Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to take delivery of film, check its condition and assemble a full cinema program using appropriate splicing techniques.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application of the unit 

A cinema projectionist applies the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit which deals specifically with film of varying gauges, e.g. 16mm, 35 mm. Typically they would be working in a commercial cinema complex, where shift work is common.

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

• CUECIN02C Prepare film for screening
• CUECIN03C Screen the film
• CUECIN04C Prepare film for dispatch
• CUSOHS301A Follow occupational health and safety procedures.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Receive film

1.1. Take delivery of film  and check to ensure that all film reels  have been received for the film to be screened

1.2. Store all freight  cans or boxes appropriately

1.3. Identify the deadline for assembling the film in consultation with relevant colleagues, and plan work accordingly

2. Check film

2.1. Handle the film appropriately to avoid damage  during assembly

2.2. Check all reels for consistent winding

2.3. Check the film condition for damage using appropriate film inspection techniques 

2.4. Repair  film as required and/or request replacement film from appropriate sources 

2.5. Check existing splices to ensure they are clean and will hold under pressure and replace as required

2.6. Identify screening ratio  and sound format  of the film to ensure that the film is screened correctly

2.7. Check that subtitles are on the film in the relevant language, if required, and ensure that they are positioned correctly on the screen

3. Assemble film program

3.1. Read and correctly interpret labels and other film information during the assembly process

3.2. Assemble the film in the correct program screening order, according to the program schedule

3.3. Ensure that opening titles and closing credits are in the film program

3.4. Maintain consistent film technical specifications and ensure minimal damage/wear and tear to film during the assembly process

3.5. Make precise, aligned, clean and frame to frame tape splices which are appropriate to the film transport system 

3.6. Splice film to provide structural strength and ease of re-assembly and disassembly, smooth passage through the gate and steady screen presentation

3.7. Ensure minimum loss of frames during the splicing process

3.8. Clearly mark all assembly points on the film

4. Complete assembly and store the program

4.1. Apply sensor tape to cue the automation system as appropriate

4.2. Wind the assembled film onto reels appropriate for film transport system

4.3. Clearly label the film program  with name of film and any other details for its future screening

4.4. Store assembled film program in appropriate projection room  conditions prior to screening

4.5. Complete any relevant sections of a projection  report to document any faults discovered with the film upon assembly

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• planning and organising activities sufficient to follow logical work sequences
• literacy and numeracy skills to count film reels and mark film
• technology and problem solving skills in the context of checking/repairing film

Required knowledge 

• terminology associated with cinema projection
• safe film handling techniques
• principles and techniques of film splicing and program assembly
• operational knowledge of film assembly equipment
• understanding of film projection equipment and how assembly affects the screening of film
• film technical specifications
• film inspection techniques and evaluation of film condition
• problems with film quality, causes of damage and basic repair remedies
• screening ratios
• appropriate projection room storage conditions
• hazards associated with projector lamps, three-phase power, handling and storage of film

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 execute precise and structurally sound splices which allow for optimum presentation
• safe handling of film
• assembling film programs in accordance with a program schedule and within commercially acceptable timeframes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

The assessment context must provide for:

• practical demonstration of skills within a fully equipped projection room or environment where film program assembly tasks are undertaken
• assembly of film programs for more than one program schedule to ensure that skills can be consistently demonstrated
• completion of assembly tasks within typical workplace time constraints.

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 assembly tasks conducted by the candidate
• project activities that allow completion of and reporting on a range of assembly activities
• review of projection reports prepared by the candidate
• written or oral questioning to test knowledge of typical assembly equipment, film handling and splicing techniques, storage conditions and safety issues
• 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:

• a program schedule and film to be assembled
• a range of standard industry-current film assembly equipment and consumables such as winders, splicers and splicing tape
• the projection room of a venue where films are to be screened or another environment where film assembly can be completed
• use of 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.

Film  gauge may include:

• 16mm
• 35mm
• 70mm
• IMAX
• Super 8

Film reels  may include:

• 12000 ft reels
• 15000 ft reels
• 2000 ft reels
• 6000 ft reels

Film freight  format may include:

• film on cores
• film on reels

Checking the condition of film must involve identifying the following types of damage  and their causes:

• abrasion
• blistering/burns
• breaks
• brittleness
• cinching
• colour shift
• creases
• edge damage
• emulsion deterioration
• perforation damage
• scratches
• shrinkage
• sprocket marks across image and sound track
• surface contamination

Film inspection techniques  may include:

• inspection by hand
• visual inspection

Repairs  to film may include:

• removing of sensor tape
• repair of torn frames and perforations

Appropriate sources  may include:

• cinema manager
• distribution company
• supervisor

Screening ratio  may include:

• 1:1.33
• 1:1.66
• 1:1.85
• Cinemascope

Sound format  may include:

• digital formats
• Dolby A
• Dolby SR
• mono

Film transport systems  may include:

• mutt
• platter
• reels
• tower

Film program  may include:

• advertising
• feature films
• short films
• trailers

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:

• adequate ventilation
• cleanliness
• compliance with fire and safety regulations
• minimal dust accumulation on benches and equipment
• suitable floor surfaces

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Media and entertainment production - cinema projection

Co-requisite units