Projectionist

Projectionists project motion pictures on different screens for small and large audiences, with the use of film or digital equipment. Traditionally, projectionists work at cinema theatres making certain that film screenings go smoothly.

• Receive films for inspection and make a note of any technical issues for repairs.
• Oversee every aspect of technical operations at the cinema venue such as ventilation, fire alarms, heating and lighting.
• Ensure that cinema screenings are in compliance with Health and Safety regulations and requirements.
• Turn on the projector and confirm that images are the right size and in-focus for easy viewing.
• Arrange for other technicians such as a repair person to visit the site for replacing parts and fixing existing equipment.

On a typical day, it will be up to the projectionist to set up and inspect screen and curtain controls, along with film projection equipment. You will spend most of your time efficiently operating equipment for showing films in a few theaters at the same time. To make certain films run without any glitches, you will carry out minor repair work such as replacing worn sprockets and letting maintenance know about major repairs required.

Occasionally, a projectionist has to splice as well as rewind films onto reels manually or automatically to fix interrupted sections of the film. Finally, your role will revolve around closely monitoring the seamless functioning of projectors to anticipate when you need to transfer operations from one projector to another.

One’s work schedule will depend on the hours a cinema viewing venue is open. Cinemas theatres are usually open on afternoons and evenings, not early mornings. Some cinemas have extra late nights including weekends so work timings can be irregular. Most projectionists work in shifts for different parts of the day.

In this type of career, individuals carry out their responsibilities indoors, in small rooms that are well-ventilated and dust-free to preserve the film. This type of work can often be strenuous due to heavy lifting of film reels. Taking care of big screens and curtains require that projectionists are comfortable with heights.

Vacancies in this job sector have been mostly unchanged since 2004. However, demand for motion picture projectionists is expected to increase with up to 1,490 new opportunities to be filled by 2018. Over the next few years, job availability in this career path, will experience a rise of 1.98 percent.

Typical employers include academic institutions, healthcare facilities, museums, movie theatres, etc. For instance, some companies that hire can be as diverse as Alamo Drafthouse, Cinepolis USA, Video Tech Services, US Space and Rocket Center, Satikos Theatres, the Smithsonian Museum, Sunrise Theatre, IMAX Corporation, Greenwich International Film Festival, and AMC Networks.

Early career professionals gather experience with larger cinema chains before moving to more exclusive independent cinemas. Progress in this area can advance projectionists to administrative or managerial roles.

There is no specific academic qualification needed to enter the field of cinema projectionists as a profession. However, a minimum high school diploma will put you at an advantage against your competition in the market. An interest in the film industry and films is essential to embark on this role. Due to classification laws, the main requirement is that candidates are at least 18 years old.

Opportunities are available for training programs and courses, provided by various organisations. Completing coursework that is assessed by the film industry will better prepare you for a career as a projectionist. Typically, individuals gain experience by joining a film club or taking film production courses in higher studies.

To get your foot in the door, start by submitting an application for a Trainee Projectionist position or a similar role in cinema, until you take on the role of a projectionist full-time. More experience allows you to anticipate the needs of future events and successfully maintain…