Local 640 IATSE members are trained to run virtually all types of film handling equipment-35mm,70mm,16mm,IMAX,DLP,platter transport and reel-to-reel setups,and the latest sound systems.We also can do routine maintenance in the lamphouse,including bulb changes,maintenance of the sound system for optimal performance,and miscellaneous projection equipment-related maintenance.Our members also work at the annual Hamptons Film Festival,a well-publicized event involving well over 100 films in various formats,in which we supply several projectionists and video techs to ensure the films are presented professionally and flawlessly.For the theatre owner/exhibitionist,especially newcomers into the industry,this professionalism is performed by our members to make sure your theatre runs smoothly,your feature presentations are perfect and it makes the manager's job less stressful,knowing a professional is taking care of the equipment and operating it properly.

No matter the kind of equipment used,or the setup of the equipment in any configuration,either in a modern theatre or a converted single screen-to-twin,triplex,quad,etc.-even a megaplex like the Island 16 Cinema De Lux,our members can handle it all.In an emergency,if there are parts in-house,our members can make quick repairs or replace the broken part with minimal downtime.This can make the difference overall in customer satisfaction.Pictured at left is a Potts Alpha 3 platter and Simplex X-L projector and sound heads with a Strong lamphouse. This projector is not automated-it is totally configured for manual startup/shutdown only.

We have a video technician team that is able to meet your needs:large screen video projection,live video camera feeds,audio equipment setups,equipment rentals,etc.We also run Power Point slideshows and modify the slide program if the need arises.We are currently training more of our members to cover video projection,and we will make sure your video needs are met to your satisfaction. The photo at right is a setup demonstration for a slideshow utilizing a Compaq notebook computer & a Dell video projector.

The IMAX format is the top-of-the-line big screen experience for audiences across the USA.There are a few in the New York area,with one on Long Island.Local 640 members are highly trained to run this high-maintenance equipment.Pictured at left is an IMAX GT-3D projector with lamphouse mounted above the projector with attachments for water,electric and exhaust.(Photo courtesy of www.film-tech.com)

Pictured to the right is the production model Christie Digital Projector CP-2000.The "heart"of the system is a Texas Instruments Digital Light Processor chip,tied into a Dolby Auditorium Management Server system which provides the print,along with snipes & trailers programmed by the projectionist.This system is tied into the theatre's B-chain and automation system.The projector runs both flat and CinemaScope formats.Fine tuning and improvements to the system are constantly being done to make the system more reliable.In May 2006,this projector replaced the Christie Mark 7,which projected an image that was not quite perfect,due to the "pixelization" that is common on digital cable television broadcasts.NA Farmingdale is using a new digital server by Dolby. This server is attached a satellite dish which enables the digital media to be loaded directly to the servers' hard drive via a satelite down link mode, unlike the older unit which required the media to be physically loaded to the machine via shipped hard drives or disc.(Photo courtesy of Walter Paluch)The digital movie projector was installed by Technicolor Digital Cinema,with operations being handled by Local 640 projectionists.Local 640 members have worked the equipment well enough so that it adds to their professional expertise when needed.

Pictured to the left is the NEC GT-1150 digital slide projector that was in LCE theatres.Each screen has its own projector and computer,which has a Celeron 800 CPU,which is networked with a NETGEAR hub.Each projector is programmable to fit whatever is showing in that particular house.They can all run the same slide show or different ones simultaneously.They are also capable of running trailers with sound.(Photo courtesy of Jesse Magan) It should be noted that the installation of these slide projectors was too much to handle for the original work crew,and Local 640 was asked to take over the installation work.The person overseeing the installation was impressed with Local 640's members finishing the job in a quick and professional manner that he had Local 640 do all the installations at select LCE theatres.These projectors have been taken out of the theatres that had them,and will be reintroduced soon.A similar system has been installed at select United Artists theatres. This system utilizes a Christie RoadRunner digital projector,and a Compaq computer with a Pentium 4 CPU. They are all networked to a central hub. However,this system runs a slide show during the length of each auditorium's intermission. A red LED flashes at each projector letting the operator know it's almost showtime and the slides will be ending.

Building a new theatre? Renovating an existing one? Adding screens? We can help with equipment installations and on-the-spot testing of new equipment,troubleshooting,optimum placement of equipment for best performance,etc. Don't let an amateur jerry-rig your equipment.Motion picture equipment is a major expense,even if its bought used.Our members will make sure your equipment is installed right the first time,without any major hassles.Pictured at right is the projector and platter that is waiting to be assembled at the Seaford Cinemas expansion.

 We can also supply personnel to also manage the theatre in addition to projection duties. These members have trained managerial experience and can run all aspects of the theatre and keep costs down. In the long run,you will be glad that you chose Local 640 IATSE.