Motion Picture Projectionists: Career & Application Guide

What do motion picture projectionists do?

Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

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.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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