Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Opening A Brand New Theater--Any Suggestions?

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Posted by JC Cowles (Member # 914) on 10-07-2001, 05:53 PM:

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Posted by Jesse Skeen (Member # 586) on 10-07-2001, 09:45 PM:

Ideally, don't have ANY screw-ups the first day! While there's plenty of opportunity for screw-ups even in a well-run theater, it gives a pretty bad first impression. I'll never forget going to see "Dracula" the first day the UA Market Square theater in Sacramento was open (happened to be a Friday the 13th), seeing the last show of the day and having the film go out of frame TWICE due to bad splicing, each time not getting fixed til someone went out and complained! That was plenty of strikes against them right there- they were dumb enough to splice out-of-frame in the first place, they didn't get it fixed by the last show of the day, and they didn't even have someone by the projector to fix the framing when the part they KNEW was going to be out of frame came up! I only saw 2 other movies there since then, both of which also suffered from incompetence. I was pretty impressed with the big auditorium I saw "Dracula" in, which had curtains, but UA shows slides now so I bet they don't get used anymore.

Posted by Joshua Lott (Member # 240) on 10-07-2001, 11:07 PM:

Trained staff and experienced management and projection staff. That will help you out more then you can imagine. The more people that know what they are doing the better. There are always going to be "little" things. Nothing ever goes off perfect. You just need to be ready for those things. Have back up plans for everything you can. Try and see the problems before they happen.

Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 10-08-2001, 04:45 AM:

Mark Gulbrandsen and I worked on opening up one called "5 Star Cinemas" here in UTah. It WENT HORRIBLE. FIrst of all the ownership gave mark NO TIME whatsoever to get it going, and then the equipment was all fried and shot. I found myself under the platters tying wires together while prints were running. AND YES CONTROL CARDS DO EXPLODE!!!

Dave

Posted by Andy Bergstrom (Member # 360) on 10-08-2001, 09:54 AM:

J.C.
Training cannot be overemphasized. Try to have a dry run 2 or 3 nights before using the parents of the employees you have hired. Can you recruit a few of the employees from the other Megastar in Maple Grove? Can you send some employees up to the Maple Grove location to train? The more you get the new employees involved, the more comfortable they will feel.
Be sure to run all the prints thru if possible before opening night. Try running 2 or 3 projectionists every shift opening weekend. There is safety in numbers!

Posted by Michael Barry (Member # 237) on 10-08-2001, 11:07 AM:

This may sound like I'm being facetious, but I'm not: If you can go the extra mile, then install Kinoton projectors, lamphouses and platters. This will pay dividends in the immediate and the long term. The superior performance on-screen will be apparent to all, and the lack of headaches via the excellent reliability will be appreciated by your projection staff and for that matter, all staff and patrons.

If it is at all possible, do it! Just ask Gordon, Mark G or Larry Shaw if they agree.

Posted by William T. Parr (Member # 677) on 10-08-2001, 12:20 PM:

J.C. All I can tell you is be sure your people know what thier suppose to be during and when to be doing it. I went through the same thing with the Century 16 in Corpus in June of 99. I was the Projection room manager for this particular opening. After the third day I was called downstairs by the manager for what I figured for sure was going to be an Ass Chewing since all the other mangers had gotten thiers chewed for things not going right or being done properly in thier areas. To my surprise I was told that my area was the only one running like it should. Everything started on time and was in frame when it hit the screen. This coming from a staff where only I and the other two assistants in the booth had any expireience, everyone else were new to Projection Booth or Theatres in general. My assistants and I only had 3 working days in the booth to get them ready as this theatre was still being built out on opening day. So the only advice I can give you is, be prepared for the unexpected and do not count on anything running smoothly.

Posted by JC Cowles (Member # 914) on 10-08-2001, 08:19 PM:

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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 10-08-2001, 09:33 PM:

This may seem like a miniscule thing, but go to another theater and get some junk leaders, policy logos and sound snipes that they are throwing out and keep your new stock locked up. It's amazing just how fast you will find your leaders, policies and sound logos trashed on a brand new complex with all of the construction dirt and untrained staff. A month down the road once things are cleaned up and a good staff trained, you will have nice pristine presentations all around. Now that's not to say that everything cannot be done right in the first place, but I've yet to see a complex open up this did not happen to due to the fact that the manager is more concerned about having every projectionist in the building trained on building prints and such instead of letting the experienced operator handle everything until the theater is up and running smoothly, at which time the experienced guy can start training the new projectionists one by one properly. This also applies to splicers if you have access to some old ones. These new kids in all of the panic of a new opening tend to do stupid things like leave splicers on top of a platter they are about to start. The money men will not be pleased when you say "can I have 30 new policies, 4000 feet of threading leader and 2 new splicers" a month after opening.

I must disagree with the Kinoton comment above. While the equipment may be the best in the universe (I cannot comment as I have never seen any in person), if you REALLY want to improve your overall presentation, the first priority should be to spend the money on getting film cleaners for every screen. Even junk equipment and a filthy booth can put on a good show if the prints are clean. There are hundreds of people who can back me up on this one.

Posted by Bruce McGee (Member # 131) on 10-08-2001, 09:42 PM:

JC:

I know a guy that was the manager of a theatre when it was built several years ago.

The whole time the theatre was being built and readied, he constantly asked the mgmt. for time to train the brand new crew. He never got a chance to do much more than give them overviews of their jobs.

When the projectors arrived, they were not the new ones that were promised. They were rebuilt Century C's (I Like These!) The platters are not all alike either.

The opening night was pure hell.

There was dirt on every print due to the construction that went on until an hour before showtime, several of the automation systems crashed, and there was no sound in three of fourteen theatres.

The management blamed my friend for everything. He got fired the next day.

I KNOW he tried to get everything done. He told me all about it for weeks before the place opened.

The theatre closed for a week while the new manager took over. When it reopened, there were no problems.

Opening night was fun. Other than dirt, the film I saw was fine. When the ticket computer crashed for the third time, I think that is when my friend had had enough. He's with UA now, and happy. (and the theatre is still open!!)

Posted by JC Cowles (Member # 914) on 10-09-2001, 12:13 AM:

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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 10-09-2001, 12:26 AM:

Film cleaners on every projector and a twice a week changeout for the first month will keep your on screen presentation sparkling, but those pads will start to look REAL nasty so expect that.

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 10-09-2001, 06:23 AM:

You are right JC, ideally the place ought to be complete before the crates come in, however this doesn't happen. Dust is always a major problem.

If your install is complete in time, run the booth for as long as you can, but forget that the theatre is not open. After all it doesn't make a whole lot of difference if you're showing to an empty house.

Re: Kinoton. I am having dreadful trouble with some new'ish machines, they are less than three years old and are so problematic that thoughts are being raised about junking them and replacing them with somethign that works. The mechanics are fine it's the electronics that are nothing but trouble.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 10-09-2001, 07:56 AM:

I second Brad's suggestion of making film cleaners a priority on every projector. But don't use DRY media cleaners --- construction debris (e.g., cement dust, drywall compound) is very abrasive, and will quicky turn dry cleaning media into sandpaper that will scratch your prints.

If possible, isolate the construction area with plastic sheeting. Cover the platters and film overnight and during active construction. Vacuum up dust and debris quickly (a central vacuum system is best, as portable vacuums and shop vacs usually put some dirt back into the air). Wet mop and clean floors and work surfaces frequently. Don't forget to have the ductwork completely cleaned, or you will be fighting airborne dirt for years to come.

------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7525A
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Cell: 716-781-4036 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion

Posted by Jason Burroughs (Member # 68) on 10-09-2001, 02:30 PM:

On combatting dust there a few steps that you can take that may help

1. KEEP FILM OFF THE FLOOR
2. Clean platter surfaces rollers, and projectors regulary and thorougly
3. Avoid using the top platter, as the dust settles it will easly become the dirtiest
4. Make sure management get the air filters changed, during construction they will use very corase filters that only captures large particles, instead of the normal filters, also make sure they get changed regularly.
5. Cover platters and projectors when they're not being used.
6. Keep cleaning and cleaning the projection booth, tops of sound racks, lamphouses etc more dust and dirt you can get cleaned out, less will end up on your prints.

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 10-09-2001, 05:36 PM:

Regarding Michael's comment about installing Kinotons, I have the FP-23C's at my theatre, and I do not like them. They are okay for the most part, but they have a few features that make them horribly anoying. I don't know what Kinoton's new projectors are like, but if someone installed these for me at a new theatre, I would not appreciate it.

Posted by Bruce McGee (Member # 131) on 10-10-2001, 12:09 AM:

JC

When a small 1940's theatre here was refurbished (without ME, Dammit) the Century projectors were fully rebuilt just the way that I was going to do it. When they were reinstalled in the booth, the ports were closed up, and the entire room was scrubbed and cleaned before plastic was installed over the entrance. The owner dared anyone to go in there. The rest of the theatre was finished over about a seven month period. When everything else was thoroughly clean, the plastic came down, and there was no dirt problem... Even when the A/C was turned on... they had filters over the supply ducts so that nothing blew in.

Reminded me of a clean room. You should see it now. Smells like oil in there. Still better than before.. It was a dark room in a porn theatre, and was closed for over ten years.... Unique.

Posted by Michael Barry (Member # 237) on 10-10-2001, 10:57 AM:

Hmmm...well THAT went down like the proverbial lead balloon - ouch!

What can I say...well, the idea I had was not to the exclusion of film cleaners, Brad, because I think that's an excellent idea. I simply didn't think of that when I posted. So now I say Kinoton + film cleaners for each theatre (although it's a moot point since it turns out the gear is already ordered - so just go for the film cleaners).

Pete and Ken: Sorry you haven't had good fortune with this equipment. What model did you have trouble with, Pete? Ken, can you describe what you find annoying? I have used practically every brand of projector, and they are my favourite in terms of image quality, hands down. Maybe that's just me...

Gord, Mark, Larry, Steve...I'm dying here - please help?!?

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 10-10-2001, 12:07 PM:

Well, for one thing, the lens turret doesn't open, so threading is a pain in the ass. And whose idea was it to have one focus knob for both lenses? If you are doing a split with one movie flat and one scope (I would make sure that didn't happen if I did the house assignments, but I don't), sometimes you have to adjust the focus each show. Yes, I know I can run the RP40 and propperly focus the lenses so that they are both in focus, but it's still anoying. And what is up with that plastic "skate"??? They are extremely anoying to remove for cleaning, and even more anoying to put back. I also don't like the fact that they don't have pad rollers; you have to hold the runners open while threading. Have the newer models done away with these anoying features?

Posted by Stephen Jones (Member # 16) on 10-11-2001, 10:44 PM:

In regards to Kinoton projectors I agree with Michael that they the best money can buy,steady picture,easy to maintane and they just keep on going.I cant find fault with them as for the platters the are also very good, never had a brain wrap with any kinoton plater I have used.The I.R brain is very gentle with film and keeps the platter running smooth.I have used various Kinotons over the years and if was building a theatre they would be my number one choice as the cost isnt an issue,they are competitive with other makes that are available.
My current booth runs Kinotons FP50D's with Kinoton platters with I.R brains what more could I ask for.

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 10-11-2001, 11:43 PM:

quote:
Yes, I know I can run the RP40 and propperly focus the lenses so that they are both in focus, but it's still anoying.

Laziness is not an excuse. You aren't going to get any more out of the projector than you put in. If the lenses were set up properly, you wouldn't be complaining about having one focus mechanism, right? If there are 16 to fix, do them a couple every night and eventually they'll all be done. You should have to do this every time a lamp is changed, anyway.

Back to the original topic, my vote is for: clean as much as possible every night after the construction crew leaves; and, keep everything that is not currently being worked on covered.

Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 10-12-2001, 06:03 AM:

>>If you are doing a split with one movie flat and one scope (I would make sure that didn't happen if I did the house assignments, but I don't), sometimes you have to adjust the focus each show<<

But surely you check focus on each film anyway, right?

The single focus knob would be better if it were two...but if that's my biggest complaint (and it is, although it's not a problem if you just take the time to make sure they are both focussed) then I'm one happy camper.

We are using FP30D's in all our screens. They are hands down the best machine I've ever worked on. Rock steady...good light...great SRD via basement readers (see 'Exit Stage Right...Moulin Rouge' thread).

Running these beauties with FilmGuard...it just doesn't get any better.

Brad, you've got to find some of these babies and take a look. We are open seven days.

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 10-12-2001, 11:33 AM:

No, the single focus knob is not my biggest complaint. And of course I check the focus each show. But if you have 2 focus knobs, then once the scope lens is in focus, it should stay in focus regardless of the focus of the flat lens, and vice-versa. That's not the case when you only have one knob.

Posted by Dave Macaulay (Member # 813) on 10-12-2001, 05:59 PM:

Back to opening suggestions...
This is all probaly common sense stuff, but you did ask for suggestions...
The last couple of weeks before opening, attention will drift away from the booth. Probably completely. The management will be obsessed with the lobby, concessions, and auditoria plus finding and training the cash staff. The booth, out of sight, will be forgotten.
You will have to push for trades to work on any unfinished business up there. Make sure you do. Lie shamelessly, everyone else will be doing the same to ensure their pet project is being completed. You should start as soon as possible to set ridiculously early deadlines for booth completion, there are lots of BS reasons to give the site supervisor - the projectors need to be "broken in" for a week, Engineers have to fly in from <insert distant city> at great expense to set up the equipment on a certain day and heads will roll if it isn't ready for them, etc. etc.
Talk to your local distributors and get a few junk prints for testing, so you have at least 2 reels on each machine. Less and nobody does enough splicing, much more and they don't do enough threading. Make them up with automation cues like a real feature presentation.
Distributors are usually OK with this, they'll have lots of prints awaiting disposal and don't mind having them used this way. Have your staff make them up and run them as many times as possible on all screens at once. This lets you find the problems - people, machinery, and operations - before there are paying customers to placate.
If a miracle happens and the sound alignment gets done before opening morning check every house. Everything you can. Even very competent and careful techs can screw up simple things when rushed and doing the same thing 30 times for 30 screens (I don't know how many you have of course). Once everything is connected it's possible to do a complete B chain with an R2 when the speaker wiring is very mixed up. (been there, done that...) The microphones can't tell that the C highs are coming from the L speaker, and it's easy to assume someone else has already checked and phased the speakers.
There have been other posts about cleaning, dust, and air filters.
Remember that construction dirt isn't like "normal" dirt. It is cement dust, gypsum dust, metal powder, carpet and fibreglass fibres. It's very abrasive stuff.
Try not to bring in show prints until you do a complete cleaning. Best is to do a complete damp mop and rag cleaning before the run-in and again afterwards before the show prints come in - more dust will have settled, guaranteed. Since a lot of booths have no ceiling now, you have to get on a ladder and dust the tops of all those pipes and ducts up there!
If you have an air compressor and blowgun use it only sparingly, and only in the lamphouses and on the projectors. It just moves the dirt around and that will settle right on your platters.
Do a free pre-opening event for someone, maybe the staff families or construction crew. That lets everyone try their jobs with "real customers" but the customers aren't very hostile about problems if they get in free.
Rule #1: The first real show should NOT be the gala opening!

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 10-12-2001, 08:40 PM:

JC,
While I read many posts regarding dust control in the booth, I'm surprised that I didn't see someone mention a product called Dust-Down. It may be found by other names, not sure, but the point of it is dust control during construction. On the openings I've had hands in, I've made sure that there was plenty ot go round the building, anywhere there was concrete, which may or may not apply to your booth.

Apply liberally, then have it swept up as needed (daily-every other day, etc). Follow up with a thorough dust mopping, then MANY thorough wet moppings. You'd be surprised at how this will help bring down dust/dirt levels in the auditoriums, as well as the booth.

------------------
The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!

Posted by JC Cowles (Member # 914) on 10-12-2001, 11:30 PM:

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Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 10-13-2001, 03:44 AM:

Ok, when my theatre opened 3 years ago (before i was there) metal filings got imbedded in the rubber part of the sound drum pinch roller (dirt embedder, flippy thing lol) and scratched a lot of prints. it took a while for them top figure out what it was. Just though id let you know.

Posted by Dave Bird (Member # 490) on 10-13-2001, 08:04 AM:

I think we used to buy the stuff Jason talks about as
"DUST-BANE" (a trademark). It's like a kind of very slightly moist
"mulch" (looks like maybe the consistency of coffee grounds, but dry),
and you'd sprinkle a strip across the floor before you "dust-mopped".
I remember it was green or red usually.
Kept the dust down as you went. There's also a dust-attracting spray that you sprayed the mops with, can't remember what that was called.

Posted by Bruce McGee (Member # 131) on 10-13-2001, 08:04 AM:

It's a bit late for this, but, what are your thoughts on a central vacuum system that exhausts to the outside?

The Fox Theatre in Atlanta has one that was installed in 1929 that is still in use.

I've installed one in a friends home. The hardest part was the installation of the room outlets in the floors.

The thing really sucks!

Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 10-14-2001, 01:55 AM:

>>But if you have 2 focus knobs, then once the scope lens is in focus, it should stay in focus regardless of the focus of the flat lens, and vice-versa. That's not the case when you only have one knob.<<

Um...yes it is. If you've pre-focussed the lenses to match...you've got just as much chance of the print being in focus after a lens change as you would if both lenses were focussed individually.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 10-15-2001, 08:22 AM:

Bruce asked: "what are your thoughts on a central vacuum system that exhausts to the outside?"

A central vacuum system is a great idea, since the exhaust is outside the film handling area. Unless a shop vac is equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, tiny particles of dirt are exhausted into the air from the vacuum. One idea that would help with a shop vac would be to use a hose on the exhaust outlet, and exhaust it to outside the projection room.

I recall that there is also a type of vacuum cleaner that exhausts the dirty air through water to capture the smallest particles (Rainbow Vacuum by Rexair?).

Posted by JC Cowles (Member # 914) on 10-29-2001, 10:24 PM:

All msgs by JC Cowles removed due to complaints from MegaStar Cinema representatives.

Posted by James R. Hammonds, Jr (Member # 673) on 10-30-2001, 01:06 AM:

I dont see why they would have any complaints.
I dont remember anything you posted that would give away anything secretive or threatening to the company.
But youre probably not allowed to discuss that either.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 10-30-2001, 01:12 AM:

Closing this thread. Please place your comments in the "MegaStar Cinemas...any impressions?" thread, located in the Ground Level forum.