Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate cinema projection equipment and monitor the quality of screenings.

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 making final preparations for. and monitoring a cinema screening using film of varying gauges, e.g. 16mm, 35 mm. Typically they would be working in a commercial cinema complex, where shift work is common and they could be responsible for a single auditorium screening or multiple simultaneous screenings.

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

• CUECIN02C Prepare film for screening
• CUECIN05C Maintain projection equipment
• 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. Prepare for screening

1.1. Select the appropriate screen masking, screening  ratio, aperture plate and lens for any non automated systems in use

1.2. Minimise any slack on start-up between either take-up or supply reels  and projector  to ensure that film does not break

1.3. Check the film  path to ensure that the film runs smoothly and evenly

1.4. Engage automation and adjust focus and volume as required

2. Screen the film

2.1. Conduct routine and periodic checks of film path, focus, framing and volume by monitoring film screening in auditorium and adjust as necessary

2.2. Manually override the automated system should problems arise and, if necessary, seek advice or assistance from colleagues

2.3. Undertaking smooth execution of changeovers as required

2.4. Stop the automation  at end of the film program

2.5. Power down equipment correctly and safely

2.6. Clean projection equipment  as required in preparation for next screening

2.7. Store assembled film program in appropriate projection room  conditions between screenings

2.8. Complete a projection report, if required, including notes on condition of film, details of any damage to the film, any notes regarding sound quality and other relevant information

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• communication skills toshare information with colleagues
• literacy skills sufficient to completing a projection report
• problem solving skills in the context of monitoring and adjusting processes during screening
• safe and proficient use of projection equipment

Required knowledge 

• operational knowledge of the projector and other film projection equipment
• aperture plates and lens functions
• correct focus and sound balance
• methods of evaluating correct functioning of automation or manual operation
• appropriate and safe projection room operational conditions
• hazards associated with projection equipment, handling and storage of film
• correct and precise technical language associated with cinema projection particularly in relation to screening

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 set and maintain all projection technical aspects, including screening ratio, focus, volume and frame alignment throughout the screening
• ability to react to any problems as they arise and make necessary adjustments to ensure the smooth screening of the film
• safe handling of film and maintenance of safe projection room conditions.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

The assessment context must provide for:

• practical demonstration of skills within a fully equipped projection room
• screening of film programs on multiple occasions to ensure that skills can be consistently demonstrated (ideally as a component of integrated projection room work activity)
• screening of a variety of film gauges and reel lengths using different projector types to ensure that skills can be adapted to different equipment contexts.

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 screening tasks conducted by the candidate
• project activities that allow completion and reporting on a variety of film screening activities
• written or oral questioning to test knowledge of typical projection room equipment, possible problems and remedies, projection room operational conditions and safety issues
• review of projection reports prepared by the candidate
• 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:

• an assembled film program
• standard industry-current film projectors and other projection equipment
• the projection room of a venue where films are to be screened
• standard industry-current cleaning materials
• 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.

Screening  may involve:

• screening of one film program in a single cinema auditorium
• simultaneous screenings of multiple programs in two or more auditoria

Film reels  may include:

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

Projectors  may include:

• 16mm
• 35mm
• 70mm
• IMAX

Film  gauge may include:

• 16mm
• 35mm
• 70mm
• IMAX
• Super 8

Automation  may include:

• adjustment of audio levels
• house lights
• masking
• opening and closing of dowser
• pre-recorded music
• projector motor operation
• resetting of film transport system
• selection and position of correct aperture plate and lens
• slides
• striking and turning off lamp

Other projection equipment  may include:

• cinema sound system
• film transport system
• front-of-house sound system
• slide projector
• winders (manual or automatic)

Cleaning of projection equipment  may include:

• all sprockets
• aperture plate
• film gate
• guides and pads
• rollers
• sound drum

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:

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

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Media and entertainment production - cinema projection

Co-requisite units