Projectionist, Film Technician

Posted: Jun 28, 2023 Closing date of the competition: Jul 12, 2023

**Location**: Montreal (Balmoral)
**Flexibility Profile**: On-site
**Salary Range**: 7 - $60,164 to $74,682
**Position Status**: Temporary - Full-time, 8 months, 37.5 hours per week
**Position Number**: 00126721
**Division**: Technologies
**Department**: Technical Resources
**Union Category**: SGCT

Are you passionate about great storytelling, about exploring the issues that matter, about pushing the boundaries in new audiovisual experiences? So are we. As Canada’s public producer and distributor, the National Film Board has been telling the country’s stories and pioneering breakthroughs in virtually every field of audiovisual content since 1939. But to do this, we need a team that truly reflects the richness and diversity of Canada. If you’d like to be a part of this team—and part of the NFB’s incredible legacy—we’d love to hear from you.

**SUMMARY OF DUTIES**:
Works variable hours, including evenings and weekends, to performs all tasks required for the professional screening of films and multimedia presentations for internal and external customers. Sets up the screening room according to the technical specifications required for the presentation, interfaces with the customer to provide quality service and resolve any technical problems that might arise. Sets up screenings for digital cinema, film, video, or other media. Provides projection expertise to internal and external customers and contributes to quality-control services for customers. Inspects and maintains the projection equipment. Keeps abreast of technical advances in the field relating to the job.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Prepares the presentation according to information provided by the coordination group or by consulting the reservation software (type and format of presentation, set-up of auxiliary equipment such as microphones, podiums and stands, etc.). When required, contacts customers to clarify the required technical specifications. In most cases, meets with the client a few minutes before the presentation to establish the rollout (including the order in which materials will be screened) and verify proper functioning of interface with customer’s equipment and material.
- Inspects and identifies digital files, films, and/or other material upon receipt to determine their format and aspect ratio, as well as audio tracks to calibrate tone levels and decoders for different soundtrack formats for multi-film presentations.
- Verifies quality of products received, informs customer in cases of deficient quality or damaged products, and obtains acknowledgment of such issues from customer.
- Performs basic repairs on film rolls when possible.
- Works in collaboration with the Information Technology team for webcasts and to set up the presenter’s own computer.
- Operates digital, film, or video projectors required for visual and magnetic, optical or digital sound reproducers; projects various video formats; adjusts projection to obtain proper picture size by changing lenses and choosing correct aperture plates; modifies lighting and screen masking for professional cinema presentations.
- Operates additional equipment such as outboard mixer, and handheld and wireless microphones for multimedia presentations and conferences and PowerPoint and online presentations.
- Troubleshoots and resolves all technical problems occurring during presentations, which may include: repairing a broken motion-picture film roll, troubleshooting digital or analog sources not functioning for Internet presentations, DCP (Digital Cinema Package) and server projection, performing audio and visual set-ups on all types of presentations (including webcasts) and for all equipment used, such as computer-controlled projectors and microphones.
- Prepares and clears the screening room of equipment not required for the next presentation, resets films as received so they are ready to use once again.
- Enters information in the reservation software to support proper billing for services rendered.
- Provides diagnostic assessment to customers of the source of poor presentation quality (equipment, original shoot, transfers or other technical processes applied to the original data).
- Contributes to the services the NFB offers as a centre of expertise by offering professional advice to external partners, as requested.
- Shares expertise by coaching and training technical co-workers.
- Under the supervision of the Conservation and Laboratory supervisor, screens and inspects film rolls for digitization.
- Supplies a report on the condition of the film and makes required repairs to enable film for digitization.
- Prepares, cleans, and adds leaders to the film according to current standards for film digitization.
- Assesses new products and equipment on the market; reads technical documentation; visits relevant Internet sites and takes advanced courses as needed.
- Helps modify existing systems