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'''The 21st century projectionist's guiding principle''': every print borrowed for exhibition, regardless of gauge or source, should be handled with a maximum of care and a minimum of shortcuts.
'''The 21st century projectionist's guiding principle''': every print borrowed for exhibition, regardless of gauge or source, should be handled with a maximum of care and a minimum of shortcuts.


...exactly what this means is a matter of debate, of course. Below we will try to collectively come up with some general best practices.
...exactly what this means is a matter of debate, of course. Below we will try to collectively come up with some general best practices. Always follow any specific instructions provided by the lender. Unless you own the print, it's their property and should be returned in the same (or better!) condition as it arrived.  


[[File:Do not destroy.jpg|center|650px|]]
[[File:Do not destroy.jpg|center|650px|]]
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===Elements of Style===
===Elements of Style===
'''Before the show''':
'''Before the show''':
* Make sure your film inspection surface is clean.
* Have a thorough [[inspection]] procedure for assessing print condition.
* Have a thorough [[inspection]] procedure for assessing print condition.
* Carefully inspect the countdown [[leader]] and the [[cues]] at the end of each reel to ensure that your [[changeover|changeovers]] go smoothly.
* Carefully inspect the countdown [[leader]] and the [[cues]] at the end of each reel to ensure that your [[changeover|changeovers]] go smoothly.
* Have an [[inspection form]] to facilitate communication about print condition.
* Have an [[inspection form]] to facilitate communication about print condition.
* [[Cleaning]] the projectors and checking all parts (including [[reels]]) for damage and wear is a must.
* Run [[test film]] to check frame and focus before the show, or run a test reel of the film (if possible).


'''During projection''':
'''During projection''':
* Use 2000 ft. reels and a [[changeover]] projection system. Never [[platter]] and avoid building prints onto 6000 ft. reels.
* If possible, use 2000 ft. reels and a dual-projector [[changeover]] system. NEVER use [[platters]] or build [[archival prints]] onto reels larger than 2000ft.
* If you're running small gauge film, do not have a changeover system, and have received permission from the archive to build onto larger reels, do not remove the heads and tails when you build the print. You'll have to close the dowser during the show as the heads and tails run through.  
* Never use automation systems or attach automation tape to prints.
* Never use automation systems or attach automation tape to prints.
* Show the film in its proper [[aspect ratio]] using the appropriate [[lens]] and [[aperture plate]].
* Show the film in its proper [[aspect ratio]] using the appropriate [[lens]] and [[aperture plate]].
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'''After the show''':
'''After the show''':
* Wind the film with care, making sure the edges of the film are flush.
* Wind the film with care, making sure the edges of the film are flush.
* When packing for [[shipping]], be sure that the film is secure and packed in material that will not harm the film.
* Secure the end of each reel with at least 6" of acid-free artist's tape.
* When packing for [[shipping]], be sure that the film is packed in material that will not harm the film (no packing peanuts!)
 
====Practices to avoid====


===Recommended Equipment===
===Recommended Equipment===
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* cleaning supplies
* cleaning supplies
* rewind benches
* rewind benches
====Equipment to avoid====


==External References==
==External References==
* [http://anthologyfilmarchives.org/pdfs/AFA_Print_Loan_Policy.pdf Anthology Film Archives print loan policy]
* [http://anthologyfilmarchives.org/pdfs/AFA_Print_Loan_Policy.pdf Anthology Film Archives print loan policy]
* [http://www.oscars.org/filmarchive/forms/filmarchive-venuereport.pdf Academy Film Archive venue report form]
* [http://www.oscars.org/filmarchive/forms/filmarchive-venuereport.pdf Academy Film Archive venue report form]
* [http://www.libraries.iub.edu/index.php?pageId=1002892 Indiana University Film Archives Print Loan Policy & Procedures]
* [http://www.cinema.ucla.edu/collections/print-loan-policy UCLA Film & Television Archive print loan policy]
<gallery widths=300px heights=300px perrow=3>
File:Loc-no-shipping-reels.jpg
</gallery>


[[Category:Film handling]]
[[Category:Film handling]]
[[Category:Technique]]
[[Category:Technique]]
[[Category:Resources]]
[[Category:Resources]]

Revision as of 15:00, 15 January 2017

The 21st century projectionist's guiding principle: every print borrowed for exhibition, regardless of gauge or source, should be handled with a maximum of care and a minimum of shortcuts.

...exactly what this means is a matter of debate, of course. Below we will try to collectively come up with some general best practices. Always follow any specific instructions provided by the lender. Unless you own the print, it's their property and should be returned in the same (or better!) condition as it arrived.

Elements of Style

Before the show:

  • Make sure your film inspection surface is clean.
  • Have a thorough inspection procedure for assessing print condition.
  • Carefully inspect the countdown leader and the cues at the end of each reel to ensure that your changeovers go smoothly.
  • Have an inspection form to facilitate communication about print condition.
  • Cleaning the projectors and checking all parts (including reels) for damage and wear is a must.
  • Run test film to check frame and focus before the show, or run a test reel of the film (if possible).

During projection:

  • If possible, use 2000 ft. reels and a dual-projector changeover system. NEVER use platters or build archival prints onto reels larger than 2000ft.
  • If you're running small gauge film, do not have a changeover system, and have received permission from the archive to build onto larger reels, do not remove the heads and tails when you build the print. You'll have to close the dowser during the show as the heads and tails run through.
  • Never use automation systems or attach automation tape to prints.
  • Show the film in its proper aspect ratio using the appropriate lens and aperture plate.

After the show:

  • Wind the film with care, making sure the edges of the film are flush.
  • Secure the end of each reel with at least 6" of acid-free artist's tape.
  • When packing for shipping, be sure that the film is packed in material that will not harm the film (no packing peanuts!)

Practices to avoid

Recommended Equipment

  • Projector models
    • avoid lens turrets
  • splicer varieties
  • cleaning supplies
  • rewind benches

Equipment to avoid

External References