Showmen's Trade Review (Jan-Mar 1945)

Needed— Greater Care In Handling The Film Film Carrier Executive Cites Cases of Theatre Neglect in 9-Point Plan for Conservation Losses of film through theft and damage to reels and containers is a most serious matter which could be reduced to a large degree through more careful supervision by theatre management, according to Clint Weyer, Secretary of National Film Carriers, Inc. If film and film cans were handled more like a crate of eggs the losses could be measurably reduced. In reality, film is much more valuable than eggs and film cans many times more costly than crates. The carelessness responsible for this condition, the carriers claim stems from the fact that in most cases the handling of film in the theatres is regarded as an irksome chore which projectionists undertake reluctantly, or sluff off on an usher or stooge. Often the duty is preformed in an off-manner. The natural desire to get out of the theatre as quickly as possible after the last show is a very understandable human instinct which can only be combatted by constant managerial supervision. Mr. Weyer, on the basis of accumulated experiences of the many film carrier members of his organization has compiled a series of pointers for STR readers which if observed can aid materially in the elimination of practices which cause waste. The carriers recommendations are based upon the conditions they find in their daily routine of picking up and delivering film on one of the most exacting schedules required by any business known. While careless theatre employes are in the minority there has been a highly perceptible increase in their ranks — is due, no doubt, to the manpower problems confronting the industry. With the manager in most cases on his way or already home by the time the last show breaks and with the assistant busily checking the house while locking up, the poor old film cans sometimes get tossed down a flight of stairs or off a fire escape to the ground, or skidded across the lobby floor impelled by a good swift kick. This may sound far fetched, but how can you argue that point after looking at the picture on this page. It does happen and quite frequently. In most cases it can be attributed to one of two causes: 1. Just plain cussedness. 2. 'Laziness. It is improbable that these careless fellows would ever admit to such wanton destruction of valuable property unless caught in the act. In nine cases out of ten the damage will be attributed to the film delivery serviceman and there is where the controversy sticks. There are many ways in which the exhibitor can cooperate in this matter, most important of which is constant supervision over those responsible for the removal of film from the booth to the pick up point in the lobby. Of course, the manner in which film is handled by the projectionists in the booth at all times is of equal importance. The most critical moments in the life of a reel of film while entrusted to the care of the theatre is when it comes out of the projector for the last time and is being readied for shipment. Again it is the haste that makes for waste. Even rewinding for shipment is most important if the edges which are weakened by the sprocket holes are not to be crushed enroute to the exchange or the next run. There are many other less considered items of carelessness and neglect, often unintentional, which are of equal importance and worthy of equal attention. Here are Mr. Weyer's helpful suggestions : 1. When the last show is running, it is the practice to bring the cases of film to the lobby after the reels have been run for the last time. With patrons still in the theatre, it is an easy matter for juveniles to pick up a case of film as they leave the theatre. Most of these recent losses have been one reel subjects. 2. Another theft hazard that can be prevented is the practice of the clean-up crew leaving the front doors unlocked and the cases of film for that afternoon's show left in lobby, having been left there by the film delivery during the night ; the driver, of course, has a key to each theatre. Under no circumstances should film be left in the lobby or elsewhere in the theatre to which the public has access. 3. Do not drop film containers from windows or fire escapes — if cans too heavy when full, the reels should be brought down several at a time. 4. Proper label bands should be on each reel — often reels are not correctly labeled causing much extra work and delay at the Exchange. Often the operator will remove the cast and introduction of the picture, and instead of replacing, throw same in the film container. When the show is received at the Exchange, the cast and introduction will be damaged beyond repair. 5. Most important every reel be placed in the proper container — otherwise reels go to the wrong Exchange, cannot be located for days, and it is necessary to order duplicate prints — a very serious matter with present film shortage. 6. Program sheets should be checked and prints returned immediately after playdates — otherwise the Exchange may have a missout because of a next day booking — this is particularly true of serials or Westerns usually booked for one day and balance of show will play additional time. 7. When the operator finishes the last show (Continued on Page 45) Mashed film can from which reel had to be removed by use of tools. Sixty feet of film ruined as a result of theatre carelessness. Same can as shown above before the lid had been pried open. This contained a serial which was picked up by driver, open as shown after being dropped from booth to street below. Print returned to exchange as shown above. Just a vulgar display of projectionist carelessness in rewinding and handling after show. Above you can see the result to a film can when it is dropped from a fire-escape to street level. This is how it looked to the pickup man.