The following is an excerpt from that interview:

"We see that you've had years of experience as a projectionist".

"That's correct".

"Well, that's not really important to us. You see, we treat all our new employees equally. That means that if we gave you the job, you'd start at the concession stand. If you prove your worth there, at some point in the future we MAY make you a projectionist, in which case we would train you for that. Of course, that's a maybe; there's no guarantee that it will happen. By the way, are you multiskilled? Can you, for example, vacuum?"

"Sure."

"Multiskilling is very important here. We all do a bit of everything - it's a team effort. That's why it concerns me that all the job listings on your resume only show projection work. I don't understand - why is that?"

"Most of the theatres I've worked for are independents, and they have separate concessionists and projectionists. I guess their policy leans more towards specialisation than multiskilling".

"In any case we have ongoing training programs. We constantly re-train our staff - it's our policy. What do you know about our company?"

"It's one of the largest exhibitors in this country. One of the major shareholders is (cinema chain/film distributor XXXX). In fact, I currently work for them in their preview theatrette at head office. I am screening (upcoming film title) there tonight, in fact, for several department heads and some film critics".

"....(some more corporate rhetoric...why our company is so great, we offer many opportunities, open many doors, etc). So, tell me, Michael, what do you think are some of your greatest strengths? Why should we employ you over, say, our other applicants?"

"Well, I have over 10 years experience working in theatres. Granted, a lot of that IS projection work, but I still think I'd be a prime candidate nevertheless".

Etc, etc...

I did not get a job with UA a few years ago, because they wanted me to start in the consession stand. I just kept my regular job, and have now gone 35mm at home!!!

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Michael:

So what pencil-pusher pool did that moron come from? The blinders are fully on!

You got it - they were a location manager rather than a regional one. This person was THE head manager of that location, however!

Brad:

"In fact, I currently work for them in their preview theatrette at head office. I am screening (upcoming film title) there tonight, in fact, for several department heads and some film critics".

I would have told this moron he didn't pass MY interview (yes, it does work both ways!) and I would be sure to mention this unpleasant encounter at the screening.

You would be the first guy I'd hire. I do it all where I work and you need someone who can be responsible as someone who threads up a projector. It is people like this that has destroyed the projectionist profession. That guy will find out how much of a pain a breakdown is when you don't have proper training and staff.

We are just a small twin theatre and now there is talk about a new 7 screen cinema moving in the mall in town. It is going to have all of the 'treats' which I hate.

Going to the movies has to feel fun and not like a video game. These management guys and all these jumboplexes piss me off with all their money grubbing business attitudes.

I will not work for these new guys no matter what. Not just anyone can be a projectionist and certainly not that guy.

REG

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quote:

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Originally posted by Brad Miller:
There's a brainwashed manager! I'll bet he was reading straight from the "how to do an interview" book. Pathetic. Find a real company to work for. Those kind of theater chains will never value their employees. You would just be a number to them and would never be respected.

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This particular company used to be THE most respected cinema chain in the country! We even gained time off from them in 1988 to picket a rival chain when they decided to sack all their real projectionists, they were so horrified.

But then I guess they saw just HOW MUCH MONEY THEY WOULD SAVE!

Now... I wouldn't work for them in a pink fit.

As I've said before, the beancounters run the race. If you want to be a happy PROJECTIONIST, work for an independent. If you want to be a number and be asked if you know how to vacuum (!!), stick with the chains.

BTW, Michael was being modest but omitted to mention he has also run completely manual 70mm presentations (sometimes with changeovers) with full overtures and complete organ presentations WHILE AT THE SAME TIME running three other screens of which all are in separate boxes!

Q: Can you VACUUM?

A: Can you kiss my ass, you pencil pushing dipshit? (Door slams on way out)

(Audience applauds wildly)

The End.

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