Where would I get that type of training? Obviously workig in projection for a number of years helps, and that I have done. But I'd still have to go far beyond the knowlege that I already have. As a "regular projectionist" (thats what I'd call myself) I've only been taught so much. For big technical problems, I'm just told to call the head projectionist or if the problem is really severe the Director of Projection. But how would I get that far?

Much of the electronic equipment used today is not site repairable so a good working knowledge of the equipment is needed so you can isolate the defective board and replace as required. Panicing and replacing everything in sight may resolve the fault but all you end up with is a pile of suspect boards!!

Possibly the one skill that will win you more support and respect is being able to admit 'Sorry I don't know what the problem is' bullshit is a sure way to earn a reputaion and no support. Asking for help is no disgrace...... there is a lot of very valuable experience in projection rooms and only a fool would ignore it as a resource.

There is the other option which seems to be favoured by many of the circuits today.... suck up and kiss ass!! It's not what you know it's who you know. It'll get you there faster than s**t down a drain but you can bet it won't be a pleasant stay.

You've started well by asking the guys who know what's going on in the real world. Keep that in mind and one day they'll be asking you for advice and help.

Good luck.

Regards Ken.

Then go to Dolby school and any classes that each of the manufactures hold for there equipment

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"She had suggested that I try applying for that position, but I'd have to know everything about everythig there is to know about projectors and such..."

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I'd have to know everything about everythig there is to know about projectors and such

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Tim, it's like anything else, you gotta like what you do. That will fuel the desire to learn. Best thing to do: read. Voraciously. Read every projection equipment operation and service manual you can lay your hands on. That's a good deal of it, you'd be surprised what's "in the books".

But, to build a proper foundation, you should learn some basic electronics (with lab) - learning to read schematic and wiring diagrams, et.al, will help you understand how things work, which guides you in troubleshooting. Learning about digital logic is also a plus.

Keeping a cool head under pressure is a good attribute to have, so just stay loose, none of it is rocket science. Most helpful of all is the ability to work well with people. And, as Ken notes, it's no biggie to step back and say "well, son of a gun, I've never seen that happen before!"

In most any outfit you work for, there will always be someone you can call for advice, if you get in over your head.

Good luck!

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Better Projection Pays!

As Tim R. and Gordon have mentioned, a background in electronics is very helpful. That's why I'm getting an A.S. in Electronic Engineering Technology. I've seen job requirements for some service tech positions that say "Associate degree in electronics or equivalent electronics experience." If you've already got the knowledge and experience in that area, great! If not, start looking around at community colleges that offer such a degree. Also, get a book of basic electronics theory from your local bookstore. Learning how to read schematic diagrams and to logically troubleshoot systems are critical skills.

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John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7525A
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: +1 585 477 5325 Cell: +1 585 781 4036 Fax: +1 585 722 7243
e-mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion

"Possibly the one skill that will win you more support and respect is being able to admit 'Sorry I don't know what the problem is' bullshit is sure way to earn a reputaion and no support. Asking for help is no disgrace...... there is a lot of very valuable experience in projrily ection rooms and only a fool would ignore it as a resource."

I would add that PC skills and a good electromechanical skillbase is critical. Don't totally agree that long booth experience is the most valuable skill base - the talents required in rebuilding an intermittent or getting a theatre to sound right aren't necessarily related to those of keeping the booth clean and managing film movements. Both are equally vital skilsets, but very different..

Case 1:
"Huh, excuse me, can you tell me when the 8:00 showing of Bloodworks starts?"

Case 2:
Usher: "Ok this will be in the theater 5, 3rd one on the left"
Customer: "Oh, ok thank you"

20 min later

Customer: "This movie was supposed to start 20 mins ao! This is very unprofessional"
Usher: "Well it did start 20 mins ago, theater number 5 third one on the left, you went into number 7 fourth one on the right."

Plenty of hands-on training experience, lots of common sense, the ability to understand what your machines are supposed to be doing and how they do it, and really liking what you are doing!

Until John chimed in, I thought there was no school that teaches this stuff.

If you are thinking about being the "Man" to go to theatres as a tech and making a living at it, you learn it by "Hard Knocks" and screwing up, and learning from your mistakes.

If so, one thing that will really help....finding someone who has been in the field for a while that is willing to take the time, effort, and a little expense on their part to ship or provide you with good junk to play with so that you can gain this experience.

However, be advised that once this stuff gets into your blood, you have been "had" and there is no way out.

Studied things like Physics, Tech Drawing, Mechanics, Electronics etc at High School (Neve been in a booth at this point)

Had a part time job in the booth at my local cinema, got really interested in it all, worked around a few different comapnies, learning different equipment and modus operandi, all the while reading, and sticking to the visiting engineer (it always seemed to be the same guy wherever I worked!)

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Customer: "This movie was supposed to start 20 mins ao! This is very unprofessional"
Usher: "Well it did start 20 mins ago, theater number 5 third one on the left, you went into number 7 fourth one on the right."

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I wish I could have seen the reaction on the customer's face...