Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Storage Behind the Screen

This is topic Storage Behind the Screen in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Alex Grueneberg (Member # 2652) on 06-23-2006, 06:00 AM:

The 18 plex I have recently started caring for has a few faults I am currently working to correct. Things are really coming along. However, I'm having trouble getting a straight answer on one, what I believe is a problem. Over the six years this theatre has been in operation quite a bit of "stuff" has compiled behind almost all the auditorium screens. Everything from vending equipment to a bike, arcade games, carpet and boxes. Even a leather recliner chair, that I'd like to bring up to the booth (its likely from the bar/lounge in one of the lobby's).

I guess I'm just wondering if this is good practice. Can it contribute to any auditory problems? Oh and just curious if THX has any preference over this.

Thanks for your time...

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-23-2006, 07:21 AM:

Yes! I've had a number of theatres over the years with complaints of strange noises in the sound system, that turned out to be crap rattling backstage.

Best plan is to keep nothing back there but the stage speakers.

Posted by Tommie Evans (Member # 2674) on 06-23-2006, 08:20 AM:

We keep nothing behind or below the screen/stage due to fire regulations. I've witnessed a carelessly placed broom or vacuum get chewed up in the masking cable on a few occasions.

Posted by James Westbrook (Member # 3690) on 06-23-2006, 08:40 PM:

The THX houses do not have much room behind their screens to store many of the items described. The sound walls make it difficult to service the drivers, much less stash a recliner. (Though one of the auditoriums has a glass front door that was deposited back there before a remodel in 94. It still has christmas decorative paint on it.)
I would leave these areas as clean as possible. I wish I could follow my own advise at the theatre I work at, but I'm only an assistant... [Frown]

Posted by Alex Grueneberg (Member # 2652) on 06-24-2006, 12:44 AM:

The theater is a full THX complex. You name it, its likely behind one of them. I just got booth head so I'm going to see what I can do. A new GM helps too, after being GM'less for almost a year. The theater is finally headed in the right direction. I'll get you a picture of the recliner!

As well, I'm going to see about fire code. Thanks!

Posted by Aaron Mehocic (Member # 15) on 06-24-2006, 12:19 PM:

We inventory everything behind our screens and know exactly what is where and how much we have. Each year we submit the inventory to the district manager and get permission to scrap certain items no longer usable. But again, we are a small independent and can do this.

About a recliner in the booth: About 12 years ago we had a whole 1960's-era living room set in our booth from when the old union guys were here. Our then-booker came in for a tour and went ape shit over that, citing everything from fire hazards to lazy ushers sleeping in between shows. I pitched everything since I was low man on the totem back then. Since then the operators pretty much hang out in the upstairs office.

Posted by Charles Greenlee (Member # 3856) on 06-24-2006, 12:24 PM:

We have stuff stored behind out screens, it does bother me so, even though there isn't any apparent difference in sound here.