Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Can film be removed intact from Christie AW3-R?

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Posted by Gary A. Hoselton (Member # 3447) on 06-30-2012, 11:19 PM:

Is there a non-destructive way to remove a built-up program from Christie AW3-R platter, to probably store it on a shelf? Then to put it back on the platter when needed? What are the Igotcha's?

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 06-30-2012, 11:59 PM:

Use the MUT to break it down to the reels or a pair of 7k reels. Put on shelf. Neglect. When the time comes, put back on platter with MUT.

Posted by Joe Elliott (Member # 4006) on 07-01-2012, 12:08 AM:

There are various designs that were made by 3 different companies called "print pockets". They were primarily used to move prints, but could also be used to store them for short periods of time. There was a company out of the UK that had a design that included not only the print pocket, but a lift to roll them around on, and a shelf system to store them. Unfortunately with 35 on the way out, I could not find any traces of them on google.

There is a thread about one of the other designs here with a picture on page 2.

Posted by Justin Hamaker (Member # 2165) on 07-01-2012, 12:18 AM:

If you have a Goldberg reel, you can play the film on to it for the final run and then put the side on and move it as necessary.

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 07-01-2012, 12:30 AM:

Based on the question, it seems like you've never done this before. Is that correct?

Don't move the print if you don't have to.
If you have to move it and store it somewhere, the best place would be on another platter deck (covered).

You'll need:
Someone to help you.
A set of clamps for moving the print.
Space to put the print (measure it, clear it and clean it beforehand).
A clean cover for the print while it's sitting in storage position.

Make sure the clamps will fit the print -- if the print is extra-long, break it down part-way so the clamps will fit.

Remove the payout head.
Clear the space where the print will go -- measure to make sure.
If you're storing it on another platter system, remove the payout head on the destination deck as well.
Get someone strong and trustworthy to help you actually move the print.
Make sure your helper knows where the print needs to go before you start lifting.

Tape the tail down.
Leave the center ring in place -- don't let it pop out -- but you will need to lift it slightly to disengage the pins from the platter.
Use film clamps (minimum 3).
Slide the print to the edge of the deck.
Keep the print horizontal if you can, with both people carrying the weight of the print on forearms -- holding it from underneath, grasping the center ring.

Once you've got the print all the way off the platter, and it's just you and your partner holding it, walk side-by-side (if possible) to the destination. Otherwise figure out in advance who's going to walk backward.

Wherever you put the print -- cover it.
If it's in an unusual place, put up a sign so people know there's a print under there -- not a good place to sit or put down a drink -- "Caution -- Film Print in Storage Here -- Keep Away" should be the general idea.

When the print goes back in service -- REMEMBER TO "UN-TAPE" THE TAIL or you'll get a "brain-wrap" at the end of the first show.

---

I've worked in booths where there were narrow stairs and pathways -- which made it necessary to hoist the print vertically over-the-shoulder -- at that point, it becomes a one-person job -- hope your print is wound tight -- make the maneuver as gentle and smooth as possible, but maintain your confidence so you don't screw it up.

In my last platter booth, I had spare platter decks. In that case, I just lifted the whole damn platter with the print still on it. The deck fit on the V-legs under the bottom platter, and a spare deck took its place above. (Note -- keep an eye out for the bearing and the 2 metal O-rings that go around the post under the platter deck -- they tend to stick to the underside of the deck. Make sure they are in place before the replacement deck is put in position. The bearing goes between the two O-Rings.

Hope this helps.

P.S. I've never heard of an "Igotcha" -- just "gotcha" -- an "Igotcha" would be a "gotcha" for an Apple computer device. [Razz]

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 07-01-2012, 01:06 AM:

Can't the film be stored on the platter? You need only two decks to run a show. Even on a three-decker that gives you a spare deck.

Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 07-01-2012, 08:26 AM:

I worked in two crossover arthouse/mainstream venues where there were a lot of films going through the booth and the programming pattern dictated that moving made-up prints on and off platter decks had to happen all the time. A three-deck platter gives you a spare slot to store one print ... but not ten. When you've got a film that is showing once on Wednesday night, and then needs to be stored until the second and final show in the Saturday matinee slot, multiply that by three screens and three or four "one-off" or "two-off" films in the course of any week, and the need to do this is a given.

Agreed completely with Manny's checklist. And also agreed that if you have a narrow staircase with a right-angle turn in it to one of the booths, the usual safety precaution - moving the print on a board of some description and with two people - is made simply impossible by the clearance and angle. You have to take your life in your hands and carry the clamped platter roll vertically - there's nothing else for it if the booth you're carrying it to does not have a MUT in it.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 07-02-2012, 04:14 AM:

Good ideas!

but looking only at the header; I would hope that ALL films are removed intact after presentation! Louis