Movie Projectionists

Career summary

Before show time, projectionists inspect the film to be sure it is in good condition. They repair it if it is damaged or find another copy. Next, they rewind the film to the beginning of the reel. They insert the film in the magazine, or top reel, of the projector. They thread the film through the projector onto the spool. They position, install, and connect microphones, amplifiers, and lights. Projectionists coordinate the timing of images on the screen with sound effects, music, and commentary. They adjust and monitor the projection light and focus, volume, and tone.

Movie projectionists often coordinate several reels of film to show them in order. In theaters, they may show ads and previews before starting the first reel of the feature film. They monitor the progress of the movie and change reels without interrupting the show. In movie theater complexes, projectionists may show films for several theaters at one time.

Projectionists clean and service projectors and speakers. They make minor repairs and notify managers when major repairs are necessary. Movie projectionists or other helpers keep track of film canisters. They return them to distributors or file them in the film library.

Some movie projectionists are self-employed. They show films to groups who hire them for special occasions. Some work in motion picture production and distribution companies. They show movies for producers, actors, critics, and others who attend private screenings. They may operate projectors for film editors and ratings reviewers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Hospitality and Tourism cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Audio-Visual Specialists
• Camera Operators
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Recreation Attendants
• Sawing Machine Operators
• Ushers and Ticket Takers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to movie projectionists.

• Open film canister and take out reel.
• Inspect film and repair faulty sections.
• Rewind film by hand or machine.
• Insert film into top reel.
• Thread film through projector onto spool.
• Position, install, and connect microphones, amplifiers, and lights.
• Operate projectors in sync with music, sound effects, or commentary.
• Adjust and monitor projection light, focus, volume, tone, and timing of operations.
• Operate special effects equipment to project images.
• Monitor progress of movie reels and change projectors without interrupting shows.
• Clean projector lenses.
• Maintain projectors and related equipment, making minor repairs as needed.
• Notify manager or technician when major repairs are needed.
• Keep track of film canisters and reels of film.
• Rewind reels and put them back into canisters.
• File films in the film library or send them back to distributors.

Common work activities

Movie projectionists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Control machines and processes
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Handle and move objects
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Get information needed to do the job
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, movie projectionists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a low level of social interaction. They usually work alone.
• Communicate mostly by phone or in person.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• May work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors while operating projectors. Outdoor work is rare for projectionists.
• Occasionally are exposed to sounds and noises that are distracting or uncomfortable, such as loud explosions and other noises in action films.

Work performance

• Must be sure all details of the job are completed and their work is exact. Any errors during the viewing can spoil customers' enjoyment.
• Repeat the same physical activities over and over.
• Pace the work to fit the speed of the projection equipment.
• Make decisions that affect the reputation of the movie theatre on a monthly basis. They usually act under the direction of a supervisor.
• Usually set their daily tasks under the direction of a supervisor.
• Must meet strict deadlines as determined by movie times.

Hours/travel

• May work days, evenings, or weekends.
• May schedule showings on short notice if show films for private screenings or special events.
• May travel to show films for private screenings, especially if working for companies that produce films.

Physical demands

Movie projectionists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for movie projectionists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for movie projectionists to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See objects in very low light.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.

Skills and abilities

Movie projectionists need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Communications Operations Technology
• Photographic, Film, and Video Technology
• Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology

Training

To work as a movie projectionist, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Work experience

Hobbies in photography or film production provide valuable background. In some movie theaters, staff members do many jobs. Thus, you may learn about movie projection when you are not selling tickets or working as a counter attendant.

On-the-job training

Movie projectionists often learn their skills on the job. They receive training from an experienced projectionist. Training lasts just a few days.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Film and Videotape
• Photography

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire people who have taken some courses or have experience using sound and visual equipment. However, they do hire and train people with no experience. They look for people who are careful, dependable, and alert. Evening and weekend theater jobs are open to students. Summer jobs may be easy to get.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Motion Picture Projectionists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Pay varies with the experience and responsibility of the worker. It also varies with the location and type of theater or employer. Projectionists who work for major movie production companies earn more than projectionists who work in movie theaters.

Very few movie theater workers earn health and vacation benefits. Movie projectionists who work full time for film production companies may receive health, vacation, and retirement benefits. They may belong to unions and have other tasks such as film editing.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Movie theaters

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining sharply. Movie projectors are automated which reduces the need for projectionists. Also more people watch movies at home through Internet and cable services.

Job openings will occur as people leave the occupation for other jobs.

Other resources

IATSE Local #15 
2800 First Avenue, Suite 231
Seattle, WA 98121
206.441.1515

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the US, Its Territories, and Canada 
207 West 25th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212.730.1770

References

Career cluster

• Hospitality and Tourism

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Motion Picture Projectionists (39-3021.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Audiovisual Technician (960.382-010) 
• Motion-picture Projectionist (960.362-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled