International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1954)

Proper Projection Procedure For Re-Opening The Drive-In Theatre THE TERM "summer theatre" when used in connection with motion pictures denotes an exhibition operation providing screen entertainment during the summer vacation season. These operations may be divided into three main classes: 1. "Permanent" theatres which are operated only during the summer months because winter operation is unprofitable. 2. "Temporary" motion picture installations, among which are found open-air tents, concert halls, and dance pavilions pressed into service as cinemas. 3. Drive-in theatres. Drive-in theatres are usually permanent in that the projection equipment is not removed at the close of the season. The "temporary" venture often employs motion pictures as a filler for open dates between concerts and stage shows. The "permanent" type of summer theatre is the most conventional, but the presentations consist largely of first-run, top-quality productions on single-feature bills with selected short subjects. The operational policy, in general, is conservative and dignified. Projectionists in most summer-resort theatres are required to close down at the end of the first evening show for an intermission — a convenience for waiting second-show patrons who find that a "preview" of the last few scenes of the feature picture spoils their enjoyment of the show. Starting times of shows are seldom delayed, except in the case of reservedseat performances. Reopening Tasks Formidable A truly formidable number of tasks await the projectionist who must open a theatre which has been closed for a considerable length of time. To neglect any of them is to invite film breaks, light failures, and sound-system troubles. The skill, experience, and reputation of the projectionist are put to the test of preconceived standards from the outset. Failure to On the sound premise that one needs not so much to be told as to be reminded, IP presents again the appended material which it published originally in April, 1949. These data are particularly appropriate now when feverish activity in terms of new processes is rampant in the drive-in field, particularly the new wide screenj. achieve acceptable screen results will discredit him. Ample time must be allowed to line up the projection and sound equipment prior to opening. Certain legal aspects of such operations affect the projectionist and must be considered before anything else. No matter what the type of theatre, its projection facilities must meet the specifications of state and municipal ordnances. Examinations for projection licenses cover the following six points : 1. Handling of the head, lamp, appliances, and wiring of the projection equipment. 2. Practical testing for electrical defects in the lamp and wiring in the projection room. 3. Use of the safety appliances in the projection room. 4. Film-handling regulations. 5. Laws and regulations governing motion picture projection. 6. Projection demonstration in a theatre. Legal requirements having been met, the projectionist is free to proceed directly to the equipment, and for this work a systematic, step-by-step servicing plan is helpful. It is only by exercising the utmost care in checking and lining up that the projectionist can be sure that all units have been covered thoroughly, and that the allimportant opening show will run smoothly and with professional "snap." The following suggested plan has been devised with the very worst conditions in mind. Specific instructions for checking various projector adjustments were outlined in "Notes on Projector Maintenance" (IP for August, 1948, p. 6), hence only the details of systematic inspection and servicing are treated at length in this article. The principal steps of the plan are numbered and headed to facilitate reference. Inspection, Servicing Plan 1. Preliminary Cleaning. Do not switch projector motor on at this time! Dust off the exterior surfaces of each projector, lamp, magazines, head, motor, and pedestal. Wipe the rustpreventive grease from all exterior and interior parts, and remove rust spots with a small cloth wet with kerosene. Dry thoroughly, apply a thin film of projector oil to the parts cleaned, and Warning: Correct Width of Adjustable Shutter Blades Shutters having blades of adjustable width need special attention. It has been stated incorrectly in a well-known textbook on projection that the lens may be about one-third open when the intermittent sprocket starts to move and the same distance open when the sprocket comes to rest, without affecting the screen image. This inconceivably bad practice is advocated as an effective measure for increasing screen illumination. Actual projection tests prove that the extra illumination amounts to only 2 or 3% — an amount imperceptible to the average eye. The really important effect, however, is the introduction of an annoying rapid trembling of the edges of all bright objects in the screen image. We are forced to conclude, therefore, that the occulation of the film image must be positively of sufficient duration to keep the screen dark during the entire interval of the film movement in the gate. It is decidedly better to have the blades a trifle too wide than too 26 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST • APRIL 1954