Career and Job Information

careers


Introduction

Welcome to the revamped (2009) careers section of the website. Along with the news pages this is one of the most popular sections of the entire website and one of the most common requests for information which I get.

The role and world of a cinema Projectionist has changed over the years and continues to as the cinema industry converts to digital technology. Where once there would be an entire team of Projectionists to run one film, there is now only one to run many films.

 

The way that the projection room is organised has also changed along with the training. Being a projectionist used to be a career where you would start at the age of 14 as a rewind boy and slowly working your way up the ranks to become a chief of your own cinema. Although this is this possible now (although you need to be a minimum of 18 because of laws around film certificates) there are less ranks in a cinema, often just projectionist and chief projectionist. 



Free Service: Get your job advert seen by thousands of targetted people! You are welcome to send me projectionist vacancies which will be posted up on this website and associated websites. One recent post for an independent cinema saw responses to their advert in less than 12 hours and more than advertising in the local newspaper. Email me at webmaster@madcornishprojectionist, providing all the information as you would like it posted.

THE PROJECTIONIST AGENCY website has also been setup to provide a place for people to either post or ask for job opportunities across the industry, although if you send me details of specific jobs, I will post them up here as well.


A Day in the Life of a Modern Projectionist


To find out what it is like to be a projectionist in a modern cinema multiplex then read this article written by Vicky Mansfield.

Of course if you would like to know what it was like to be a projectionist in days gone by then have a read of the memories section of this website.


What Skills are Required to be a Projectionist?

As a projectionist, you would operate the equipment that shows films in cinemas, and make sure that everything to do with film screenings goes smoothly.

Your typical tasks would include:

  • receiving and checking the film reels
  • loading the reels onto the projector in the right order
  • making sure that the film runs smoothly through the projector
  • checking that sound is operating properly
  • joining (‘splicing’) lengths of film together if they break
  • storing the films safely
  • sending the reels on to other cinemas
  • looking after the projection equipment
  • being responsible for heating, lighting, ventilation and alarm systems in the cinema.

In an older cinema, you may run several mechanical projectors in different rooms. In modern cinemas the work is less physical, with mechanical projectors and film reels being replaced by long-playing digital projection systems.

What skills and knowledge will I need?


  • good practical skills
  • the ability to find and repair mechanical faults
  • an interest in film and cinema
  • a willingness to work alone
  • the ability to carry out routine jobs quickly
  • good attention to detail
  • reliability and excellent time-keeping
  • good eyesight, hearing and coordination.



Digital Cinema

The role of the cinema projectionist is probably changing at the moment in a way that it hasn't happened for 30 years. In fact BECTU has a committee looking out how this is going to affect the job. One of the things which Digital Cinema technology is going to do is require the projectionist to have an additional set of skills, certainly in the short term while there is a mixed economy of film and digital equipment.  An understanding of computer and networking technology will be an advantage with digital cinema. Digital projectors also allow alternative content and 3D to be screen in cinemas, and this brings more challenges, as in stead of one format, four sound formats and two aspect ratios, there are now another set of things to remember and be aware of. For more information on Digital Cinema, have a look at the relevant section on this website.


Official Bodies

The two main bodies in the UK relevant for projectionists is the BKSTS (the British Kinographic Sound and Television Society) - and especially their committee, the Cinema Technology Committee who publish the leading industry journal, Cinema Technology Magazine. The other body is BECTU who are the main recognised union in cinemas who represent projectionists.


Alternative Roles/Non Standard


The major of projectionists jobs exist within one of the hundreds of multiplex cinemas across the country. The aim of most projectionists is to become the chief of their circuits flagship cinema, largely in Leicester Square, London running premiers, however there are opportunities to go onto the production and engineering side of the industry although these are very rare.

Outside of  multiplex cinemas there are more speacialist requirements, such as preview theatres where the ability to run changeovers and have a good understanding of audio and video is required. There are also a number of film screenings which take part in non full-time cinemas, which like preview theatres, it maybe necessary to have an understanding of more theatrical techniques like lighting and sound - back far more to the early days of cinema, when cinemas had a theatrical element to them. For these roles, they are often advertised as a technician roles and in more theatre listing roles.



Salary
It is fair to say that most people are not projectionists because of the salary as it is not the highest paid job in the world, but the sort of income you can expect to receive as a projectionist is:

  • Starting salary £12K
  • Salary for experienced cinema projectionist £16K
  • Salary for chief projectionist in large cinemas £20K.


Training

Most cinema chains have their own training programmes for projectionists. Often the trainee projectionists have worked their way up the ranks at the cinema, often working in other areas before being given the opportunity to become a trainee. Some smaller independent cinemas will train people to become projectionists if they show an interest or as part of being a member of the organisation. There is often a chance to become a projectionist at university if the student union has a student cinema, such as at Loughborough, which is where I learnt to project.

The main industry cinema trainers outside of spefic chains is the Cinema Technology Committee, who are a sub committee of the BKSTS. They provide subsidised training programmes each year on a range of themes. Courses are advertised in the Cinema Technology Magainze (their quarterly journal, which is an absoulte must to read), along with their website http://www.bkstsctc.org and this website.

The BFI have also been offering courses relating to Alternative Content.

Finally Ben Dowell who is also a member of the Cinema Technology Committee of the BKSTS runs a projectionist training website: http://www.projectiontraining.org.uk/ which you may find of use.


Qualifications

There isn't currently a formal qualification required to be a projectionist, however the BKSTS in association with the CEA have recently launch a Projection Certificate which is designed to indicate that a projectionist has obtained a certain standard. It doesn't specify any training in particular but a set of criteria which need to be maintained. You can get more details from the Cinema Technology Committee website: http://www.bkstsctc.org/.

If you would like more information on the certificate then the best person to contact is Alan McCann aemac@talk21.com.



Places to Look for Jobs



UK

The main cinema chains in the UK all now have their own corporate websites which is where they advertise many of their jobs. Below I have listed the cinema chains and details of how to apply for jobs with them. 

General/Independents: 

Independent cinemas tend to have a slower turnover of projectionist and will often advertise in local newspapers. Often the role of a projectionist in an independent will be more than just showing films, but also being involved in other areas of the venue, if the cinema is part of an arts centre. The best thing to do is to approach your local independent directly and see what they have to say.

ODEON:

It is Odeon's policy to recruit and promote projectionists (known as Technicians in Odeon) from within their own staff. In many cases this can be experienced 'floor staff' who have shown themselves as potential candidates.

Where new people are employed as Trainee Technicians an organised training programme exists on site, based on current best practice and using Odeon's own training manuals, and the Industry recognised 'Projectionists Manual', developed by the BKSTS.

Odeon Cinema's recognises that there are difficulties in recruiting 'trained' or competent new projection staff (Technicians), particularly in certain areas of the Country, and so we welcome applicants who feel that they have the aptitude and enthusiasm to carry out this important specialised work in cinemas. Applicants should ideally have a flexible attitude towards the location in which they wish to work.

It will keep it on file and send to any cinemas which we know to have a vacancy. A person is more likely to be taken on as a trainee if they are prepared to work (or move) within a wider area (for example, anywhere in London) rather than if they only want to work at one or two specific sites. Experienced projectionists interested in working for Odeon should also send CV's to the above address.

Website: http://www.odeoncareers.co.uk/

VUE

Their is an entire website for careers at Vue cinemas, which also include the roles of Projectionist, Senior Projectionist and Projection Manager. You can also apply for the roles as they come up via the website. 

Direct links:
    - Projection Manager - http://www.vuecareers.com/cinema_roles07.htm
    - Senior Projectionist - http://www.vuecareers.com/cinema_roles06.htm

Website: http://www.vuecareers.com




SHOWCASE CINEMAS

For a while there is a postcard available in Showcase cinemas, to fill in an return to the General Manager of the cinema - it was however not specific to projectionists. Whether this postcard still exists I am not sure, however like the other major chains have a section on their website.

Website: http://www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/about/employment.asp



NATIONAL AMUSEMENTS

The National Amusements websites says:

Employment

Management applicants should forward a CV along with a letter of application to:
Mrs. K. Fox
NATL. Amusements (UK) Ltd.
Redfield Way
Lenton
Nottingham
NG7 2UW

If you are interested in a staff position at any of our cinemas, please visit the cinema to pick up an application. NATL. Amusements (UK) Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer.


Empire Cinemas

Don't advertise their jobs online at the moment, but their is an option on their website to sent them an email about working for the company.

Website: http://www.empirecinemas.co.uk/?page=contact_mail


CINEWORLD

Has a small section on their main website relating to working for the company, but at the time of writing their was no direct reference made to projectionists.



OTHER SOURCES


Jobs are sometimes advertised in Cinema Technology (BKSTS Publication), Screen Trade, Screen International and online.

If there is an other exhibitor or company who would like to include information here, then please get in touch with career.information@madcornishprojectionist.co.uk

THE PROJECTIONIST AGENCY website has also been setup to provide a place for people to either post or ask for job opportunities across the industry, although if you send me details of specific jobs, I will post them up here as well.


AMERICA/REST of the WORLD


Unfortunately there is no information currently available specific to these areas. The best advice I can suggest is go to the Film Tech web site and talk to your local cinema.

If there is an other exhibitor or company who would like to include information here, then please get in touch with career.information@madcornishprojectionist.co.uk


Article Last Updated: 2009-08-23

Career Information

Being a cinema projectionist - An intervierw with Roz Fowler who is a projectionist.

Career Builder Projectionist Jobs - This site is heavily American based. This link should go to a search for projectionists.

Careerjet - This site is a recruitment site, but lists cinema/projectionist related jobs.

Cinema Projectionist - Certificate III in Entertainment(Cinema Projection) - Description to Follow

Cinema Projectionist - Certificate III in Entertainment(Cinema Projection) - Description to Follow

Connexions Career Information - is a UK Government backed site which provides details on a large number of careers and includes information on cinema projectionists.

DETAIL 2 RETAIL LTD - Search for cinema related jobs

Entertainment Equipment - Cinema Training Centre - Cinema Training Central is the first permanent, professional management and technical training facility devoted to the cinema and entertainment industry. Managed as a not-for-profit venture by Entertainment Equipment Corporation, CTC is especially outfitted for training purposes. Unfortunately it is only American based.

Film-Tech - One of the forums on this site is for employment being sought or offered.

Grape Vine Jobs - a site listing Film, Broadcast & Music jobs

Jacob Massey - The leading UK specialist audio visual and multi media recruitment consultancy, providing professional contract and permanent staff for all aspects of AV.

Jobrapido - is a recruitment website, which manages to list a good quality of projectionist or related jobs.

Kiwi Careers - Description to Follow

Kiwi Careers - Description to Follow

KODAK: Would Your Projectionists know What to do? - Description to Follow

Mad Cornish Projectionist Jobs Database - a selection of jobs which I have found on the Internet or been sent in.

My Future - Description to Follow

National Amusements - The website for this Cinema chain - includes information about the company. There is also a section on careers.

Projectionist Certificate - details of the BKSTS/CEA Projectionist Certificate

The Projectionist Agency - this is a new site for advertising/posting projectionist/technician jobs and also to act as a directory of freelance projectionists/technicians.

Video Directory - Lists a number of sources to look at for cinema related jobs.

Worktrain - Projectionist Career information. - Provides a good selection of information on the career of being a projectionist, links.