The Role of the Projectionist

Overview

Film Unit operates with 35mm film using a Victoria 5000 cinema projector. The projectionist team are responsible for making up, screening, and making down the films as well as ensuring that the films arrive and leave on time. Each film arrives as a set of reels (between five and ten) which have to be spliced together and any damage to the reels must be fixed. This is the 'make up' process. The film is joined onto the adverts and trailers which are shown at the beginning of each screening. Once the film has been made up onto the platter system it is ready to be played through the projector. After screening the film to the audience it is then 'made down' where the projectionist takes the reels apart and sends the film back to the distributor or to the next cinema. It is important for us that all of this is done in a professional manner otherwise this could spoil the audiences' enjoyment. We have a training program designed so that trainees progress through a series of stages to become qualified. There are further targets after qualification so that projectionists learn how to teach and qualify others. The role is incredibly satisfying and there are committee positions available for projectionists as well. You get to see any of the cinema's films for free and if you are working a particular film you can transfer this benefit to a friend. It is also a superb role for a CV, demonstrating long-term commitment to a project, technical ability, time management, teamwork, working independently, and the ability to train others.

The Digital Switchover

The cinema industry is currently transforming the way films are shown in cinemas. The industry standard for the past seventy or eighty years has been the use of 35mm film. However, with new technologies a digital alternative has become available and the industry, in order to make the switchover comprehensive, will be switching to digital format within the next two or three years. Whilst the loss of 35mm exhibition is regrettable, film unit cannot get left behind and the committee decided recently that it would raise the money and purchase a new digital projector. Film unit has existed since 1949 and in order for it to continue we must switch. As a result the role of the projectionist will radically alter and in some cinemas has already been lost altogether. Film unit will continue to have projectionists who will be responsible for all technical aspects of the film presentation. If you are interested in our campaign please e-mail film.unit@shef.ac.uk.

How to get involved

We advertise projectionist vacancies when they arise through the film unit website and a general e-mail to all university students. We then arrange interviews for all the candidates, which last approximately ten minutes. This provides the candidates with an opportunity to see the projection box, equipment, and ask questions and for the interviewers to get a sense of whether they believe the candidate would be suitable for the role. These interviews are relaxed but professional, we aim to treat the application process similar to the process you would undertake when applying for a job. We then select someone to take on as a trainee. Trainees must be able to commit to at least one film per week, including making up and making down. It should be stated that these roles are competitive and that only a few individuals are taken on each year. However, if you are interested please feel free to get in contact.

Who to contact for any information

If you are interested in becoming involved, need more information or are an external body please contact either Rebekah Huggins (Chief Projectionist) or Paul Galvin (Junior Projectionist) courtesy of film.unit@shef.ac.uk.