Training and learning how to check prints (Neil Thompson)
Is part of Neil Thompson Interview (incomplete)
Neil Thompson interviewed by Richard Wallace
Projectionist Neil Thompson describes the process of learning how to work as a projectionist including the importance of checking film prints when rewinding.
Well, when I started there was no formal training, so you trained on the job. A lot of places, I was told, you went into the projection room and you weren’t allowed to touch film, all you did was sweep the floor. But actually what happened with me, I think the chief took me under his wing ‘cause he knew I was so interested and wanted to get to know all the equipment. I think within a week I was lacing up. But, of course, he kept an eye on me like. And he showed me how to rewind films, ‘cause a lot of people just put the film on the rewinder, take it across and just rewinding it and just look elsewhere, you know. But he actually said you need to check it as you rewind it. And you don’t need to go very fast, just check it because you could come across a split perforation or a nick, ‘cause if it went through the machine like that it will probably tear. Because in those days we used triacetate which was easy broken so you had to check the film as you went through.
Title
Training and learning how to check prints (Neil Thompson)
Subject
training
Description
Projectionist Neil Thompson describes the process of learning how to work as a projectionist including the importance of checking film prints when rewinding.
Creator
The Projection Project
Source
Interview with Neil Thompson
Publisher
The University of Warwick
Date
29/12/2015
Contributor
Richard Wallace
Neil Thompson
Relation
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/26353
Format
.mp3
Language
English
Type
Sound recording
interview extract
Coverage
1974-1980
Interviewer
Richard Wallace
Interviewee
Neil Thompson
Date of Interview
11/11/2014
Location
Gateshead
Transcription
Well, when I started there was no formal training, so you trained on the job. A lot of places, I was told, you went into the projection room and you weren’t allowed to touch film, all you did was sweep the floor. But actually what happened with me, I think the chief took me under his wing ‘cause he knew I was so interested and wanted to get to know all the equipment. I think within a week I was lacing up. But, of course, he kept an eye on me like. And he showed me how to rewind films, ‘cause a lot of people just put the film on the rewinder, take it across and just rewinding it and just look elsewhere, you know. But he actually said you need to check it as you rewind it. And you don’t need to go very fast, just check it because you could come across a split perforation or a nick, ‘cause if it went through the machine like that it will probably tear. Because in those days we used triacetate which was easy broken so you had to check the film as you went through.
Original Format
One-to-one interview
Duration
00:00:51
Bit Rate/Frequency
320kbps
Cinema
Queens Theatre, Northumberland Place, Newcastle upon Tyne