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Topic: Test for Projectionist

Manuel Francisco Valencia
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 151
From: Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 03-23-2001 09:52 PM

I am currently in the process of hiring some projectionists and I am typing up a series of questions to make up a test. I've already got about a hundred of the basics but I thought I would seek some input from you guys. FYI, we have the "Christie Package" although I am trying to stay away from questions that deal with any particular models. Any contributions would be appreciated.

Paul G. Thompson
The Weenie Man

Posts: 4718
From: Mount Vernon WA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 03-23-2001 10:13 PM

Hi Manuel. I think your test will have to depend on whether or not you hire trainees or seasoned projectionists.

Don't get too technical. General basic questions very often will determine how much smoke the prospect is blowing.

John Pytlak
Film God

Posts: 9987
From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 03-23-2001 10:26 PM

Are you testing to find people with an aptitude for projection, whom you will then train? Or experienced projectionists who need to meet your expectations of detailed knowledge and skills?

Aptitude can include manual dexterity, attention to detail, knowledge of electronics and optics, familiarity with AV equipment, "hands on" problem solving, etc.

Specific projection skills are best tested in writing and by "hands on" demonstration and problem solving, similar to tests given apprentices by the IATSE.

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John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Cell: 716-781-4036 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion

Tim Reed
Better Projection Pays

Posts: 5246
From: Northampton, PA
Registered: Sep 1999

posted 03-24-2001 03:31 PM

Manuel, I used to live in OKC and I loved it there. If you hire me to be your projectionist, at $25 an hour + benes, I will completely remove any concern you or your management will ever have regarding the booth or its maintenance. You simply open the theatre every day, and your movies will be on the screens for you, like magic.

I can guarantee you will never have to worry about it again.

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Better Projection Pays!

Aaron Mehocic
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 804
From: New Castle, PA, USA
Registered: Jun 99

posted 03-26-2001 11:41 AM

I've mentioned testing before in other threads, but since so many new people have come to Film-tech, I'll revisit the question:

Does your state (or province) require licensed projectionists and force them to be tested for the licensure?

Here in Pennsylvania, the Dept. of Industry is hitting hard on the independents to lincense their operators. I live 3 miles from the border with Ohio so it's not just a greater metropolitain Harrisburg thing if you know what I mean. Any feedback?

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Manuel Francisco Valencia
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 151
From: Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 03-26-2001 02:31 PM

John
I want to find people that are experienced in projection and are familiar with the basics. Areas like electronics are not required but they are a plus.

To Tim
That would be a relief but I don't think that 25/hr. would jive with my GM.

To Aaron
We can hire anyone off the streets.

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Bob Maar
(Maar stands for Maartini)

Posts: 28608
From: New York City & Newport, RI
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 03-26-2001 03:52 PM

You get what you pay for.

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Linda Learn
Film Handler

Posts: 16
From: Tunkhannock, PA, USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 03-26-2001 04:58 PM

Aaron, I was talking to the secretary in our PA State Representative's office about projectionist licenses. She said they were going to stop requiring them late this year.

Maybe it's a last ditch effort to get money out of people. Wouldn't put it past the state.

A lot of non-profits around here don't use licensed projectionists. We are hiring one part-time licensed projectionist, have an "emergency only" licensed projectionist on hand, and the two of us (Esther and I) will be getting apprentice licenses and go for the Dept of Labor & Industry testing later on.

I'm reading everything I can get my hands on (which mostly comes from this site and the references in the posts) and cleaning every washer, gear, sprocket and undetermined part in the heads that the technition is rebuilding....learning "hands-on" so to speak.
Thank you Brad, for creating this website!!!
I am so impressed with the people who post here!
And thanks again Glenda!

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