Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Lobby previews

This is topic Lobby previews 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=005483

Posted by Alan Gilbertson (Member # 242) on 10-19-2003, 07:02 PM:

At one of our sites we have lobby preview using a video projector and DVD. Due to lighting issues we are thinking about using 35mm trailers and a endless loop platter. Since the projector will be behind the screen what is need to make the picture facing the right way and not backwards? Is is this not even possible

Posted by Pete Lawrence (Member # 130) on 10-19-2003, 07:25 PM:

35mm rear projection is done by positioning the projector 90 degrees to the screen and bouncing the image off a front surface mirror in front of the lens.

In my opinion this is the perfect place for video projection in a theater. A current model of video projector should give you more than enough light. You will have the same lighting issues with film as with video.

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 10-19-2003, 07:28 PM:

When I was at Southsound, I just simply roped off an area and set up a vintage projector (a Brenkert BX-100, RCA 1050 soundhead and a Peerless Magnarc fitted with an incandescent automotive driving light bulb powered by a 12-volt battery charger.) I ran 6,000 foot reels. It was quite popular....the patrons just loved seeing it run.

Pete is correct. It can be done with mirrors. However, you might have some keystone problems. How severe...I don't know. I would presume the closer you have the mirror to the lens, the less keystone problems you will have.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 10-19-2003, 08:59 PM:

Will the ELF platters work with a short show? I was under the impression they had a minimum loop time of 90 minutes, or something along those lines.

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 10-19-2003, 09:42 PM:

Yes, you need a show about 90 minutes long.

Not the cheapest way, but you could mount a digital penthouse on the projector backwards and run the film with sound track on the inboard side. Sure you'd be off on the optical centre and the emulsion would be on the wrong side, but it'd probably look alright.

Posted by Bevan Wright (Member # 1884) on 10-19-2003, 10:15 PM:

There are 20min versions of the ELF, but video is definitely the way to go here.

Posted by Edward Jurich (Member # 1787) on 10-19-2003, 10:48 PM:

Couldn't you just set up a projector behind the candy counter. Then the same kid that starts the shows can run the previews [Big Grin]

Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 10-20-2003, 01:35 AM:

Paul, what a great idea, especially for an arthouse....getting all the vintage stuff out there where the audience can ohh and ahh over it. Set it up like a working historical exhibit with a printed description explaining each of the pieces of equipment and the date of their manufacture. Of course the problem would be how to run it as a continuous loop....possibly have the film looped and dumped into a lab bag?

Frank

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 10-20-2003, 09:50 AM:

Are video versions (tape or DVD) of trailers available on a timely basis, just as with 35mm trailers? Do they have the same distribution channels?

How about trailers for theatres showing a feature using Digital Cinema? Can you get copies of needed trailers in the file format used by your server? Is there a list of trailers that are available in digital form?

Posted by David Favel (Member # 1125) on 10-20-2003, 08:52 PM:

Or install a plasma screen to play your DVDs on

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 10-20-2003, 09:06 PM:

Video would make more sense and a plasma or LCD flat panel would be the most elegant way to go.

But I have to say that the idea of exhibiting some old equipment in operation with samples of today's films (in this case, trailers) would really make a powerful point as to the enduring quality of the film format.

Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 10-20-2003, 10:46 PM:

As for plasma displays, you had better have a really reliable security service policing your building 24/7 because those things just scream "STEAL ME!" We toyed with the idea (they certainly do have a super-cool high-tech quality) as we are undergoing a full renovation of our Grand Lobby, but then nixed it only because we have Micky Mouse Rent-a-Cops and the things would be gone in a week. If the thieves are going to steal something, let them steal a $400 35" TV set instead of a $8000 plasma screen!

Since John brought up the question of the availability of promo material on video formats (usually the publicity dept of the majors have all the ad gack available for the taking once you book the feature), let me ask the same question about DLP -- Suppose I installed the beast. How do I go about getting product? My assumption is, and this is what I am curious about, are all films made available in digital form? From seeing what is shown in the D-Cinema theatres here in NYC, it would seem that only a few titles are released in digital. Wouldn't that be a bigger obstacle, more so even than the insane price and the questionable quality of the picture? Or would I just have to accept the fact that nine out of every ten releases will not be available to me? How does that work? And how are they distributing the digital data...is it still some guy coming in

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 10-20-2003, 10:46 PM:

Tribute Entertainment distributes 'compilations' of their Tribute TV television show that features trailers and 'movie info'.

They also distribute rolling stock via Big Screen Entertainment. Currently they are partenered with Cinemark Theatres, Empire Theatres, Cinémas Guzzo, Galaxy Cinemas, Rainbow Cinemas, and Le Cinémas Ciné Enterprise.

Oh yeah, can't forget their movie magazines... eveybody like movie magazines.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 10-21-2003, 08:02 AM:

Frank Angel asked:

quote:
let me ask the same question about DLP -- Suppose I installed the beast. How do I go about getting product? My assumption is, and this is what I am curious about, are all films made available in digital form? From seeing what is shown in the D-Cinema theatres here in NYC, it would seem that only a few titles are released in digital. Wouldn't that be a bigger obstacle, more so even than the insane price and the questionable quality of the picture? Or would I just have to accept the fact that nine out of every ten releases will not be available to me? How does that work?

According to http://www.dcinematoday.com , a worldwide total of less than 100 features have been available for digital presentation since the first four theatres played "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" in May 1999. Many of these features were overseas releases, primarily in Brazil, China, UK, and Japan. Almost two dozen more are already listed for release in the next two years, making a worldwide total of 117 releases from May 1999 to December 2005, as of today (October 21, 2003):

http://www.dcinematoday.com/dcdb/content.aspx

("Digital Titles" search, select content "All Dates")

For comparison, according to MPAA figures, about 500 feature films are released each year:

http://www.mpaa.org/useconomicreview/2002/2002_Economic_Review.pdf (see chart on page 13)

Posted by Carl Martin (Member # 1146) on 10-21-2003, 04:29 PM:

and remember, the mpaa figure only represents films submitted to them. many, many overseas films, and some u.s. films, aren't included in that number (and it's only fair to include these since we're including overseas d-cinema releases in the comparison). of course i don't have a number and i don't know if anyone does.

carl

Posted by Sam Hunter (Member # 1119) on 10-21-2003, 04:38 PM:

FWIW Cinemark over here have Monitors hanging from the ceiling near the snack bar that plays trailers. I apparently was video tape at one time as you could see the picture tearing due to the player/tape problem. Maybe someone who works there can fill us in on the specifics of where they get their material from.

Posted by Pete Lawrence (Member # 130) on 10-22-2003, 10:10 AM:

Does anyone remember a company that would compile trailers onto VHS tape or DVD to order? I came across them a year or so ago but can't seem to find them now. The price wasn't to outrageous for the service as I recall. If memory serves they also sold daters and other stuff on film. Maybe the Copyright Police closed them down. [Frown]

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 10-22-2003, 12:25 PM:

Cinema Concepts in Atlanta 404-966-7460.....they work with the studios [Wink]

so the police aren't looking for them

Posted by Doug Willming (Member # 728) on 10-22-2003, 03:41 PM:

-Quick plug here-: I also run a service that creates Lobby Preview Programs on DVD and VHS, as well as providing 35mm. policy and promotional trailers and video to film transfers. I've been told we are cheaper (hopefully in a good way!) than Cinema Concepts - and you can order online anytime you want. And yes, we have licensing agreements with the studios who provide us with video masters of the trailers for lobby display compilation. :- Plug over.

Doug Willming
PreShow Productions
http://www.PreShowProductions.com

Posted by Pete Lawrence (Member # 130) on 10-23-2003, 08:56 AM:

Doug,
Your company is the one I am recalling. Nicely done website also. Thanks.

Posted by William T. Parr (Member # 677) on 10-24-2003, 12:51 PM:

Pete Doug's company also used tobe called Willming and Reams they did all teh Front Row Joe trailers in the late 80's and early 90's for Cinemark. These were nicely done trialers never had a complaint about them at all. I am assuming that the name change in the company may have alot to do with Denise leaving and going to work for Disney or Pixar, I have seen her name in Credit recently on several movies. Would highly recomend there services if your looking for some custome film stock work as well.

Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 10-26-2003, 12:36 AM:

Doug,

I guess I already know the answer to this question, but I'll ask anyway just in case. Does your company have access to old trailers of classic titles....in other words, someplace the art house can go to get those trailers that when we ask the studios for them, all they do is laugh?

Also, you mentioned that you can supply the trailers in 35mm, but on the site it didn;t mention 35mm for the titles listed. Do you do custom 35mm snipes?

Frank

Posted by Doug Willming (Member # 728) on 10-26-2003, 01:39 PM:

Frank,

Bwahh, hah, hah! Ok, now that that's out of the way, the answer as you suspected is no. Exhibitor relations only supply us with the latest and "greatest". Since I'm a trailer buff myself, I try to archive as many as possible, but quite honestly, there's been little demand for anything but the newest stuff. Even new art film trailers are sometimes hard to come by, as many of the independents don't have an exhibitor relations dept. and aren't even aware of lobby advertising venues. There are always films being released that are being played in limited areas with limited appeal, but we can usually track down most anything that's requested.

We don't handle any studio trailers on 35mm., just our own custom and generic policy snipes. You can go to our website to download most of our generic trailers. I haven't gotten around to putting up a page with our custom work yet, since changing the company to PreShow Productions, but I'm always happy to send out a DVD of current offerings and work we've done over the years, if you'll just contact me. And I'm happy to discuss any custom trailer work you may need.

By the way, thanks for the endorsement, William. Your check is in the mail [Big Grin]