Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Projectionist Incentive Program

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Posted by Bob Brown (Member # 1205) on 06-11-2002, 08:51 PM:

Hey all, my boss had told me to come up with a "summer incentive" program for the booth. For the record we have a 17 plex running all the same projectors Vic-9's. We have basiclly have two full timers with the rest of the staff part time college sudents. I am not sure what kind of "program" I could suggest. I belive coming into work doing it right,is all the "incentive" you would or should need, but I am being pressed on this. There will be some $ award to the winner. Can you all suggest a format? Thanks.

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 06-11-2002, 09:18 PM:

Uh, did you say $ ???

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Huh? What happened?

quote:
Can you all suggest a format?

Small, unmarked bills, please.

No, really, what happened to the last one that kept track of shows-without-errors or whatever it was?

Posted by Darren Crimmins (Member # 1116) on 06-11-2002, 11:01 PM:

I believe the format depends on the quality of the projectionists. If they are experienced such things as booth cleanliness, punctuality (showing up to work and shows start on time) and improved picture and sound quality. Specific people who excell might apply.

For less experienced people things like getting movies in frame (sad but true to mention this but it is an issue in some booths) and people showing initative to learn and are willing to put in hard work.

Just beware that some incentives make some projectionists fight amongst themselves trying to win causing an overall hostile or low morale booth. I believe the most important thing is for projectionists to work together and not against each other. People work better when they are looking forward to coming to work that dreading it or having to deal with someone they don't agree with or dislike.

Posted by David Favel (Member # 1125) on 06-12-2002, 02:31 AM:

I believe you should treat the job as if you owned the place.

However I do reward staff for a really good job.
Either I watch some of their screenings & report that a customer was really impressed or that a make-up they have done was perfect.

This goes for all jobs. The last reward I gave was during a flat period, someone took apart the popcorn machine & scrubbed it so well it shone.
I gave music vouchers.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 06-12-2002, 10:35 AM:

IMHO, any "incentives" need to be based upon clearly defined GOALS of "Film Done Right". For example:

- Setting a record for number of days without a scratched print (e.g., 156 days reported by John Hendrickson for a 13-plex).

- Record number of days without an audience complaint about presentation quality (no misframes, correct lens and aperture, in focus, etc.).

- Number of perfect "make-ups" not requiring later correction

I agree with Darren Crimmins that projection "team" awards are probably a better motivator than individual awards. That way, projectionists help each other achieve the goals and rewards. It also gets around having to place blame. (e.g., How do you know which person misthreaded the projector with the wrong loop size, scratching the print, when there are a dozen operators?)

------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7525A
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Tel: +1 585 477 5325 Cell: +1 585 781 4036 Fax: +1 585 722 7243
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Posted by John T. Hendrickson, Jr (Member # 849) on 06-12-2002, 07:39 PM:

John P:

We also have another category: Number of days of uninterrupted shows. Our current record was 73 before a show of Unfaithful went down the day before yesterday. Last show of the night, too. I was not a happy camper when I returned after a 4 day weekend on Tuesday morning and got the note in the log. Discovered that the pad roller on one of our Centurys had worked loose(they lost the top loop and had to shut down on the last reel when the splice went through). Oh well, you play, you pay, as the old saying goes. Back to zero and we go from there.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 06-12-2002, 09:09 PM:

You know John, what really annoyed me is that everything you mention as "incentives" should be part of the "job". If ya won't (or can't) do it, get out of the kitchen.....

>>> Phil

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 06-13-2002, 09:12 AM:

Phil Hill said: "You know John, what really annoyed me is that everything you mention as "incentives" should be part of the "job". "

Yes, "Film Done Right" IS part of the job. But if they are projection team goals, there is incentive for every member of the projection staff to help the team reach the goal and be rewarded. The goals should be set high enough that they are attainable, but aren't a "gimme". As things improve, you can "raise the bar". For example, if John Hendrickson's 13-plex has a record of 156 days without a scratched print, the goal should be to beat that record. The road to perfection must be taken one step at a time.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-13-2002, 11:51 AM:

I agree with phil scratch free flawless presentations are part of the job description.
It should be the other way what penelaties for the reverse

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 06-13-2002, 12:04 PM:

In most cases the carrot is better than the stick, IMHO.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-13-2002, 02:45 PM:

Hmm walk softly and carry a big stick

Posted by Joe Beres (Member # 678) on 06-13-2002, 05:54 PM:

Of course "scratch free flawless presentations" should be a part of the job, but Bob is dealing with potentially short-term, low-wage employees that might be looking for a quick and easy way to get a paycheck and see movies for free. Of course I agree that people should be paying more for projectionists, thus attracting more professional help, but it isn't happening, and most likely will not in most multiplexes. Therefore, I applaud management that strives for film done right by whatever means they can. If that means incentives and goals, then so be it.

That being said, I like the team incentive idea the best. Individual incentives could lead to more problems. You could always get some pizzas or throw a little party when they're doing a good job. Perhaps you could trade movie passes with some other businesses to get bonuses from other places.

Posted by Joe Beres (Member # 678) on 07-23-2002, 03:57 PM:

Bumping this back up for a related thread.