Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: How Long in the Biz?

This is topic How Long in the Biz? in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 03-02-2005, 01:59 AM:

Having read some of the posts of the old farts bragging about how long they've been in the biz...like 30, 35+ years, I thought it would be interesting to post how long one has been in the biz.

Not that anyone cares since time-in-grade is no measure of being competent, and in many cases it points to old-fashioned and out-dated procedures and operations. (Ya gotta change and update with the times ya old farts!)

BTW: PLEEZE do NOT turn this into another union/non-union boring thread! I DON'T CARE!

I'll start if off: I've been in the biz 35 minutes... err years.

Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 03-02-2005, 02:11 AM:

Been in since 1981. Even during the 7 1/2 years spent in the Air Force, I still came home and ran movies when home on leave...

24 years... [Smile]

-Aaron

Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 03-02-2005, 02:20 AM:

Since 1984, about 20 1/2 years.....

Posted by Christopher Duvall (Member # 284) on 03-02-2005, 04:36 AM:

Since August 8th 1986...so about 18 and 1/2 years.

Posted by Jeremy Fuentes (Member # 2135) on 03-02-2005, 05:57 AM:

Started 8 years ago, had a 2 year gap where I was out of the business. 6 years, and I'm already this good! [Wink]

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 03-02-2005, 07:11 AM:

I am not in the biz. I don't know why you are asking ME of all people. Geesh!

I need to pee. BRB.

Okay I am back. Anyway, since I am no longer in the biz, I feel that this question is inappropriate and puts a strain on our relationship.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 03-02-2005, 07:37 AM:

I've been involved in professional motion-picture exhibition for seven years now on a part-time basis. I'm still one of the "kids" here.

In high school and early on in college, I had some interest in film production. I made a few 16mm shorts and eventually found out that a) I wasn't terribly good at making films and b) the process gets super-expensive very quickly.

In college, I became interested in film exhibition, mostly as the result of having had the opportunity to see some memorable films in well-run theatres. I became frustrated with how poorly most commercial theatres were run and wanted to help to improve this. When the management changed at the theatre near my college, I stopped in to make some booking suggestions to the new owners. While I was there, an exciter bulb burned out and I showed their "projectionist" (nice guy, but completely clueless) how to replace it. They asked if I wanted a job as their projectionist. I accepted, even though I was completely clueless (but knew more about film than they did).

I got bitten by the "bug" then and have since done film projection work at many different types of venues. I've had the good fortune to meet and work with many caring and highly knowledgeable operators, as well as some great managers (and some bad ones).

I modern sound systems and projection equipment as much as anyone, but I prefer to work in booths with older "funky" equipment (as long as it's sufficient to put on a quality presentation).

At the moment, my only "regular" theatre job is holiday matinees (once a month or so) at a single-screen house that is an hour's drive away from my home. I do this because I enjoy running their carbon arc lamps and the owner truly cares about putting on a good show. I also do work for the Rhode Island Film Festival in August (for the last three years) and run occasional shows at (mostly) oddball venues in the Boston area.

I also own a pair of Century 35mm projectors and assorted 16mm equipment and will be working on an apartment screening room at some point in the forseeable future.

I still haven't worked at a drive-in, run a 3D show, or run DP70 projectors. Maybe someday I'll get to do these things.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 03-02-2005, 08:21 AM:

As of this May, 38 years. [Cool]

Started at the Grandview Drive-In in Angola NY in May 1967 (Century C, Ashcraft Super Cinex 11mm carbon arc lamps, RCA Sound) Designed and built one of the first drive-in radio sound systems in the northeast USA, with some films shown in stereo. Also worked at the New Angola Theatre (Standard Simplex, Peerless Magnarc). Both theatres are still in operation. Also filled in at some other theatres in the Buffalo NY area. Friends with IATSE 233 Business Agent Ken Kavanaugh and many Buffalo-area operators, even though the theatres in Angola were non-union.

Graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo in May 1970, with a degree in Electronic Engineering. Ken Kavanaugh suggested applying to Kodak.

Started at Kodak on June 8, 1970. Have spent my entire career working on motion-picture projects.

Posted by Robert Throop (Member # 61) on 03-02-2005, 08:22 AM:

I started in the summer of 1965.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-02-2005, 08:29 AM:

Since 1982. Am good for another 20 plus years if our company gets rid of the rattle trap vans it owns [Eek!]

.

Mark

Posted by Allison Parsons (Member # 2728) on 03-02-2005, 09:14 AM:

I started in 1996 so this year is my 9th year. As always, I started out in CCA, then moved to box in about a year. From there I became a projectionist and in 1999 became a manager. Did the manager thing for 2 years and found out I hated managing so demoted myself and am now just a projectionist and do most of the poster/promotional ordering on the side.

The theater was my first job ever and for some reason I can't leave it. Any help on how to would be appreciated [Smile]

Posted by Jonathan Worthing (Member # 803) on 03-02-2005, 09:20 AM:

19 YEARS THIS JULY.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 03-02-2005, 09:25 AM:

since 1976

Posted by Floyd Justin Newton (Member # 1316) on 03-02-2005, 09:25 AM:

Since 1956.

Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 03-02-2005, 10:09 AM:

Since March 1999 ... so 6 years.

Posted by Rick Green (Member # 313) on 03-02-2005, 10:18 AM:

I started out in July 1975, running Simplex XL`s & Peerless Magnarcs at the Tower Theater in Roseville, CA. Projection is a side job now, working occasional weekends at the Crest Theater in Sacramento, CA.

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 03-02-2005, 10:43 AM:

Summer of 1965 at WEDU-TV and weekend manager at an Arts Cinema. Full time since 1967 in cinemas, film and video production, stagecraft, teaching and hardware design / sales [Cool]

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 03-02-2005, 10:47 AM:

I was never fully in the "biz" of movie theater projection per se. I was always an on-call guy, working "the bounce" up and down the Las Vegas Strip covering stage, convention, TV, and movie positions as needed. Since I was rarely full-time at any one place, it's difficult to state exactly how many "years in the biz." First film "work" was junior high 16mm in 1967. First paid film projection work (70mm!) was in 1975. Was a member of IATSE for 20 years (1974-1994). Didn't work at all in the biz 1984-1988 and again 1997-2001. Only worked a few days in the biz as a theater tech since 2001. Add it up any way you like. [Cool]

[ 03-05-2005, 11:14 PM: Message edited by: Paul Mayer ]

Posted by Jennifer Pan (Member # 2035) on 03-02-2005, 11:28 AM:

June 2003 - August 2004

Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 03-02-2005, 12:07 PM:

Started in June or July of 1956, and I am allowed to forget which month. [Smile]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 03-02-2005, 12:17 PM:

My official projection "career" began in 1976 and I became an owner (of the same theatre) in 1979.

My first taste of projection was at a now-defunct drive-in featuring the worst equipment in the world, starting in 1973, but that wasn't a 'paying' job -- my best friend's parents owned it and I learned the booth procedures by just hanging around. Fortunately I've gotten over the bad habits I picked up there. (Well, the booth-related ones, at least.)

Posted by Aaron Mehocic (Member # 15) on 03-02-2005, 01:34 PM:

I started on January 4, 1991. Every year I say this will be my last, but I never have time to look for better pay.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 03-02-2005, 01:57 PM:

35 yrs. Started in 1969 at a Drive-IN in E.Idaho playing with Motiograph AA's, Ballatyne sound heads, Ashcraft 10mm rotator carbons, and Motiograph sound. Worked at that place for 6yrs before converting to hardtop operations and Simplexes of all kinds.

..except the SL. Remember the disastous SL projector?

-Monte

Posted by Bill Gabel (Member # 1105) on 03-02-2005, 02:09 PM:

Since 1980, in cinema, studio film-video production and now studio post-production projection.

Posted by Kenneth Wuepper (Member # 1174) on 03-02-2005, 02:15 PM:

Since 1953. Started in the theatre and maintenance of 16mm and AV equipment. Lived only a 1/2 mile from the local drive-in so got calls to fix problems on short notice, our church had drive-in services there. The pastor stood on the roof of the booth/concession building and we used the field speakers for sound. I built the mixing console and interface to the RCA sound system. Still with the cinema, mostly as service and consultant and manage a few nights a month at the local indie. 16mm has gone away from our schools in favor of VIDEO!
KEN

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 03-02-2005, 02:17 PM:

It would have been 17 years in late Sept.

The last few have been very, very L-O-N-G years. [Frown]

Posted by Greg Pauley (Member # 503) on 03-02-2005, 04:28 PM:

September 1975. Time is moving to fast!

Posted by Kurt Zupin (Member # 2751) on 03-02-2005, 07:03 PM:

I started in August of 2003 at the local 5 screen...With in two months was moved in to booth where I quickly caught the bug. I think the first time I threaded a projector I was hooked for life. About 6 months after that was trained for managment and then promoted to MIT/Booth Supervisor where my love is really at...I could care less about the floor operations...give me a bottle of film-guard and a splicer and I'm set!! [thumbsup]

Hope to soon move to a theater where I can run booth full time...and get out of the monkey suit every day.

Posted by Stephen Jones (Member # 16) on 03-02-2005, 07:16 PM:

In my 36th year started in 1969 while at high school obtained my projectionist licence in 1974.Seen many changes in those years as we all have, some good some not so good but thats the industry.

Cheers [beer]

Steve

Posted by John T. Hendrickson, Jr (Member # 849) on 03-02-2005, 07:53 PM:

Began in the spring of 1970, so I guess that's 35 years. Wow! That ties me with Phil! [Eek!]

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 03-02-2005, 07:57 PM:

John,

That's not something I think you want to openly advertise.. LOL.. [Smile]

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 03-02-2005, 08:02 PM:

quote: Kurt Zupin
I could care less about the floor operations...give me a bottle of film-guard and a splicer and I'm set!!

Hope to soon move to a theater where I can run booth full time...and get out of the monkey suit every day.

LOL - thought he was wanting to learn how to do "wet" splicing, but needing the FG instead. Should show these newbies on "wet" splicing, but no more acetate to do this trick with.

GOOD LUCK getting out of that "monkey suit!" Actually, being in the "monkey suit" will give you more job security than just slapping film together-you're more needed in that "monkey suit".

Unless... you get some smarts on how to be a tekkie, then this is getting to be the only way to get out of the "monkey suit" in this business.

-Monte

Posted by Brian D. Whitish (Member # 825) on 03-02-2005, 08:18 PM:

Started December 5, 1979. 25 plus years. First booth was in March 1980. 6 plex in Portland, Or. 2 70mm houses.

Posted by Kurt Zupin (Member # 2751) on 03-02-2005, 08:42 PM:

Monte,

The sad truth is your probably right...even though the full time booth jobs are out there they are few and far between. To have a safe paycheck from week to week I will have to keep on wearing the monkey suit...anyone got a bannana [Wink]

Don't get me wrong I love interacting with most of the customers...I love the regulars that come in and discuss the films, current events. But like I stated before my love is for booth.

AHH I GOT IT!!!!!!!

BECOME AN OWNER!!!

Wait that means I need some capital dosn't it?!?! Ah well here's to [beer]

future trust funds left to me that I don't know about [Wink]

Posted by Jeff Eisentraut (Member # 1121) on 03-02-2005, 08:51 PM:

Started in 1971, age 11, at the Eastgate Cinema in Des Moines Iowa. Bought my first theatre in 1986 in Tipton, Iowa. Now thriving in Hillsboro, Illinois.
http://www.thejournal-news.net/orpheum.htm

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 03-02-2005, 09:21 PM:

Gosh, it's really amazing all the cumulative years of experience and varied knowledge of all of us available here on Film-Tech.

Kudos to Brad, the Grand-Poo-BAH, for bringing us all together. [thumbsup]

BTW Jason... FU! HA! [Wink]

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 03-02-2005, 09:33 PM:

quote: Kurt Zupin
I love the regulars that come in and discuss the films, current events. But like I stated before my love is for booth.

Yes, that what makes working in the theatre actually FUN (when conditions exist..)when interacting with the customers, for a lot of them are so amazed with the art of projecting, for they seem it comes off of a DVD, or videotape, or even a smaller sized film (how many times have patrons call projectors "cameras" to you, and how many have they called film, "tape". I would get this bunch of times when I was showing them the projection system in my time)

The 2800 plus of us oughta do someting together as a HUGE TEAM about this who have all of the talent...

-Monte

Posted by Adam Fraser (Member # 1074) on 03-02-2005, 11:10 PM:

June 15, 1995. And a few years before tht helping out here and there at the family movie theatre. Started as an usher at 13, at 14-present work concession. Now it is whatever needs to be done, thread up every night, run the show a few nights a week, and 5 or so nights a week run the concession. So I guess it would be almost 10 years, at 22 years old.

Posted by Richard C. Wolfe (Member # 431) on 03-02-2005, 11:47 PM:

I have loved theatres as architecture since I was a kid growing up in the 50s. I would go to the movies more to see the theatres then watch the films. They were large, most in my area between 1,000 and 2,000 seats with balconies, large lobbies, lots of marble and ornate plaster, uniformed ushers, bright flashy marquees... all those things that for the most part, don't exist today.

My first taste of theatre as a profession was in high school on both the projection crew and the stage crew. Our high school had a large ornate auditorium with a good sized stage, an orchestra pit, balcony and a large projection booth with 16mm equipment. For me, it was my first theatre. My first real theatre job came about in 1965 when I was hired as an usher at a large downtown atmospheric movie palace. The type with the stars and drifting clouds overhead in the auditorium.

I aquired my first theatre in 1968 when I was 19 years old. I've operated 18 screens since then, most of them single screens, three twins, and three drive-ins. During the 90s I gave up all of my theatres except my current one which I have had now for almost 36 years. I have no interest in aquiring any more, but plan on running this theatre until I retire... if I retire, maybe it will retire me.

I'm therefore celebrating 40 years in theatres this year.

Posted by Chris Brown (Member # 2800) on 03-03-2005, 12:07 AM:

Wow I feel like such a youngin...just passed 4 years in January!

And I can safely predict that it will end around summer 2009, after graduating law school.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 03-03-2005, 12:24 AM:

quote:
just passed 4 years in January!

..is it in your blood yet to where you'll never forget it as long as you live?

How'd the REG trip go for you?

-Monte

Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 03-03-2005, 12:47 AM:

Since Nov. '86--18 years

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 03-03-2005, 12:59 AM:

Coming up on my Quarter-Century mark...since December 1980.

Posted by James Faber (Member # 2796) on 03-03-2005, 03:28 AM:

Since September 2003. Not too long, I know, but luckily I've got all you old farts here to teach me a thing or two! [Big Grin]

Posted by Jim Ziegler (Member # 86) on 03-03-2005, 04:22 AM:

Around 10 years.. Started in 1993, but have pursued other things for a couple of years between then and now...

Posted by Peter Kerchinsky (Member # 1098) on 03-03-2005, 05:32 AM:

James F.
Who you calling old? Just kidding! The employees at my theatre call me an "old fart" every now and then, so I'm used to it.
I started running film at the ripe age of 16. The first film I completely ran on my own was THE TEN COMMANDMENTS IN 1958. There was another operator in the booth at the time but he just sat there and watched me do my thing. That was a single screen palace just outside Boston.
When I moved West I thought the "bug" was over but not so. I've been running film off an on since. More on than off. Right now I'm at a 10 plex in Seattle.
I don't even want to know how many years it's been since 1958. Not good at math anyway!

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 03-03-2005, 05:34 AM:

Ran 16mm films in 1960.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 03-03-2005, 09:20 AM:

Sept. 7, 1974. I don't guess I'm considered as being in the industry anymore, unless you count my trailer production activities with Screen Attractions. I've been out of the booth for 2 or 3 years (although, I just did an install on New Years Day, and I'm always consulting on same).

Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 03-03-2005, 10:47 AM:

Your still in it Tim.....It's in your blood.....But we know you have to support your family and this buisiness is just not going to do that alone. Not at the level that you enjoyed. When you going to drive that truck through lexington again?

Posted by Robert Golding (Member # 746) on 03-03-2005, 10:56 AM:

I've been in the buisness one way or another since 1958. "Rodan" was my first movie, started at 15. Done other things over the years but once it's in your blood you can't get it out. Done everything from sweeping isles between movies to running the projectors to owning the whole darn theatre. It's been so much fun, don't want to retire but am thinking about it.

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 03-03-2005, 11:41 AM:

1 day and 15 minutes!

We should start a thread about how long do you plan on staying in the biz!

Rick

Posted by Chris Brown (Member # 2800) on 03-03-2005, 01:00 PM:

quote: Monte L Fullmer
is it in your blood yet to where you'll never forget it as long as you live?

Most likely, Monty! It's the only job I've ever had [Cool]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 03-03-2005, 01:01 PM:

Well Richard, you're starting your industry affiliation out on the right foot by participating here. Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 03-03-2005, 01:19 PM:

quote:
I've got all you old farts here to teach me a thing or two!

..(LOL) and us "old farts" know our stuff, so you'd better not SCREW IT UP, or you'll get a 'bitch slapping' that you'd never forget!

I'll send "Martha" to come over there to sit out you for a while if you do. Then, you'll remember! (LOL)

-Monte

Posted by William Uhlhorn (Member # 1923) on 03-03-2005, 01:25 PM:

Started in Feb of 1960 working the booth with Floyd (Fig) Newton. We both went to high school together.

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 03-03-2005, 02:01 PM:

Started professionally in 1945. Left after 26 years. Returned last year.

Posted by R. Andrew Diercks (Member # 1725) on 03-03-2005, 03:18 PM:

I started on June 10, 1994. Not all that long compared to some, but I hope to make it a very long career. I admittedly enjoy the ground level operations more, but I am picky about my presentation and the information gathered here has helped that process along.

Posted by Richard May (Member # 2627) on 03-03-2005, 03:37 PM:

I started in 1980 in fifth grade. Didnt get paid until about ten years later. Talk about back pay. [Smile]

Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 03-03-2005, 03:53 PM:

1999 to 2003 if you count the time in the biz

1966 to now if you count the time i spend complaining to bad theaters how much they suck at what they do.

ciao mon

dave

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 03-03-2005, 04:21 PM:

quote: Darryl Spicer
Your still in it Tim.....It's in your blood.....But we know you have to support your family and this buisiness is just not going to do that alone. Not at the level that you enjoyed. When you going to drive that truck through lexington again?

Thanks, Darryl, that's kind of you to say. You're right, it IS something that gets in your blood. I do feel a continuing attachment, through F-T, and I'd really be out of touch were it not for you guys. [Smile]

It's a vicarious experience for me.

Right now, I run a Philly to Boston dedicated, but whenever I go back to "over-the-road" operation, you can bet I'll give you a call whenever I get to town.

Posted by Christian Volpi (Member # 2370) on 03-03-2005, 04:36 PM:

Started Nov. 1996

Posted by Hugh McCullough (Member # 1542) on 03-03-2005, 05:16 PM:

Started August 1958 in the cinema when I was 17 on Kalee 12s & Vulcan carbon arcs, BTH Pull through sound gate with sound optics that looked like a small telescope, but had projected 16mm at school (Bell & Howell) from the age of 13 when they found out that I had a 9.5mm Pathe Son projector at home.
Been a projectionist ever since.

Posted by Dick Twentyman (Member # 2746) on 03-03-2005, 09:40 PM:

I guess I am one of those "old farts" mentioned in earlier posts. I started in cinema at the age of 11 (highly illegally, I might say) in 1957 at the old Pix Cinema in Belmont, a suburb of Geelong, Victoria, winding film during Saturday matinees. Since then, I have "messed about" with 16mm as well as 35mm. I have always regretted never having had the chance to handle 70mm. As I am now 58, that makes around 47 years in the biz, and still loving every minute of it.

I started on Simplex with Calder HI carbon arcs and 2000 ft. spools, manual changeover (sliding bar on the wall above the ports, with sound changeover by foot operated switch set in the floor. I now work casual shifts at an 8 screen complex here in Geelong. Kinoton FP50Ds, Kinoton platters and xenons between 2K and 7K.

By the way, Phil, you are quite right - one has to keep up with the times.

Posted by Robert John Jeromson (Member # 2559) on 03-03-2005, 09:56 PM:

Been in the biz since 1998 and as a projectionist since 1999. I was always facinated with cinema projection and ran 16mm at a local theatre for a couple of school holiday seasons from 1992 to 1994, I don't count that as they were those awful automatic thread beasts from the local school science department.

Posted by James Falloon (Member # 1933) on 03-04-2005, 01:35 AM:

I remember playing with dads super 8 film editor and some home movies when I was a kid, does this count? [Big Grin]

Got my first projectionist paycheck Sept 1998, loved it ever since. Started out running changeovers and carbon arcs, and now working at a little 3 screen cinema. [Smile]

Posted by Richard C. Wolfe (Member # 431) on 03-05-2005, 12:12 AM:

Tim... of course you're still in it. You actually live in it. Your apartment is in a theatre building. Your kitchen is above the lobby and across the hall from the projection room. Every time you go to the frig for a snack you must hear those projectors running across the hall.

And then there are those times when a knock comes on your door, and you hear... Hey, I'm having a little problem over here, could you come over and have a look?

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 03-05-2005, 10:58 PM:

Heh-heh... thanks, Richard! I do enjoy those calls. [Wink]

Posted by Stephen Jones (Member # 16) on 03-06-2005, 08:43 PM:

Dick, Would the be a 24' old fart.
Steve [Wink]

Posted by Timothy Ervin (Member # 733) on 03-07-2005, 01:25 AM:

This month marks 17 years for me. [Cool]

Posted by Per Hauberg (Member # 529) on 03-07-2005, 06:19 PM:

Started march, 6th., 1971 - Single screen house (304 seats), pair of Victoria 8 with Zenith 4000 lamps, optical sound only and automatic change-over. All brand new, but as watched in the mirror of old farts, no fun at all ! Much funnier things happened fArther up the road...

Posted by Dennis Udovich (Member # 1066) on 03-07-2005, 09:11 PM:

1964-65 Standard Theatres, Stardusk Outdoor Theatre, Sheboygan, WI selling hot dogs and popcorn.
1965-69 Army & Air Force Motion Picture, Arlington, VA; Udorn, Thailand, U.S. Army
1969-70 Stardusk Outdoor, Rampman
1970-1985 Marcus Sheboygan Theatre, Asst. Mgr.
1972-1999 Marcus Marc Cinema, Sheboygan, Asst. Mgr.
1999-2000 Marcus Marc Cinema, Associate Mgr.
2000-present Marcus Marc Cinema, General Mgr.

Posted by Don Sneed (Member # 955) on 03-07-2005, 09:39 PM:

Started as union projectionist in Nov. 1970 in Galveston Texas, went technical in the spring of 1980 to present. Travel the world installing projection & sound equipment...whoooaaa weee 35 yrs for me too !!!

Posted by Thomas Dieter (Member # 2507) on 03-07-2005, 10:50 PM:

Started working theatres in Sept. 1998. Started projecting in Sept. 2000.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 03-10-2005, 11:14 PM:

Yes, Don, I well remember you down at Galvez Mall. At that point, I think you were just working the booth for fun (after Richard Brown got canned? -- I'm surprised I remembered that name). You used to cover for me when I worked for Altec out of Houston, which I appreciated. You were always great.

I also remember you had those restaurant drive-through systems, which I thought was a cool gig.

Posted by Don Sneed (Member # 955) on 03-11-2005, 02:39 PM:

Hey Tim Whoooaaa weeeeee, you woke up some memories from the bottom of the pile...I kept thinking....Richard Brown, Richard Brown, where do I know that name...after about two minutes it hit me...RICHARD BROWN !!! & mentioning the drive-thru intercom install & service.....damn that had to be 15-20 yrs ago...we need to talk, email me at: Dons@universalcinema.com I will be going to Showest, hope you are too, can't miss me, I'm the one with Universal Cinema Services on the back of a tan jacket...email me...

Posted by Rick Long Jr (Member # 541) on 03-12-2005, 01:30 PM:

Been in projection rooms as long as I can remember.

Officially started as a tech in 1986.

Unofficially since I could reach the top sprocket.

Posted by Brad Light (Member # 2961) on 03-12-2005, 02:35 PM:

35 years now. I had to stand on a film can to put house reels of film in the top magazines. I miss change over bells! I'm 47 now, and when I first went to work I was 15 years old for 3 years!

Posted by Jannette McQueen (Member # 1885) on 03-12-2005, 03:32 PM:

I started at my first cinema as a concession girl at the end of May 2002 and then expressed my interest in working upstairs and started in projection in October 2002.

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 03-12-2005, 04:07 PM:

Started in 1993 when I was 13. Yeah, not quite legal. [Smile]

Still in the biz, just not scooping AS MUCH popcorn as I used to. So, 12 years, half my life...

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 03-13-2005, 08:36 PM:

So Rich, were you part of ZZ Top? [Wink]

Posted by Rick Long Jr (Member # 541) on 03-13-2005, 10:32 PM:

No. I just don't like to shave my chin. [Razz]

Posted by Ari Nordström (Member # 288) on 03-14-2005, 06:28 AM:

Since 1986. August, I think.

Posted by John McConnel (Member # 2000) on 03-20-2005, 10:58 PM:

52 years. I started in 1953 as an 11-year-old projectionist, in pre-CinemaScope days, and March 21 is my anniversary. MONTANA BELLE was the first movie, and HIGH NOON was second. I got to run 2-projector 3-D. Projectors were standard Simplex, soundheads were Western Electric with the photocell in the door, the amplifier was an 8-watt W.E., and lamphouses were Strong 1 KW.

Posted by Lee Michael Breese (Member # 3056) on 03-23-2005, 01:12 AM:

I am not sure on the month but I believe it was the End of march of 2002 when I started. It wasn't till last September I was out on my own running my own theatre.

Posted by Jacek Dejnarowicz (Member # 3062) on 03-26-2005, 05:31 PM:

I started in 1991, but I threaded my first print when I was ten.

Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 03-28-2005, 02:28 AM:

Exhibition: 1988 - 1995

Production: 1995 - 2000

Press: 1997 - Present

Posted by Jeremy Jorgenson (Member # 2989) on 03-31-2005, 04:47 AM:

Hey, this is my first post...

I've been working in theatres since March 1993 (so, jeez 12 years), 35mm projection since December 1997 (unofficially - April 1998 officially - so 7ish years) and large format since October 1999 (I've worked with both 8/70 & 15/70 projectors... although currently I'm back with 4/35).

Posted by Gordon Leslie (Member # 139) on 04-27-2005, 08:21 AM:

Started boxing day 1970 = 34 and a bit years, guess that makes me and old fart like Steve Jones!

Posted by William T. Parr (Member # 677) on 04-27-2005, 02:43 PM:

Posted by William T. Parr (Member # 677) on 04-27-2005, 02:43 PM:

Going on my 17th year here. Started out in June of 88 at the Cinemark Dollar Cinema in Corpus.

Posted by Glen Rich (Member # 1150) on 05-06-2005, 07:40 PM:

Unoffically August 1984 at the Bandiana (Army) Cinema, officially January 1985 at the same place, on Bauer U3's and Eprad (so called) sound systems.

In the '90s ,(when I became a civilian again), here you have to wait for someone to 'retire' or die to gain employment in the industry, so I spent 2 years experiencing "the real world". So 18 plus yrs full time.

Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 05-08-2005, 12:55 PM:

1973

Posted by Dennis Benjamin (Member # 1137) on 05-10-2005, 04:49 PM:

July 11th, 1989.

Still in it.

Looking forward to my 16th anniversary in July. Big Party - everyone's invited. [beer]

Posted by Jason M Miller (Member # 2597) on 05-10-2005, 06:54 PM:

I celebrated one year in April...Man how time goes by

Posted by Dieter Depypere (Member # 3184) on 05-30-2005, 03:07 PM:

Er... I need to think... Let's take the year when I was first able to run a show... This was when I was 12-14 years old. Today I am 20 1/2 years old.

Oh yes time moves by (from the left to the right - do remember that [Big Grin]

)

Posted by Jason Greek (Member # 3159) on 05-30-2005, 05:52 PM:

I'm a noob, 9 months!! But I have the pleasure of working next to a 31 Year veteran and I'm a quick study!