Motion Picture Projectionists
Human Advantage 60%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.4 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
Also Known As: Booth Operator, Booth Usher, Cinema Operator, Cinema Projectionist, Cinematographer, Digital Projectionist, Equipment Operator, Film Projector Operator +15 more
Core Tasks
- Monitor operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met.
- Start projectors and open shutters to project images onto screens.
- Open and close facilities according to rules and schedules.
- Operate equipment to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously.
- Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as rotating or replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning projectors and lenses, lubricating machinery, and keeping electrical contacts clean and tight.
- Set up and adjust picture projectors and screens to achieve proper size, illumination, and focus of images, and proper volume and tone of sound.
- Inspect projection equipment prior to operation to ensure proper working order.
- Perform minor repairs, such as replacing worn sprockets, or notify maintenance personnel of the need for major repairs.
- Set up and inspect curtain and screen controls.
- Coordinate equipment operation with presentation of supplemental material, such as music, oral commentaries, or sound effects.
- Clean the projection booth.
Supplemental Tasks (6)
- Inspect movie films to ensure that they are complete and in good condition.
- Remove full take-up reels and run film through rewinding machines to rewind projected films so they may be shown again.
- Install and connect auxiliary equipment, such as microphones, amplifiers, disc playback machines, and lights.
- Observe projector operation to anticipate need to transfer operations from one projector to another.
- Prepare film inspection reports, attendance sheets, and log books.
- Splice separate film reels, advertisements, and movie trailers together to form a feature-length presentation on one continuous reel.
Emerging Tasks
New and evolving responsibilities for this role:
- Download digital keys to unlock digital movie files.
- Ingest digital content, such as films, advertisements, or trailers, into servers or projectors.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (13)
Tools & Equipment (25)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Design & Digital Arts Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Motion Picture Projectionists You are here
Zone 3
Photographers 75% match
Zone 4
Film and Video Editors 77% match
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