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. Duties outlined in this unit are undertaken shortly before scheduled screening times.

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

CUECIN01C Receive and assemble film

CUECIN03C Screen the film

CUECIN04C Prepare film for dispatch

CUSOHS301A Follow occupational health and safety procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare projection system for screening

1.1. Clean the projection system, as required, prior to screening and ensure that all sprocket guides, rollers pads and film gates are clean and free of dust

1.2. Ensure that there is no oil on the film path

1.3. Power up the projector, lamp and other projection equipment in sufficient time before screening

1.4. Adjust the tension devices on film transport system to ensure that film runs through smoothly, without tearing

1.5. Seat the film on film transport system so that it is lying smooth and flat

2. Lace film onto the projector

2.1. Feed the film from transport system to projector, ensuring film is aligned and lying smoothly and flat in guide rollers

2.2. Adjust rollers, as required, so that film is fed evenly

2.3. Prepare projector correctly for threading

2.4. Create correct loops above and below film gate to ensure the smooth and even running of the film through the film gate

2.5. Thread film so that it is lying flat across film gate, sound drum and all other sprockets, guides, rollers and pads

2.6. Set gate tension at a minimum to provide a steady image on the screen

2.7. Check the film path by inching knob or short run of film, ensuring that film runs smoothly

2.8. Thread film so that it runs smoothly onto take-up spool

2.9. Ensure that projection room conditions are safe at all times and refer problems to appropriate colleagues

Required skills

technically precise and dexterous use of equipment

correct and precise technical language associated with cinema projection

Required knowledge

operational knowledge of the projector and other film projection equipment

correct tensions

appropriate and safe projection room operational 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 the screening preparation accurately to ensure the smooth screening of the film through the projector

safe handling of film and maintenance of safe projection room conditions.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills within a fully equipped projection room

preparation for screening film programs on multiple occasions to ensure that skills can be consistently demonstrated (ideally as a component of integrated projection room work activity)

preparation for screening using a variety of film gauges, reel lengths and projector types to ensure that skills can be adapted to different equipment contexts

preparation for screening within typical workplace time constraints and according to a screening deadline.

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 screen preparation tasks conducted by the candidate

project activities that allow completion and reporting on a variety of film preparation activities

written or oral questioning to test knowledge of typical projection room equipment, tensions, projection room operational 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:

film

standard industry-current film projectors and other projection equipment

the projection room of a venue where films are to be screened.

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.

Projectors may include:

16mm

35mm

70mm

IMAX.

Other projection equipment may include:

cinema sound system

film transport system

front-of-house sound system

slide projector

winders (manual or automatic).

Film transport system may involve:

mutt

platter

reels

tower.

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.