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Audio-Visual Technicians, sometimes called Motion Picture Projectionists set up and operate and repair motion picture projection, sound-reproduction, cameras, computers and related equipment to produce coordinated effects on a screen in the form of a moving picture.

JOB DUTIES 

Audio-Visual Technicians may:

Splice film to repair breaks or to join more than one reel of film

Check schedules for running times and the order in which films are to be projected

Put the film platters on and thread film through movie projectors

Regulate the projector's light source and adjust the focus, volume, tone, timing, or other controls

Adjust houselights, open curtains, and start shows

Change projectors by equipment or by hand

Operate special effects equipment to project picture slides onto the screen

Watch and/or listen for cues that film reels should be changed or that equipment is malfunctioning

Unwind platters onto small reels for shipping

Turn off switches and controls after screenings according to safety regulations

Clean lenses and maintain projection equipment

Set up and operate audio-visual equipment such as highly specialized slide projectors, microphones, and portable TV cameras and computerized equipment

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Audio-Visual Technicians may specialize in these areas:

960.362-010 MOTION-PICTURE PROJECTIONISTS set up and operate motion picture projection, sound-reproducing, and related equipment to produce coordinated effects on a screen in the form of a moving picture.

960.382-010 AUDIOVISUAL TECHNICIANS operate motion picture or slide projectors, tape recorders or other audio-visual equipment to provide or complement educational or public service programs offered by schools, museums, zoos, or trade shows. Special certification may be required to use specialized equipment.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Motion Picture Projectionists usually work alone. However, some large theaters may employ an additional Projectionist in a supervisory position. They may also work with theater managers and other theater personnel.

They work in areas that are small, but comfortable, well ventilated, soundproof, and fireproof. Projectionists may be exposed to electrical shocks and burns from equipment. However, state, local, and union regulations, plus the use of safety methods offset these hazards.

Working hours for Motion Picture Projectionists vary drastically depending on the geographical location of the job. In urban areas, they may work 4 to 6 hour shifts, 6 days a week, including evening and weekend hours. Projectionists may be employed by companies who contract out audio-visual work which may result in traveling to various work sites such as colleges, sporting events or trade shows. In small cities, many work part-time a few nights a week and during weekend matinees. Those working in drive-in theaters work only after dark, 5 to 9 months a year, and frequently hold other jobs. Because theater work is becoming so automated, Motion Picture Projectionists are now called in frequently to repair automated equipment, rather than to run the equipment.

Most business employing Motion Picture Projectionists are unionized. They may be asked or even required to join the International Alliance of theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Operators of the U.S. and Canada. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities involving machines, equipment, or processes

You Should Be Able To:

• Make decisions based on personal judgment or measurable information

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Adjust to routine work

• Work in close quarters with little or no supervision

• Perform more than one task at a time

• Interpret written or spoken instructions

• Notice detail in objects

• Recognize slight differences in focus, sound, and light

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a video taped activity is 4 hours long and each video tape is 100 minutes long, how many video tapes are needed to tape this event?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The attraction and repulsion between poles of magnets is similar to the behavior of like and unlike electric charges. That is, analogous to the law of charges is the law of poles.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report to your supervisor explaining any malfunctions that might have occurred to the video machines.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to reproduce a video tape giving each copy the best possible quality.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2600 PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Because most Motion Picture Projectionist positions are filled by union members, opportunities to gain experience are limited. Summer or part-time work in movie theaters may provide opportunities to observe Projectionists at work. Volunteer work or personal hobbies which involve operating 16mm movie projectors or sound reproduction equipment at churches or schools is helpful.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Audio Visual Technician employer

internships

volunteer work with a Audio Visual Technician employer

community service work with an agency

Because many motion picture theaters are unionized, the most common method of becoming a Projectionist is through union assistance. Part-time employment as an assistant in a nonunion theater is another method of entry. Large corporations, schools, and hospitals may also employ Projectionists. Work experience in electronics and computer technology is a decided asset for employment as an audio-visual technician. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

Michigan Works!

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.  

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Audio-Visual Technicians vary according to employer, size of theater (number of movie screens), geographic location, and union membership. The hourly wage rate of unionized Motion Picture Projectionists is usually higher than that of nonunionized Projectionists. Indoor theaters in urban locations usually pay higher wages than outdoor theaters or theaters in rural areas pay. Also, Projectionists who work more than one screen get extra pay.

In Michigan, in 1999, non union operators earned from about $5.15 per hour to $14.00 per hour in small theaters and more in large theaters. Most of the work for unionized Audio-Visual technicians now comes from commercial contracts involving slide presentations, multi-media presentations, video projection equipment and computerized installations which operate several pieces of equipment simultaneously. These presentations can be for conventions, sales promotions, training and other purposes.

In 1999, unionized Projectionists/Technicians working under commercial contracts for special showings earned from $22.50 to $25.00 or more per hour. Rates were higher for holidays, travel, and overtime.

Media production specialists working for the State of Michigan and performing some of the functions of Audio-Visual Technicians earned between $17.64 and $24.31 per hour in 1999. These workers must possess Bachelor's degrees.

Depending on the employer, full-time Projectionists may receive sick leave; paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and health insurance; and retirement plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Most individuals learn this occupation through on-the-job training or through a local union training program, usually lasting a few weeks. Trainees learn by working with an experienced Projectionist. Some union training programs include classroom instruction in basic electronics and mechanics. Motion Picture Projectionists may advance to chief Projectionist or projectionist/manager or theater manager. Promotion depends on work experience, union affiliation, supervisory or managerial skills, and the availability of job openings.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, approximately 8,400 Audio-Visual Technicians were employed in 1996. The employment of Projectionists/Technicians through the year 2006 is expected to decline. The industry distribution for Projectionists/Technicians looked like this:

There will be decreasing employment of Projectionist/Technicians in the future primarily as a result of the increasing use of automated equipment which requires fewer operators. Also, because Audio-Visual Technicians earn relatively high salaries, competition for available job openings will be keen.

About 200 Audio-Visual Technicians are employed in Michigan. Most of them worked in the services industry. Others were employed in audio-visual centers of medical or educational institutions, or for government agencies, television studios, equipment dealers, film distributors, advertising agencies, and large businesses.

Employment of Audio-Visual Technicians is expected to decline through the year 2005. An average of 10 annual openings will occur to replace some of those workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Motion picture theaters are competing successfully and there has been a corresponding increase in the number of movie goers. However, the widespread use of automated projection equipment, longer film reels, and new theater design (the multiauditorium) will mean fewer openings for Motion Picture Projectionists in Michigan. Also, the increasing availability and the use of pay television, which shows first-run movies, and the growing sales of home video cassette recorders and DVDs may somewhat reduce the number of theater goers. Because the number of applicants usually outnumber available job openings, competition will be keen.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Audiovisual Technician can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development