THE UNSEEN WORKER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 538, 15 December 1928, Page 7 (Supplement)

THE UNSEEN WORKER

THE PICTURE PROJECTIONIST By “MALTESE CROSS” npHE motion picture projectionist! Who is he? What is he? He is the unseen worker on whom hundreds of Aucklanders depend for their entertainment. Symphonic orchestras, stage presentations, prologues and lighting effects are only frills—“the picture is the thing!” The projection in the various Auckland theatres is carried out by about 50 members of the Auckland Motion Picture Projectionists’ TJnion. The machinery in their charge demands a knowledge of mechanics, optics and electricity before a picture can be presented clear and rock-steady. Although projection machinery has been improved in the last ten years hy mechanical and electrical devices, it has not lessened the work of the projectionist. He must be ever on the alert to see that the picture is perfect, and that there is a minimum of wear on machines and film. He must also see that his speed of projection is constant, synchronised with the orchestra. He it is who is responsible for the lighting effects in the auditorium during the overture and stage presentation, also for any spotlight work that may be required. He is in fact one of the mainsprings of the show.