Thanks

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The 20 feet is to reach from the failsafe to the platter's takeup ring.

The 10 feet of framing leader is obviously to thread on.

The 40 feet clear is enough to ensure that if the show is started with the curtains open, there will be enough time for the curtains to close before the actual "start" cue goes through the machine, which is placed at the start of the black. This stretch of leader also guarantees the start of the first trailer does not get damaged from airborne dust as well as providing an "abort" possibility.

The 10 feet of black is used to ensure the douser will always open ON BLACK. For standard 7 second douser automations, if the douser dies, the black leader can be motored down to the first foot of it and the show can be started on the timer as normal without having to use the manual douser (great for timers).

This also saves significant $$$ on leader costs, as the clear non-frameline leader is very, very cheap and comprises the majority of the leader.

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I recall from another thread that triacetate is a good idea for tail leader, in case the last few laps jam on the platter. But what about for head leader (threading and framing)?

Do people prefer leaders that are about as stiff as the print itself, or do you prefer really "stiff" (i.e., thicker) leader for durability?

The tail leader should NEVER be made of polyester but yes: even the head leader should be triacetate. As for the thickness of a leader, I'd prefer to not have them too stiff. Proper care of the equipment and an unhurried, careful threading should be enough to increase their durability in any case.

A good alternative for making up the heads as I described above is to replace the last 10 feet of the 40 foot clear stretch with a stretch of acetate. That way if there is a misthread, it will just snap and drop the failsafes.

I NEVER use polyester leader for tails. First off it is too stiff and has a tendency for a tuck to go flying out from under the print. Second, generally if the film is going to tangle, it will be in the last few rounds. I have always added 30 feet of acetate clear tail as standard practice and it has saved me much grief over the years. It also keeps the end of the credits nice and perfect.

You mentioned that you don't use polyester leaders. Well aren't all films made of polyester these days so? So if I was making my own home made leaders from old trailers, they would be made up of polyester segments. So then is it worth the time and effort to do such a thing if polyester is so bad, or just put out the money (which of course will never be there).

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But we really don't have much of a choice anymore, now that acetate has virtually disappeared. Most of the head leaders I use are nicked from the front of trailers and they're all poly.