For a single screen theatre, what are the views on losing one machine and going to the platter system? Providing, of course, that the 2 existing machines are combined in to one really reliable machine….Thanks!
One reason I absolutely wouldn’t go to a platter with a single screen is if you have a mechanical breakdown in the projector head, you’ll lose the show completely and your entire gross for the show. If you have dual projectors, you can at least finish the show with a break between reels and have minimal refunds.
I would suggest adding 6000' (1 hour) reel capacity to your machines, that way most films only require one changeover, but you can also screen festival and vault prints via 20 minute reels.
I agree with Peter. The platter system — feed arms and rollers specifically — can damage prints. Plus platters require build up/break down of prints onto the platters themselves rather than being wound onto reels. This requires more time and also gives more opportunities for damage to occur.
Hi All,
I agree with keeping both machines using 6oooft spools.If you have the room for a cakestand then have one as well for the run of the the mill films which come to you already cut up.
I work in a single screen art’s cinema and up to shortly ago we could also show 16m/m but that has now been replaced with a digital NEC. Quite a startling machine if we are to call it that.We are finding that most of the Arty films are now shown in Dig.Sign of the times I’m afraid.I’m 63 so will be callinf it a day soon anyway.Nice to finish with the latest gear.
George
George.
Right now we are a 2nd run theatre. 2 projectors including a 3rd 16mm machine. I plan on continuing 2nd run shows but not totally sure what is the best way to go as we are a little short of projector room space with 3 machines. Yes, I could go to the platter system and put the other 2 in storage…might be able to keep 2 machines and put a platter in as long as we move the 16mm. Just not sure how much room they take up…
Keep the 2 machines, I’ve seen to many theaters go with platters and 1 machine then they are told that some vault prints are unavailable to them because of the make-up break-down issues. I understand running films the old way requires a projectionist but the extra labor is worth it in reguards to presentation. If the industry goes 100% digital like they are saying it will be a moot point. But until that happens keep the 2 machines!
Comments (9)
It all depends on the theaters programmer. Do they just runs films or are there various types of film festivals.
If it’s the latter of the two, I’d keep the reel-to-reel system as platter would not be the best way to go.
Also, distributors are not too happy at their prized “vault” prints being spliced or hacked to death.
Look back at your past history but also think ahead… way ahead!
One reason I absolutely wouldn’t go to a platter with a single screen is if you have a mechanical breakdown in the projector head, you’ll lose the show completely and your entire gross for the show. If you have dual projectors, you can at least finish the show with a break between reels and have minimal refunds.
I would suggest adding 6000' (1 hour) reel capacity to your machines, that way most films only require one changeover, but you can also screen festival and vault prints via 20 minute reels.
I agree with Peter. The platter system — feed arms and rollers specifically — can damage prints. Plus platters require build up/break down of prints onto the platters themselves rather than being wound onto reels. This requires more time and also gives more opportunities for damage to occur.
If you have enough space you should keep both plus get a platter!check out my youtube videos,search for Hyland Cinema.
Hi All,
I agree with keeping both machines using 6oooft spools.If you have the room for a cakestand then have one as well for the run of the the mill films which come to you already cut up.
I work in a single screen art’s cinema and up to shortly ago we could also show 16m/m but that has now been replaced with a digital NEC. Quite a startling machine if we are to call it that.We are finding that most of the Arty films are now shown in Dig.Sign of the times I’m afraid.I’m 63 so will be callinf it a day soon anyway.Nice to finish with the latest gear.
George
George.
Right now we are a 2nd run theatre. 2 projectors including a 3rd 16mm machine. I plan on continuing 2nd run shows but not totally sure what is the best way to go as we are a little short of projector room space with 3 machines. Yes, I could go to the platter system and put the other 2 in storage…might be able to keep 2 machines and put a platter in as long as we move the 16mm. Just not sure how much room they take up…
Keep the 2 machines, I’ve seen to many theaters go with platters and 1 machine then they are told that some vault prints are unavailable to them because of the make-up break-down issues. I understand running films the old way requires a projectionist but the extra labor is worth it in reguards to presentation. If the industry goes 100% digital like they are saying it will be a moot point. But until that happens keep the 2 machines!
I would stay with 2 machines,platters tear the hell out of a print.
I saw first hand platters come in and trained MEN losing their jobs to teenagers.