A cinema projectionist applies the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit which deals specifically with film of varying gauges, e.g. 16mm, 35 mm. Typically they would be working in a commercial cinema complex, where shift work is common.

This unit has strong linkages to the following units and combined assessment and/or training is recommended:

CUECIN02C Prepare film for screening

CUECIN03C Screen the film

CUECIN04C Prepare film for dispatch

CUSOHS301A Follow occupational health and safety procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Receive film

1.1. Take delivery of film and check to ensure that all film reels have been received for the film to be screened

1.2. Store all freight cans or boxes appropriately

1.3. Identify the deadline for assembling the film in consultation with relevant colleagues, and plan work accordingly

2. Check film

2.1. Handle the film appropriately to avoid damage during assembly

2.2. Check all reels for consistent winding

2.3. Check the film condition for damage using appropriate film inspection techniques

2.4. Repair film as required and/or request replacement film from appropriate sources

2.5. Check existing splices to ensure they are clean and will hold under pressure and replace as required

2.6. Identify screening ratio and sound format of the film to ensure that the film is screened correctly

2.7. Check that subtitles are on the film in the relevant language, if required, and ensure that they are positioned correctly on the screen

3. Assemble film program

3.1. Read and correctly interpret labels and other film information during the assembly process

3.2. Assemble the film in the correct program screening order, according to the program schedule

3.3. Ensure that opening titles and closing credits are in the film program

3.4. Maintain consistent film technical specifications and ensure minimal damage/wear and tear to film during the assembly process

3.5. Make precise, aligned, clean and frame to frame tape splices which are appropriate to the film transport system

3.6. Splice film to provide structural strength and ease of re-assembly and disassembly, smooth passage through the gate and steady screen presentation

3.7. Ensure minimum loss of frames during the splicing process

3.8. Clearly mark all assembly points on the film

4. Complete assembly and store the program

4.1. Apply sensor tape to cue the automation system as appropriate

4.2. Wind the assembled film onto reels appropriate for film transport system

4.3. Clearly label the film program with name of film and any other details for its future screening

4.4. Store assembled film program in appropriate projection room conditions prior to screening

4.5. Complete any relevant sections of a projection report to document any faults discovered with the film upon assembly

Required skills

planning and organising activities sufficient to follow logical work sequences

literacy and numeracy skills to count film reels and mark film

technology and problem solving skills in the context of checking/repairing film

Required knowledge

terminology associated with cinema projection

safe film handling techniques

principles and techniques of film splicing and program assembly

operational knowledge of film assembly equipment

understanding of film projection equipment and how assembly affects the screening of film

film technical specifications

film inspection techniques and evaluation of film condition

problems with film quality, causes of damage and basic repair remedies

screening ratios

appropriate projection room storage conditions

hazards associated with projector lamps, three-phase power, handling and storage of film

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

ability to execute precise and structurally sound splices which allow for optimum presentation

safe handling of film

assembling film programs in accordance with a program schedule and within commercially acceptable timeframes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills within a fully equipped projection room or environment where film program assembly tasks are undertaken

assembly of film programs for more than one program schedule to ensure that skills can be consistently demonstrated

completion of assembly tasks within typical workplace time constraints.

Method of assessment

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess practical skills and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

direct observation of assembly tasks conducted by the candidate

project activities that allow completion of and reporting on a range of assembly activities

review of projection reports prepared by the candidate

written or oral questioning to test knowledge of typical assembly equipment, film handling and splicing techniques, storage conditions and safety issues

review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the job performance by the candidate.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

a program schedule and film to be assembled

a range of standard industry-current film assembly equipment and consumables such as winders, splicers and splicing tape

the projection room of a venue where films are to be screened or another environment where film assembly can be completed

use of typical industry projection reports.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Film gauge may include:

16mm

35mm

70mm

IMAX

Super 8

Film reels may include:

12000 ft reels

15000 ft reels

2000 ft reels

6000 ft reels

Film freight format may include:

film on cores

film on reels

Checking the condition of film must involve identifying the following types of damage and their causes:

abrasion

blistering/burns

breaks

brittleness

cinching

colour shift

creases

edge damage

emulsion deterioration

perforation damage

scratches

shrinkage

sprocket marks across image and sound track

surface contamination

Film inspection techniques may include:

inspection by hand

visual inspection

Repairs to film may include:

removing of sensor tape

repair of torn frames and perforations

Appropriate sources may include:

cinema manager

distribution company

supervisor

Screening ratio may include:

1:1.33

1:1.66

1:1.85

Cinemascope

Sound format may include:

digital formats

Dolby A

Dolby SR

mono

Film transport systems may include:

mutt

platter

reels

tower

Film program may include:

advertising

feature films

short films

trailers

Appropriate projection room storage conditions must prevent:

chemical damage

extremes of humidity

extremes of temperature

mould damage

physical damage

water damage

Projection room conditions must ensure:

adequate ventilation

cleanliness

compliance with fire and safety regulations

minimal dust accumulation on benches and equipment

suitable floor surfaces

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - cinema projection

This unit contains employability skills.