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What does a Machine Operator do?
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
What are the Main Tasks of a Machine Operator?
- Insert film into top magazine reel, or thread film through a series of sprockets and guide rollers, attaching the end to a take-up reel.
- Start projectors and open shutters to project images onto screens.
- Monitor operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met.
- Operate equipment in order to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously.
- Splice separate film reels, advertisements, and movie trailers together to form a feature-length presentation on one continuous reel.
- Inspect movie films to ensure that they are complete and in good condition.
- 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 in order to ensure proper working order.
- Perform regular maintenance tasks such as rotating or replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning lenses, lubricating machinery, and keeping electrical contacts clean and tight.
- Remove film splicing in order to prepare films for shipment after showings, and return films to their sources.
- Splice and rewind film onto reels automatically, or by hand, to repair faulty or broken sections of film.
- Perform minor repairs such as replacing worn sprockets, or notify maintenance personnel of the need for major repairs.
- Open and close facilities according to rules and schedules.
- Observe projector operation in order to anticipate need to transfer operations from one projector to another.
- Set up and inspect curtain and screen controls.
- Project motion pictures onto back screens for inclusion in scenes within film or stage productions.
- Remove full take-up reels and run film through rewinding machines to rewind projected films so they may be shown again.
- Operate special-effects equipment, such as stereopticons, to project pictures onto screens.
- Coordinate equipment operation with presentation of supplemental material, such as music, oral commentaries, or sound effects.
- Install and connect auxiliary equipment, such as microphones, amplifiers, disc playback machines, and lights.
- Prepare film inspection reports, attendance sheets, and log books.
