Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Standard Operating Procedure for Projector & Sound

This is topic Standard Operating Procedure for Projector & Sound in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Ram Sup (Member # 4711) on 01-22-2011, 03:21 PM:

I'm trying to write a SOP (standard operating procedure) for Projection & sound for my cinema technicians. Any samples available ? Any ideas and suggestions is much helpfull.

Ram.

Posted by Jack Theakston (Member # 4484) on 01-22-2011, 03:50 PM:

In what respect? Many projectors thread differently, so that's difficult to write about as a "standard." Do you mean a checklist of what a projectionist should check before and after a show is running?

Posted by Ram Sup (Member # 4711) on 01-22-2011, 04:04 PM:

We are using strong and christie projectors. It;s actually standard of procedure for projectionist on what they should be doing when new movie comes in, maintainance of projector&sound etc..etc...

Posted by Ben Wales (Member # 92) on 01-22-2011, 05:23 PM:

The BKSTS (British Kinematograph Sound & Television Society) has produced a good Refrence Book and is an ideal training aid for Projectionist's and it called "Projectionist's Handbook" and is priced at £12.00 plus postage.

Can be ordered at this site BKSTS

Posted by Ram Sup (Member # 4711) on 01-23-2011, 05:31 AM:

Thanks..Ben..
will look into it...

Posted by Bruce McGee (Member # 131) on 01-23-2011, 09:26 AM:

Replace the drive belts in your Christies once a year.

Posted by Jim Cassedy (Member # 4115) on 01-23-2011, 10:10 AM:

You might start by explaining the difference between
a roll of PA35/RP40, and a roll of leader, so that some
booth monkey doesn't use it as leader film as I had
some guy do recently on my day off.

Fortunately, he only used about 20feet off of a 200ft
roll, but GEEEZZZZ! (I now keep it in a locked cabinet)

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 01-23-2011, 10:03 PM:

1. Write down everything you do in step-by-step fashion.

2. Repeat the task *strictly* following what you wrote. This way, if you forgot to add something, it will probably become apparent.

3. Re-test the written procedure by having another person follow it.

4. Each time you encounter a procedure that is not documented, write a new set of instructions, following the procedure above.

5. Eventually you will have a binder full of step-by-step instructions. (With pictures?)

I bought that BKSTS book back in 2002 when I was asked to write an SOP manual for the chain I was working for at the time. I did not find the BKSTS book to be very helpful. Sure, it's interesting, but it's also expensive and quite outdated in many sections. Furthermore, it's very general. You could not really use it as an SOP -- When I think of an SOP Manual, I imagine something that is custom made to address the specific gear and policies of a specific theatre.

Also, let's be realistic - If management of a theatre cannot find it in their hearts (or budget) to provide inspection gloves or a frame counter - for examples - then what good does it really do to provide your employees with an off-the-shelf book where everyone is working in a well-stocked booth, wearing inspection gloves and using frame counters?

Every such instance -- where a manual depicts a "best practice" that cannot be duplicated in the actual situation -- creates a precedence where the "SOP" cannot be followed. Eventually, the whole concept is regarded as useless "lip service" and employees will ignore it in favor of whatever seems practical based on the reality of the situation.

How do you thread YOUR projectors?

How does YOUR automation work?

No automation? How do you raise/lower lights at YOUR theatre?

...et cetera...

An off-the-shelf book won't answer these kinds of questions accurately because it would be impractical for a mass-produced book to be so specific.

I suggest that you create your own manual, describing the best practices that can *actually* be done at your theatre.

If you happen to know that your theatre could use improvement -- and you have the power to make those improvements -- then a book like the one from BKSTS might be of value to you. Alternatively, you could just search the Film-Tech archives for answers. It's free!

Posted by Ram Sup (Member # 4711) on 01-23-2011, 10:47 PM:

By any luck can the BKSTS be downloaded free from any website..just curious..

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 01-24-2011, 01:37 PM:

quote:
Also, let's be realistic - If management of a theatre cannot find it in their hearts (or budget) to provide inspection gloves or a frame counter - for examples - then what good does it really do to provide your employees with an off-the-shelf book where everyone is working in a well-stocked booth, wearing inspection gloves and using frame counters?

quote: Ram Sup
By any luck can the BKSTS be downloaded free from any website..just curious..

No comment [Smile]

Posted by Ram Sup (Member # 4711) on 01-27-2011, 07:23 AM:

well i get your point...Marco...