The Exhibitor (1965)

Editorial Helping The Projectionist GOOD RELATIONS between a theatre’s management and the men in the booth can go a long way towards making day to day operation a harmonious, pleasant experience. Perhaps even more important is the stake both parties have in maintaining high stand¬ ards of screen presentation. Nothing can discourage discriminating patronage as quickly as sloppy projection. On the other hand, a quality presentation is always appreciated, though neither management nor projectionists may always be aware of this. Looking at some of the extreme examples of how bad things can get in this area, we find a manager “barred” from his booth for any reason, a projectionist forced to make do with worn out re¬ flectors and undersized trims in the name of “economy,” theatre owners laying out sizeable amounts for useless equipment and re¬ placements because the projectionist “needed the materials,” booth men expected to “fix” complicated projection and sound compo¬ nents that require the attention of specially trained servicemen, and other tales which add up to a classic case history of misunderstand¬ ing. In this issue of PHYSICAL THEATRE, we have presented a rather complete review of design trends and accepted operating and maintenance procedures for some of the most important pieces of booth equipment. For the knowledgeable projectionist, this ma¬ terial will serve as a quick refresher on the many points covered. For the beginner, or projectionist who can do little more than op¬ erate the equipment in his booth, this material will show some of the reasons why regular maintenance & adjustment of equipment is necessary if good results are desired. Though we are primarily addressing ourselves to the projectionist, those in other areas of exhibition would do well to invest the time required to go over this material, especially if they are charged with final responsibility for the picture on the theatre screen. Having spelled out in some detail what is expected of the good projectionist, we hasten to add that there is a mighty difference between the manager who understands the limitations of the equip¬ ment in his booth, taking into account its condition and the condi¬ tion of the prints delivered to the projectionist, and the manager whose sole contribution to booth matters is making a pest of him¬ self. The cooperative manager will listen to the recommendations of his projectionist on booth changes, new equipment and other mat¬ ters, and will recognize the importance of keeping booth equipment in good adjustment and repair, making provisions for outside serv¬ ice as required, and will give his projectionist the extra time needed for adequate print inspection, repair and normal equipment mainte¬ nance. As we said, both projectionist and theatre operator have a vital stake in the quality of the picture on the screen. Without the full cooperation of theatre management, the projectionist cannot be ex¬ pected to keep standards up to the levels the public currently de¬ mands. PHYSICAL THEATRE • EXTRA PROFITS • Sectional department of MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR, published once a month by Jay Emanuel Publications, Inc., 317 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107. All contents copyrighted and all reprint rights reserved. Al deProspero, editor SPECIALIZATION . . . Like the work of a professional, in his chosen calling, all the advantages of Massey’s years of concentration on seating to the exclusion of all else, go to you. The pride of skilled mastery in every seating installation by Massey, no matter how large or small, is backed by unsurpassed service for total satisfaction. Like to talk with us? now featuring MASCOFOAM SEAT CUSHIONS More durable, more comfortable, safer. Fire and moth-resistant, won't lump, sag or mat. Moulded to “ breathe " and may be cleaned. Ask for samples. MANUFACTURERS: Foam rubber & spring cushions; coverings. DISTRIBUTORS: Upholstery fabrics, general seat supplies. SEATING CO. 100 Taylor Street, Nashville, Tenn. Phone: Chapel 2-2561 For the BEST in THEATRE FORMS and SYSTEMS M. P, EXHIBITOR BOOK SHOP June 16, 1965 PHYSICAL THEATRE • EXTRA PROFITS DEPARTMENT of MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR PE-3