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Christopher K. Williams
Film Handler

Posts: 26
From: Redmond, WA, USA
Registered: Apr 2000

posted 02-19-2001 02:47 PM

According to my manager last Thursday, we received a memo from Regal headquraters that we are no longer supposed to cut off the MPAA green bands from trailers. Of course, we (the projection staff) didn't find this out until an hour after everything was already built :-)

I used to hate the things, because I thought they were too repetitive. But everyone here changed my mind (thanks!). Who am I to edit film? And now our patrons can have a few seconds in between each trailer to digest what they just saw. This will also improve our sound presentation at the beginning of each trailer quite a bit (no more cut off music or dialogue)!

I suppose the change is in response to all of the attention movie ratings have garnered lately, but I don't know for sure.

John Pytlak
Film God

Posts: 9987
From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 02-19-2001 03:10 PM

Roger Frazee, VP of Technical Services for Regal Cinema, participates in Film-Tech. I wouldn't be surprised if he helped re-establish this preferred practice, especially with regards to not cutting off active soundtrack on the bands.

It would be great to have some of the other circuit VP's of Projection/Engineering/Technical Services participate in Film-Tech too! If you know one personally, invite them.

------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Cell: 716-781-4036 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion

Paul G. Thompson
The Weenie Man

Posts: 4718
From: Mount Vernon WA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 02-19-2001 03:52 PM

I am certainly happy to hear that. I never agreed with Regal, or anyone else, when it comes to cutting off the green bands. If Roger had anything to do with stopping the practice of cutting off the green bands, I certainly thank him for that.

Kevin Crawford
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 207
From: Sacramento, CA, USA
Registered: May 2000

posted 02-19-2001 08:48 PM

I believe that the credit for this is due to Jesse Skeen. He is a very tenacious individual.

Congratulations Jesse! Now if only you could make sure that DTS disks were shipped with every print, and not left in theatres.

Just a word of caution Jesse; be careful of the toes you step on today, for they may be attached to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow.

John Pytlak
Film God

Posts: 9987
From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 02-19-2001 09:16 PM

Kevin: I agree Jesse's postings on the policy of cutting off the green bands (and the disruption of sound that could occur doing so), likely were in large part responsible for Regal changing the policy. I don't know what Jesse was able to do "behind the scenes", but I do know that the Film-Tech discussions made us all more aware of the problem. Let's give credit to Jesse for questioning the policy, to Mr. Frazee for participating in Film-Tech, and to Regal for changing the policy.

Constructive criticism that identifies problems and helps improve the film experience is good and appreciated by those who care about "Film Done Right".

John Keegan
Film Handler

Posts: 26
From: Trevose, Pa Near Northeast Philadelphia USA.
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 02-20-2001 10:18 AM

My jaw dropped when I saw the memo myself. It is rather ironic that after reading the numerous posts in Film-Tech, that I go into work the next day and find that this memo came out..Kudos to those responsible.

Matt Basford
Film Handler

Posts: 19
From: Nashville, TN, USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 02-20-2001 10:22 PM

I work for Roger Frazee in the Technical Services Dept. for Regal Cinemas and I too believe that this was a great decision. I wouldn't be suprised if was indeed Roger who insisted this change take effect. To whom ever is responsable, we thank you.

------------------
Matt Basford
Regal Cinemas
Technical Services
Knoxville, TN
mattb@regalcinemas.com

Roger Frazee
Film Handler

Posts: 16
From: Knoxville, TN, USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 02-21-2001 03:09 AM

Thanks to all of you for the kind words, but I cannot take credit for this policy change at Regal I was not even aware of it until the memo came out.

As a rule, I do not get involved in what is shown on Regal's screens. I just try to make whatever is shown look and sound right.

It is good to know, however, that our policy change concerning the green bands is being well-received.

John Pytlak
Film God

Posts: 9987
From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 02-21-2001 08:28 AM

It sounds like the decision was made based on the increased public concern around movie ratings, including the types of trailers shown with movies having children and young teens in the audience, rather than the technical benefits. Regardless, the change in Regal's policy will benefit presentation quality, in that the active soundtrack on the bands will not be cut off.

We should all welcome the participation of Regal Cinema headquarters personnel in open forums like Film-Tech, and hope other circuits will likewise support this good discussion aimed at "Doing Film Right".

Steve Anderson
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 168
From: Nashville, TN
Registered: Feb 2000

posted 02-21-2001 08:51 AM

Now that the green bands get to stay on, how about someone from Regal getting rid of that awful policy trailer ( Pepsi Kid ) Give me the ol' roller-coaster policy back.

Matt Basford
Film Handler

Posts: 19
From: Nashville, TN, USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted 02-21-2001 10:39 AM

Steve,
The last thing I heard is that we should expect a new trailer within the next few weeks or so. As odd as it may sound, there was a protest outside one of the theatres here in Nashville shouting something like, The Pepsi Girl Has Got To Go!'. The next day there was an article in the local paper stating that hey had talked to someone at corp. and they said to expect one in a few weeks. It's about time

Steve Anderson
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 168
From: Nashville, TN
Registered: Feb 2000

posted 02-21-2001 12:17 PM

Matt,
It was so bad at some theaters the people would shout out in unison NO SMOKING! I felt I was at a Rocky Horror screening.

Jesse Skeen
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1517
From: Sacramento, CA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 02-21-2001 09:41 PM

Is this thread still here?

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