Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Chris Garrett (B) on September 27, 2002 at 21:27:08

In Reply to: How About Those Dim Bulbs?? posted by rufus on September 27, 2002 at 19:11:59:

At $600, or so, for a 3000w Christie, they aren't cheap. I worked for AMC and we pretty much didn't pinch pennies, but things did get tight a few years ago and if the customer couldn't see it, or if it wasn't a 'safety issue' we didn't worry about it. Sight and sound were our forte', but I can see where people skimp--cleaning, staffing, sound maintenance and picture quality.

Theatres run their gear for ages and it's not like buying a new car every four years, so upkeep is the key, but it costs.

My union projectionist, who didn't run shows but actually maintained the gear, has 30+ years under his belt and is the sole projectionist for the Miami Film Festival. He was very good about milking the bulbs, but he'd take readings off of the screens to make sure that they were all outputting industry standards. Other places obviously don't.

Chris