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Topic: Who was the most annoying viewer at a screening of yours?
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James N. Savage 3
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted August 17, 2012 09:49 AM
Great stories everybody! I'm trying to remem..... Oh yea!-
Back in the 70's, I was showing a Little Rascals short to a Day-Care group (4 to 8 year olds). As usual, I was paying more attention to the movie than what was going on around me. Suddenly, one of the kids was trying to pull himself up on the make-shift projection stand, and, guess what happened....
The whole thing tipped over forward, pulling the projector and films down to the floor. ![[Mad]](mad.gif) The projector was a Eumig Mark S 802 and, while it was built like a tank (all metal), something inside was bent and it had to be sent in for repairs. (The kid managed to walk away without a scratch!)
On the bright side, Eumig repaired it under the one-year warranty, absolutely free ![[Smile]](smile.gif) . Service like that would be unheard of these days.
James.
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James N. Savage 3
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted August 17, 2012 11:53 AM
If there's one thing I have learned over the many years of film collecting/projecting, its this: know your audience!
Finding the right types of films/shorts for an audience is not always easy, especially with large groups, but always makes for a much better showing. I'll never forget the time some folks had come over to watch a feature, and I showed some intermission / ad reels before the show, and they just could not understand the concept of that. They just wanting the movie to start ![[Confused]](confused.gif) .
This group had no interest in "nostalgia" or something a little "different". They just wanted to see a movie. In the end, they were impressed with the quality of the film and sound of the feature, so it wasn't a lost evening ![[Wink]](wink.gif) .
But, like I said, its always good to know the kind of things your viewers like to see, before you put together a show.
Recently, I "tested the waters" with some neighbors that were coming over to watch some home movies. I started a cartoon a few minutes before they arrived. Then, when they came in, I advised them that I was testing some film for set-up (which was true). Their reaction to the old cartoon being projected on the big screen was very positive, and they were asking all kinds of questions, and were very impressed. So, next thing you know, we're watching Little Rascals shorts & a few other things- before seeing the home movies that were planned, and it was a great experience for all!
James.
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Graham Ritchie
Film God
Posts: 4001
From: New Zealand
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted August 18, 2012 02:32 AM
What James has already mentioned is a very good point "know your audience"
Thinking back I really cant remember a problem with anyone. It might be that with me sitting next to the projector holding onto a "baseball bat" had something to do with it...only joking .
Even the last 12 years working as a projectionist and dealing with the public I have found folk in general to be very good. One incident years ago I remember, going into one of the cinemas before the next session to check things out. I came across four boys on there hands and knees picking up popcorn. I asked the usher, whats going on, he replied they made this mess, and it was bad just where they had been sitting and replied, they can clean it up. One kid looked at me as to say save me... I thought, "Nope" and left.
I remember once though, when my wife fell asleep, and she was right out to it, and snored ![[Eek!]](eek.gif) her way right through 2001 A Space Odyssey, "except for the intermission" ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Graham.
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