I'd like to have this thread be a list of publications that others have found useful in learning knowledge and skills needed to be a good projectionist and/or theatre service engineer. If possible, provide enough information so that others can obtain copies of the publication, and a short description or critique of the publication.

I'll start things off:

Motion-Picture Projection and Theatre Presentation Manual - published by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), 595 West Hartsdale Avenue, White Plains, NY 10607, Phone 914-761-1100. Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 78-95387. First published in 1969, this book is really showing its age (before platters, before stereo optical soundtracks, before digital sound). But it does cover many of the basics of projection. At last word, a new SMPTE Projection Manual will soon be available, with material from the BKSTS Projection Manual, and updates from ITEA equipment suppliers.

Standards for Motion Picture Production and Presentation - published by Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, 595 West Hartsdale Avenue, White Plains, NY 10607, Telephone 914-761-1100. Web site: http://www.smpte.org/publ/pubs.html. Contains 21 key motion-picture standards covering camera apertures, film dimensions, audio records, time and control codes, scanned areas and projection parameters. Member price $40, Non-members $55. ISBN 0-940690-32-2. (a real bargain, as individual standards usually cost $15 each). You can also order a CD-ROM containing Adobe Acrobat .pdf files of ALL current SMPTE standards.

Kodak's "Film Notes for Reel People" (Publication H-50 Issues 01 to 53), now known as "Cinema Notes" (Issue H-50-54 published March 2000). Free US mail subscription available by faxing request to 310-204-7111, or sending "snail mail" address information to pamela.jackson@kodak.com. Also available on-line at Kodak's web site: http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/newsletters/reel/index.shtml. BTW, Brad Miller is also scanning and posting all previous issues on the Film-Tech site, from 1976 to present.

The Kodak web site has quite a few other publications available "on-line", as well as a wealth of technical information on films and film handling (e.g., film data sheets, processing specifications, printing information, cyan dye track, etc.): http://www.kodak.com/go/motion

Kodak ScreenCheck Training Program - an updated and expanded version of Kodak's projectionist training program. Seminars given in Los Angeles (Culver City) CA, or "on the road" at your site. Call Jim Ferguson at 310-204-7144 or E-mail james.ferguson@kodak.com

BKSTS Wall Chart Series - an excellent series of posters that illustrate the history of color film, widescreen formats, special effects processes, etc. Available from the British Kinematograph Sound and Television Society (BKSTS) at http://www.bksts.com/posters.htm Copies are also for sale by the SMPTE.

BKSTS Motion Picture Presentation Manual - may still be available from the BKSTS. AFAIK, is being updated and information will be shared with the new SMPTE projection manual. http://www.bksts.com

BKSTS Seminars for Cinema Projectionists - BKSTS often sponsors all-day training seminars for theatre projectionists in the UK. http://www.bksts.com/courses.htm

National Projector Carbon Bulletins - first published in 1958. Obviously out of date and out of print. Excellent and very understandable discussion of projection optics, light measurement,lamphouse alignment, etc.

American WideScreen Museum - Marty Hart's excellent and comprehensive web site covering the history of widescreen movies, sound and color motion-pictures. An invaluable resource. http://www.simplecom.net/widefilm/

Mitchell's Manual of Practical Projection - by Robert A. Mitchell, published by International Projectionist Publications Co. in 1956. Library of Congress Call Number TR890.M55. Old and out of print, but an excellent summary of the mechanics and physics of projection (e.g, discussion of intermittents, shutters, etc.)

Bluebook of Projection - by Frank Herbert Richardson, edited by Aaron Nadell, published by Quigley Publishing in 1953. Library of Congress Call Number TR890.R5 1953 The last update of the famous "Bluebook", covers the basics of projection.

Film Presentation: Presentation is Everything - 30-minute VHS tape, covering the basics of projection for the "newbie". Available from the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), 4605 Lankershim Boulevard, Suite 340, North Hollywood, CA 91602. Phone 818-506-1778. http://www.hollywood.com/nato/tapes.html

Projectionists Training Manual - by Vince Guzzo, a loose-leaf manual published by the Guzzo Group, 11909 England St., Overland Park, Kansas, 66213, Telephone: 913-451-1921.

I've started the list. Does anyone else have books or training materials that they have found useful?

Camerons serries of books the last was probably published in the late 60's and they did a short one on automation

Mr Trouts notes for projectionists

There is also the FAQ from hell (compiled by Scott Norwood) as well as a few projection tips here on this site under "projection tips".

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If you are looking for out-of-print books you should have as much info about the book as possible.

"Sound Motion Pictures- Recording and Reproducing"
"Motion Picture Projection"
both by James R. Cameron
Cameron Publishing Company, Coral Gables, FL
(no ISBN number, most likely privately published- out of print, and the phone number I had for his son doesn't work anymore.)

There's a pretty good chapter on "Image Projection" in:
"The Handbook for Sound Engineers" Edited by Glen Ballou - Howard W. Sams / Macmillan Inc. ISBN 0-672-21983-2 (I have the 2nd edition dated 1987.)

"Audio Cyclopedia" by Howard W. Tremaine-Howard W. Sams
ISBN 0-672-20675-7

The great thing about the Internet is the ability to re-publish out-of-print material that isn't readily available elsewhere. Hopefully, the copyright owners will give permission to republish this information. Does anyone volunteer to track down the copyright owners of the Mitchell, Richardson, and Cameron books to see if they will grant permission to scan and post the material?

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is a great place to search for out of print books. It came up with a couple of the Cameron Projection books: