CUECIN03C
Screen the film

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate cinema projection equipment and monitor the quality of screenings. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

A cinema projectionist applies the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit which deals specifically with making final preparations for. and monitoring a cinema screening using film of varying gauges, e.g. 16mm, 35 mm. Typically they would be working in a commercial cinema complex, where shift work is common and they could be responsible for a single auditorium screening or multiple simultaneous screenings.

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

CUECIN02C Prepare film for screening

CUECIN05C Maintain projection equipment

CUSOHS301A Follow occupational health and safety procedures.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for screening

1.1. Select the appropriate screen masking, screening ratio, aperture plate and lens for any non automated systems in use

1.2. Minimise any slack on start-up between either take-up or supply reels and projector to ensure that film does not break

1.3. Check the film path to ensure that the film runs smoothly and evenly

1.4. Engage automation and adjust focus and volume as required

2. Screen the film

2.1. Conduct routine and periodic checks of film path, focus, framing and volume by monitoring film screening in auditorium and adjust as necessary

2.2. Manually override the automated system should problems arise and, if necessary, seek advice or assistance from colleagues

2.3. Undertaking smooth execution of changeovers as required

2.4. Stop the automation at end of the film program

2.5. Power down equipment correctly and safely

2.6. Clean projection equipment as required in preparation for next screening

2.7. Store assembled film program in appropriate projection room conditions between screenings

2.8. Complete a projection report, if required, including notes on condition of film, details of any damage to the film, any notes regarding sound quality and other relevant information

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills toshare information with colleagues

literacy skills sufficient to completing a projection report

problem solving skills in the context of monitoring and adjusting processes during screening

safe and proficient use of projection equipment

Required knowledge

operational knowledge of the projector and other film projection equipment

aperture plates and lens functions

correct focus and sound balance

methods of evaluating correct functioning of automation or manual operation

appropriate and safe projection room operational conditions

hazards associated with projection equipment, handling and storage of film

correct and precise technical language associated with cinema projection particularly in relation to screening

Evidence Required

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 set and maintain all projection technical aspects, including screening ratio, focus, volume and frame alignment throughout the screening

ability to react to any problems as they arise and make necessary adjustments to ensure the smooth screening of the film

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

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

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

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 screening tasks conducted by the candidate

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

written or oral questioning to test knowledge of typical projection room equipment, possible problems and remedies, projection room operational conditions and safety issues

review of projection reports prepared by the candidate

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:

an assembled film program

standard industry-current film projectors and other projection equipment

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

standard industry-current cleaning materials

typical industry projection reports.


Range Statement

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.

Screening may involve:

screening of one film program in a single cinema auditorium

simultaneous screenings of multiple programs in two or more auditoria

Film reels may include:

12000 ft reels

15000 ft reels

2000 ft reels

6000 ft reels

Projectors may include:

16mm

35mm

70mm

IMAX

Film gauge may include:

16mm

35mm

70mm

IMAX

Super 8

Automation may include:

adjustment of audio levels

house lights

masking

opening and closing of dowser

pre-recorded music

projector motor operation

resetting of film transport system

selection and position of correct aperture plate and lens

slides

striking and turning off lamp

Other projection equipment may include:

cinema sound system

film transport system

front-of-house sound system

slide projector

winders (manual or automatic)

Cleaning of projection equipment may include:

all sprockets

aperture plate

film gate

guides and pads

rollers

sound drum

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:

cleanliness

adequate ventilation

suitable floor surfaces

minimal dust accumulation on benches and equipment

compliance with fire and safety regulations


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Media and entertainment production - cinema projection


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.