. (That's a quote, too)

I told You, Bad Brad ! - You were up much too late last night.
-But sleepy or not: You were right. It was the firewall blocking my access. - Thanks.

p.
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 05-03-2003, 11:08 AM:
 
Remember me?

Sounds like just what I need to get back into this wonderful industry. I applied!
 

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Posted by Jesse Skeen (Member # 586) on 05-03-2003, 10:36 PM:
 
Just sent my info! (And I challenge anyone in my area to a nitpicking duel as well!)
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 05-03-2003, 11:02 PM:
 
Ken!
Re-Hi! Welcome back!

Where have you been?

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 05-04-2003, 11:08 AM:
 
I may not be in the industry, but I can nit-pik with the best of you. When writing my regular movie reviews here, I usually don't list even half the presentation nits I actually notice.
 

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Posted by Gracia L. Babbidge (Member # 582) on 05-04-2003, 11:49 AM:
 
Being that I'm such a wretched person to watch a movie with - when the feature isn't holding my interest especially - I felt compelled to apply, so I did.
 

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Posted by Bill Langfield (Member # 818) on 05-04-2003, 01:40 PM:
 
Ted,

Well I quit Hoyts on Thursday, I simply had had enough of the corporate crap, AND the answering to a recently hired 27 year old, who for me demonstrated very little reason why he is a 'Tech Manager', for whom a bunch of us location 'head projectionists' had to answer to.
It's quite a long story, but I just finally SNAPPED, most of my projectionists were threating to quit because of this guy, but I'm the one who bit the bullet(it was a silver bullet ie a dramatic exit!) after he got stuck into one of them for taking too long to make-up two old prints in poor condition.

So since I now only have the Art House gig...
(Should never had turned down the offer of full time there a year ago, but thats another story)

quote:

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Tim, I work with/know a bunch of overly qualified people here in the Dallas area who would love to help. Just give me a shout anytime you need something evaluated.

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DOH - Did it too. Replace Tim with Ted and Dallas with Sydney Australia!

I know a guy just up the road called RAY D, erm, whats his name, He could be interested!

Bill.
 

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Posted by John Spooner (Member # 1565) on 05-04-2003, 03:07 PM:
 
Dear Bill. The business you encountered was disgraceful, an example of "McDonalds corporate Mentality" at its worst.
Of course it will take longer to make up a print in poor condition, surely the wanker would be able to fathom that out!!!.
My best wishes both personal and professional in the matter.
Dear Ted.
If Dolby need someone in South Australia (I am in Adelaide) I would be pleased to hear from you. 28 years full time in the picture business.
Regards. John Spooner.
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 05-04-2003, 11:07 PM:
 
Phil,

I have been so busy with school. But I am finally graduating next week. I don't currently work at a theater, but I do plan on keeping up with the forums again.

Ken
 

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Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 05-05-2003, 12:37 AM:
 
This sounds cool! So does Dolby rate all theaters, or only those Dolby-equipped? Or those who are a part of/subscribe to said Inspection Service? I'm going to apply tomorrow... when I recover from this X-Men 2 X2 United X The Movie.

Ken-- You best not get the job before me, homeslice!! I challenge YOU to a "presentation nitpicking duel!"

=TMP=
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 05-05-2003, 12:57 AM:
 
You're on!!
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 05-05-2003, 01:05 AM:
 
Congrats on your graduation, Ken! I hope all goes well for you in your future endeavors.

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 05-08-2003, 11:07 AM:
 
Has anyone who applied for this heard anything back yet?
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 05-08-2003, 04:22 PM:
 
Nope.
 

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Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 05-08-2003, 05:48 PM:
 
They sent me a check for $50,000 for no reason whatsoever. I promptly cashed and spent it.
 

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Posted by Ted Costas (Member # 473) on 05-08-2003, 07:09 PM:
 
I am feelin’ the love!!!

Okay, how about some stats. From Film-Tech, we have received over 20 responses. Anyone who responds will be sent a “here’s some more information, are you still interested?” e-mail. Then we will sign you up.

Here’s the thing… It’s a part time job. And it’s a service that must be requested by our clients, the Studios. So if they want us to go out on opening day for the first show of a film, we do. If they want us to come back, we do that too.

John P., "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", that may have been the last time TAP sent people out for those “three consecutive weekends” theatre checks you were referring to. These days, films don’t stay on the screen as long, and get moved around a lot. At Dolby, we don’t report back how bad things are, we follow up with the theatre to get the problem resolved, as fast as possible. So that big opening weekend has the best presentation possible…

Thomas P., We visit the theatres the clients request. And we are as tough on screens with Dolby playback systems as we are on the other guys. And yes we go all over the place. But the guys in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Boston, and Orlando get most of the work. If there is a large format theatre in your area, you’ll get a handful of calls per year. If you live near a Digital Cinema site, you’ll get called. If you live near Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen, Jim Cameron or George Lucas you might get a few extra calls.

And, currently, we are only doing this in the USA and Canada… if there is a need for this internationally, we’ll see…

Joe R., I told them $100,000. My apologies. I will rectify the mistake as soon as possible (ha, ha).

The response has been great. I hope it continues. I do feel a little bad for the guys you all are going to be replacing…

Again, thank you for the interest.

Yours, Ted
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 05-08-2003, 09:03 PM:
 

quote:

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If you live near a Digital Cinema site, you’ll get called.

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I live 10 minutes from one of, last I heard, only three DLP screens in the state. Guess I'll be getting called.

Does this program rate the picture quality in addition to sound? I've always associated Dolby with sound.
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 05-08-2003, 09:50 PM:
 

quote:

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John P., "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", that may have been the last time TAP sent people out for those “three consecutive weekends” theatre checks you were referring to. These days, films don’t stay on the screen as long, and get moved around a lot.

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I recall evaluating "Temple of Doom", "Roger Rabbit", "Return of the Jedi", "Schindler's List", and "Dick Tracy" several times each too, plus a few others. I go way back to the days of Tom Holman and Ross Herring. As you know, the original TAP emulated my SMPTE Theatre Quality Evaluation Program.
 

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Posted by Ted Costas (Member # 473) on 05-13-2003, 07:01 PM:
 
John P., yes, in the old days, the three visit thing was part of the deal. In the past few years, the studios have requested the visit be on the opening day only. Ross Herring and Tom Holman... You know, most people think THX got it's name from the film, THX 1138, when in fact it stood for the Tom Holman eXperiment. Those were the days...

And for everyone else, Dolby is not just for breakfast anymore. Image is just as important as sound. The Dolby Print Checking Service is about Picture and Sound. The Dolby Theatre Presentation Inspection Service is about Picture and Sound. Most people associate Dolby with "sound" for good reason, but there has been a lot of interest in image technology in the past year at the "double D." We just acquired a company called DemoGraFiX for that exact reason... they are industry leaders in image technology.

And of course I've been with Dolby since June of 2002.

Yours, Ted
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 05-14-2003, 08:53 AM:
 
Original SMPTE Theatre Quality Evaluation Program, developed in 1982:

http://www.film-tech.com/manuals/SMPTEEVALPROG.pdf
 

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Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 08-17-2003, 10:52 PM:
 
Hey, Bill

You said you are now exclusively at an 'Art House' Did you leave the Orpheum as well?


 

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Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 08-19-2003, 04:04 AM:
 
John, you mean the TAP program ended? Geez, nobody told me...I keep sending in those forms every time I go to a movie, mostly pointing out how lousy the presentation was. They keep sending me free tickets.

Frank
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 08-20-2003, 09:32 PM:
 
The SMPTE Theatre Quality Evaluation Program was voluntary. If theatres appreciate the comments, they are still welcome to reward the evaluator.
 

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Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 10-11-2003, 11:31 PM:
 
Just curious if anyone who signed up for this has ever gotten the call to do an actual check...
 

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Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 10-11-2003, 11:52 PM:
 
I signed up for it here in 'Vegas through Manpower and have never been called. Which is pretty much what I expected. From what I've seen the client studios or distributors are really only interested in checking screens in LA and NY, with a few other markets popping up occasionally. Even with over a million people and 220+ first-run screens in the valley, 'Vegas is still too small to appear on the distributor's radar. And considering that several other people also signed on to do the checks here, I expect that I will never be called do one. Maybe when I get back to SoCal...

[ 10-12-2003, 10:13 PM: Message edited by: Paul Mayer ]
 

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Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 10-11-2003, 11:59 PM:
 
I could never understand why these things are limited to people in the U.S.

Don't companies like Dolby care about the rest of us?
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 10-12-2003, 01:42 AM:
 
I signed up and filled out all the paperwork and everything. Never got called.
 

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Posted by Ron Lacheur (Member # 1126) on 10-12-2003, 05:12 AM:
 
Haven't been called here.
 

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Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 10-12-2003, 08:57 AM:
 
In canada I got called but they want to pay through a employment agency unlike TAP where you submited a business invoice. That rules that out
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 10-12-2003, 09:15 AM:
 
Who cares how you get paid? It's still good money.
 

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Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 10-12-2003, 11:20 AM:
 
Gordon - When I signed up they said I had to agree to sign up with the Manpower temp. employment agency and that Manpower would contact me. I was OK with that. But Manpower never contacted me and I never heard another word about it.

Just as a point of irrelevant information, Regal lets me submit a special Regal-supplied invoice when I do advertising checks for them. I send in the invoice, they send me a check. They do have my SSAN though so they can report this to the IRS as supplemental income or some damn thing.
 

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Posted by Jeffry L. Johnson (Member # 453) on 10-12-2003, 12:07 PM:
 
Same here in Cleveland, Ohio. I applied and was told that Manpower would contact me. Nothing else ever happened.
 

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Posted by Jesse Skeen (Member # 586) on 10-12-2003, 03:05 PM:
 
I haven't heard back from anyone either, but at least now I know it's not because I suck
Meanwhile I've seen a few problems locally that they probably would've liked to know about.
Why am I not surprised that Regal pays people to check their ads, but not the presentation quality
 

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Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 10-12-2003, 03:29 PM:
 
As a matter of fact, Regal DOES pay people to check presentation quality.
 

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Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 10-12-2003, 03:53 PM:
 
They're interested not just in what ads are shown, but whether there are any technical problems. So I report whatever isn't right. If there's anything generally wrong with the presentation during the ads, most of the time it's also going to affect the feature.
 

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Posted by Chris Markiewicz (Member # 1415) on 10-12-2003, 04:58 PM:
 
I signed up and actually was contacted by Manpower's Honolulu rep, but they never followed up. This island is a market with about 30 Dolby-capable screens in 4000 square miles.
 

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Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 10-12-2003, 11:19 PM:
 
As an employee of my company I cannot provide services that cannot be invoiced by the company
the canadian tax department would have a fit with it
 

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Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 10-14-2003, 12:51 AM:
 
It's good for government tax departments to have fits every once in awhile. Keeps 'em on their toes.
 

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Posted by Martin Brooks (Member # 1269) on 10-15-2003, 02:10 PM:
 

quote:

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As an employee of my company I cannot provide services that cannot be invoiced by the company the canadian tax department would have a fit with it

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quote:

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I do not know if I will be used again

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