Does anyone know who is behind this and whether or not it is a genuine trade organisation? We already have the BKSTS as the professional body to which projectionists belong in this country. So I am rather suspicious about this, mainly for two reasons:

1. A trainee lawyer friend of mine says although she can't think of anything specifically illegal about doing this, it is the convention in this country that only organisations which have a Royal Charter can grant you the right to put letters after your name in return for money, and that fees are only usually charged for sitting an exam. Saying 'just give me this money and you can use this title' is dodgy as hell.

Secondly, there appears to be no check on whether you meet the membership criteria they are asking for. There are various grades of membership they offer (£43 as a 'projectionist', if you have less than three years' experience - letters PAFP, £48 as a 'first projectionist' - FAFP, &c.), but there is no indication from their publicity that this organisation has any intention of checking out your credentials. Just give us the money, in other words.

Finally, this organisation gives its registered address as Cambridge House, 128 Park Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 2LW ('phone and fax 01276 670000). However, the envelope it arrived in was postmarked Farnborough, which is some 50 miles away.

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If it is a scam, (and it does seem like one) it's too bad that some crook would degrade a profession that already is sort of 'on it's knees.'

We should try and find out what this is, and if it's not on the level, expose them.

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In order for a group of people to form a membership based association they must follow certain guidelines. I have sent a fax requesting clarification on their status (see below) but as yet have received no reply.

DATE: January 26, 2001 TIME: 9:56
TO: THE ASSOCIATION OF FILM PROJECTIONISTS
01276 670010
FROM: DICK VAUGHAN FAX: 01274 770217/ 394540
E-mail: r.vaughan@nmsi.ac.uk
RE: MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS

Dear Sirs
I received your letter today requesting that I distribute application forms for your organisation to the projection staff in our cinemas.
Before I consider doing so I would be grateful if you could supply me with further details regarding "The Association of Film Projectionists"
1) Who are the officers of the association; chairman, treasurer, membership secretary etc? How are they elected and what is their term of office?
2) Could you please supply a written statement of the aims of the association
3) Are you affiliated to any other professional organisation such as BKSTS?
4) How do you intend to administer the different grades of membership?
Is there a procedure in place to establish the level of competency of those who apply or is the length of time spent in the industry the only criteria for different grades of membership?
5) Where is the library you refer to situated, what does it contain and what access do members have to it?
6) How often is your newsletter " The Projectionist " to be issued?

Yours faithfully

Dick Vaughan
Cinema Operations Manager
National Museum of Photography, Film & Television

Any of you ever run across an ex-Aussie projectionist by the name of Derek Olsen? He seems to have vanished from the planet.

Thanks,

John

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"It's not the years, honey...it's the mileage". Indiana Jones

Apparently he rang the 'phone number on the mailshot and was told that the 'Association' had been running for some time and was organised by a number of projectionists. However, he refused to name any of the other people involved and added that all the senior industry figures he'd spoken to had never heard of this organisation.

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