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CINEMA TRAINING CENTRAL
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Cinema Training Central
is the first permanent, professional management and technical training
facility devoted to the cinema exhibition industry. Managed
as a not-for-profit venture by Entertainment Equipment Corporation,
CTC is a specially outfitted 8plex theatre offering training
that features active hands-on participation. CTC
offers training programs on cinema management, operations, and
technical topics. Courses are structured, issue oriented, and center on
participant skill levels.
CTC
offers the following training Programs:
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TECHNICAL PROGRAMS
Primary Technical Training - 2 Day Workshop
For those starting a career in the cinema industry or those with a basic knowledge of cinema
operations this course provides a solid foundation upon which to build your skill set.
Participants learn the proper techniques and procedures of projection room operations:
answering the questions of What & How It Works In The Projection Booth. All the components
of a cinema's projection and sound equipment are covered and their function and interfacing
explained.
Proper film handling and makeup, including: film inspection, splicing and film cues,
presentation setup (features, trailers, promos), proper threading and use of leaders, moving
film prints, handling film wraps and their prevention, basic projection room equipment
troubleshooting and day-to-day equipment maintenance are all covered in this course. The
concepts of picture formats and lens are also discussed.
This two day training program is truly hands-on with participants performing film inspection
and makeup, threading, routine maintenance procedures and parts replacement on actual
projectors and film platter systems. The basic operation of a digital projector will also be
demonstrated. They perform proper xenon lamp replacement and alignment and how to
troubleshoot a sound problem. Booth safety is stressed throughout.
This is a must course for those beginning or having a basic knowledge of film projection and it
sets the foundation for all other CTC technical training programs.
Intermediate Technical Training - 2 Day Workshop
This course is geared toward the individual who already has a foundation in film handling and
basic projection room procedures and wants to further enhance their technical skills. Areas
covered include: film platter timing and adjustment, film shutter timing, proper procedure
for checking Dolby sound levels and the running of test tone and buzz track. Film formats and
the concept of image sizes and apertures in conjunction with RP40 picture alignment test film
is demonstrated with each participant threading and running test film loops. Troubleshooting
a xenon power supply (rectifier) and the replacement and tapping of diodes is covered.
More in depth aspects of digital projection will also be addressed, including programming and
lamp replacement.
Throughout the course emphasis is placed upon the proper equipment parts terminology and
definitions with a review of the A & B Sound Chain components.
Advanced Technical Training - 3 Day Workshop
This intensive course is specifically geared towards each individual participant and his/her
pre-existing technical knowledge.
For the experienced cinema projectionist/technician or audio specialist, this high impact 3 day
Program covers advanced audio topics, as well as, enhances skills and knowledge regarding the
on-screen image and exacting the best performance from modern projection equipment - both
film and digital.
Topics include: A & B sound chain alignment, installation/alignment of LED sound readers
(analog and digital) and, the proper installation of sound racks detailing audio cabling, audio
component wiring, tuning, and the proper use and maintenance of all system components.
Popular models of audio equipment will be demonstrated and highlighted, including: Dolby,
DTS, Ultra Stereo, Smart, Panastereo, QSC, Yamaha, JBL, Electro-Voice, etc. The audio
segment culminates with each participant performing an auditorium sound equalization.
On the projection side topics include: lens turrets and sizing, cutting and sizing of apertures,
and the servicing of film gates and intermittents. Troubleshooting for xenon lamp failures,
power supply malfunctions, and the proper use of image test films and equipment will be
covered. The trend toward pre-feature promotions and alternative content will be explored
and each participant will operate and learn the good and bad of digital projectors. Barco and
Panasonic projectors are featured.
Participants are encouraged to bring technical issues or problems they are experiencing for
discussion and resolution. This is training for those seeking to hone their skills or have a
desire to advance their already solid technical capabilities. Emphasis is placed upon
improving each participant's technical diagnostic skills.
Test equipment, including oscilloscopes, real time analyzers, sound level meters, test films
and discs, and PC generated test setups are provided or participants are welcomed to bring
their own test gear. Those with a goal of working as a cinema technician or engineer or those
who.desire to enhance their technical skills should strongly consider this training. Dolby and
THX testing procedures and guidelines are incorporated in the training.
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OPERATIONAL PROGRAMS
Managing A Cinema - 2 Day Seminar
The goal of this program is to review all aspects of cinema management from an operational
viewpoint. It is designed for those who are open to exploring new concepts on how to operate
and manage a cinema as a business requiring a unique management approach.
The operational/management issues to be covered include: concession and box office,
advertising and promotions, safety and security, facility maintenance and upkeep, customer
service, increasing off-hour theatre utilization, purchasing and vendor negotiations. Technical
topics will include: projection room equipment overview and maintenance, projection room
management and the important relationship in coordinating the content (pre-feature-feature-post-
feature) with management functions, particularly concession operations. Also discussed
will be staff hiring, firing, training, retention and the roles and responsibilities of box office
and concession personnel, as well as, ushers and ticket-takers.
Many aspects of this program are hands-on and class participation and questions are highly
encouraged.
Concessions: Where the money is - 1 Day Workshop
This course provides a detailed look at concession operations from an analytical point of view.
Set in a roundtable discussion format the goal is to provide each trainee the tools necessary to
maximize concession profits.
A complete analysis of a cinema's concession operations will be covered. The profit drivers
of the three key concession sales tactics: Speed, Communication, and Value will be
thoroughly discussed. Determining your patron's buying resistance and why it's best to push
"middle pricing" will be introduced along with the good and bad of combo sales and how to
use combos to target customer groups.
What sells and what are the hot trends in concession and how these trends relate to buying
behavior. The use of suggestive selling, staff incentives, rebate programs, volume discounts,
coupons, customer reward programs and other concepts to increase returns will also be
considered. Attendees will have the opportunity to role-play in an actual concession stand
and review and discuss several successful new employee incentive techniques that are proven
income generators.
A companion Program to the Managing A Cinema Workshop this must, one-of-a-kind training is
for anyone managing (or responsible for) concession operations.
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MANAGERIAL PROGRAMS
Pre-feature Entertainment & Alternative Content - 1 Day Seminar
This Seminar is intended to answer all the questions surrounding the use of standard video
projectors in cinemas.
The application of video projection for alternative non-film content and in-theatre promotions
will be explored with emphasis on digital image optimization, and the opportunities and
pitfalls this presents to the exhibitor. Various projector models, pricing, and the pros and
cons of the LCD, DLP, and LCoS technologies will be explained. Choosing the right video
projection equipment for various applications including projectors and source components will
be fully reviewed. This course will also present ideas to increase your theatre's utilization
through concepts like digital film festivals, video gaming and internet presentations.
This Seminar addresses the issue of two technologies (film and digital) co-existing at a cinema
and each contributing to its profitability. This training is for anyone with an interest in
knowing what the cinema of the future will look like and how it will operate. It presents the
choices confronting the exhibitor and proposes a variety of ways to address the future.
Companion Seminar to Marketing Your Cinema Workshop.
Digital Cinema - Present & Future - 1 Day Seminar
An up-to-the-minute, detailed and thought-provoking seminar which will cover all aspects of the Digital Cinema saga. Questions: where the current technology is, will it be widely
adopted, and how is it evolving within the industry? Presents the economics of "Big-D" and the
industry's ability to afford the cost of the current technology.
This course Thoroughly explores the advantages and disadvantages of D-Cinema to the studios,
distributors, exhibitors, equipment manufacturers, and moviegoers. The Hollywood Studios
Digital Cinema Initiative will be discussed and the impact of using D-Cinema for Hollywood
programmed alternative content and the resurgence of 3-D features.
All of the necessary D-Cinema equipment components will be discussed and their function
explained. The integration and interfacing of existing sound and automation systems will be
covered. Also discussed will be the operating and maintenance requirements.
Participants will leave with a full understanding of Digital Cinema - the technology, its
impact, and when (if ever) the industry will fully embrace it.
Marketing Your Cinema - 1 Day Workshop
Although only a one day duration, the purpose of this course is to open the trainee's mind and
curiosity to operating a cinema as a "local" business. Topics covered are branding & business
identity, the techniques of connecting your cinema to the local community, content selection
as a marketing tool, defining your patrons and how to increase your cinema's market reach.
Further discussion will include how to use your staff as a marketing/promotion tool and how
to train them for this purpose. The issue of why customers "leave" and how to prevent losing
customers will be discussed. The benefit of exhibiting non-film content will be introduced
and the how and why this is a win/win situation for your cinema and your patrons.
This is relevant training for all those responsible for answering the long-term profitability of a
cinema. No prior courses are requisite. The trainee simply brings an open mind and
inquisitive attitude. Class participation is highly encouraged.
Cinema Owners/Investors Workshop - 5 Day Workshop
This five day training program is the most comprehensive offered at CTC. With one-on-one
private instruction this training is for the serious current or potential cinema owner/operator
or cinema project investor. It is a program for those looking to obtain a comprehensive study
of the workings of the movie exhibition industry and how a cinema fits into this business
landscape.
The subject matter covers all aspects of a cinema and can function as a test bed for
participants wanting to validate their cinema project's potential, or as a means of obtaining a
large amount of knowledge regarding a build-out, expansion, or turnkey operation. This is a
jam-packed, intensive program with day, as well as, evening instruction. You are literally
immersed in the subject matter with the goal of leaving the program with a complete
understanding of the hows, whys, and whats of a cinema with emphasis on present and future
technology impacts.
All aspects of a cinema business are covered, including: technical, operational, marketing,
staffing, concessions, MIS, product mix and pricing, and the business's profit drivers. Past
participants have brought their business plans with them for review and evaluation while
attending this Program.
This Program is scheduled by appointment only.
Modern Theatre Design & Planning - 1 Day Seminar
Cinema design and planning essentially revolves around how to optimize the whole
presentation environment - entrance/lobby/foyer, auditoriums, interior space,
concession/service areas, projection room, and egress & exits - so as to make going to the
movies a special 'experience' unavailable anywhere else.
Seating, sightlines, screens, acoustical wall design, lighting, architectural plans and general
construction, will all be covered in this course. The concept of the 468 viewing rule will be
discussed and the ideal presentation environment will be explored. The pros and cons of
various seating configurations, and the sizing of auditoriums will be discussed.
Floor plans, interior elevations, HVAC, room reverberations, and many other topics in regard
to the design of a modern cinema are considered. This is a very compressed but
comprehensive study taught by individuals involved in the build-out of numerous cinema
projects. This course should be attended by anyone with an interest in the overall
environment of a venue used for public presentations, or for those seeking more general
knowledge of the important physical attributes of a cinema space.
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Please contact us for a Cinema Training Central Guidebook
which provides detailed course descriptions and all required
information regarding course schedules, tuition, and accommodations.
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