International projectionist (Jan 1963-June 1965)

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lions of the projector become a part of his knowledge, he will have difficulty maintaining equipment. For example, a knowledge of how the star-wheel intermittent operates precludes its servicing as directed for a specific brand of projector. With an understanding of the mechanical essentials, the projectionist can then make the necessary repairs and adjustments to his particular installation. Light and Lenses Must be Understood The third basic requirement for the well-equipped projectionist is an understanding of the principles of CURTAIN CONTROLS, TRACKS and SPECIAL OPERATING DEVICES VALLEN, Inc. AKRON 4, OHIO optics. This requirement is important because of the ever-changing methods of presentation and the problems introduced by the drive-in theatre. With more and more theatres installing 70 mm. equipment is is the projectionist's responsibility to make sure that the effect of the presentation meets the requirements demanded by the public. For instance in a large downtown theatre, the new 70 mm. equipment was installed haphazardly and it was several days before the performance met already established standards. Although this may be a rare case, the man in charge of running the show should do his best to prevent such occurrences. Even though such practices are not the fault of the projectionist, a man with a thorough knowledge of optics is valuable when new theatres go up or when established theatres are remodeled. Before concluding these three sections here is a brief summary. In order to do his job adequately, the theatre projectionist needs an understanding of ( 1 ) basic electronics, (2) basic mechanics, and (3) basic optics. A problem arises as to how one can properly gain this knowl DO YOU BUY I^^U ON PRIC PRICE OR COST? 2-YEAR COATING GUARANTEED FIRST SURFACE DICHROIC REFLECTORS They're a bargain because everything an ordinary reflector does TUFCOLD does better and longer. That's why they're worth more yet actually COST 43% LESS based on life expectancy. So, since your old reflectors, by wasting power, carbons, and light, cost more than new TUFCOLDS, replace them now. THE STRONG ELECTRIC CORPORATION 31 City Park Avenue • Toledo 1, Ohio edge. Experience is particularly needed for mechanics, but the theories of light and electronics require outside study. If possible, an engineering program at one of the leading universities would be beneficial, but since many projectionists cannot undertake such a program, there are other methods of learning this material. For example, there are many specialized electronic schools throughout the country, and correspondence courses also present a method of gaining necessary knowledge. Positive Altitudes Are Necessary This section includes the most important data in the report. In order to perform properly the skills mentioned, the three kinds of knowledge just discussed play an important role. One authority defined a projectionist who had these skills as a "presentation man." The term describes the actual running of the show as opposed to maintaining the equipment. It is in mechanics that experience proves most helpful, but just because a man has many years experience, he does not necessarily become an expert "presentation man." There are other factors entering into the qualification. First, and one of the most important, is attitude toward the job. Because many of the duties performed daily become more or less routine after they are learned, the man running the projectors may develop a complacent feeling toward the work, and an inferior product sometimes results. With the new arch lamp and projectors that the present theatres use, the hazard of this attitude increases because one can get by with less supervision than before. The projectionist ought to feel that he is as much an artist as the stars on the screen, for without him their acting ability is lost; consequently, constant awareness of his important function to the entertainment industry is necessary, for every man regardless of the size of the theatre in which he works. With the proper attitude toward the profession, the normal daily duties contribute to job satisfaction and pride in the work. Checking is a Key Word The second requirement of a good presentation involves a key word in every projectionist's vocabulary — checking. Unfortunately, since people all make mistakes and projectionists are human, a good presentation demands constant checking of the various functions performed. On many jobs, a small mistake goes unnoticed and does little real harm, but even 16 International Projectionist January 1963