Occupation AtlasMotion Picture Projectionists

O*NET · 39-3021.00

Motion Picture Projectionists

Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.

Also called Booth Operator · Booth Usher · Cinema Operator · Cinema Projectionist · Cinematographer · Digital Projectionist · Equipment Operator · Film Projector Operator
15 more

Film Specialist · Machine Operator · Motion Picture Operator · Motion Picture Projectionist · Movie Machine Operator · Movie Operator · Movie Projectionist · Moving Picture Operator · Projection Technician · Projectionist · Projector · Projector Booth Operator · Projector Operator · Stereoptician · Technical Projection Guide

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCARealistic · Conventional · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.44
  • C Conventional4.39
  • A Artistic3.10
  • I Investigative2.02
  • S Social2.02
  • E Enterprising1.99

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma20%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent61%
  • Some College Courses9%
  • Bachelor's Degree10%
Related work experience
None (46%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (36%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (33%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations MonitoringImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Operation and ControlImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • TroubleshootingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
  • RepairingImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Service OrientationImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • WritingbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Equipment SelectionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • PersuasionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • InstructingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Operations AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • MathematicsbasicImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.6
  • InstallationImportance 1.3Level —
  • Technology DesignImportance 1.1Level —
  • Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
  • SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

11 core · 6 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Monitor operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met.Importance 4.6
  2. Start projectors and open shutters to project images onto screens.Importance 4.4
  3. Open and close facilities according to rules and schedules.Importance 4.4
  4. Operate equipment to show films in a number of theaters simultaneously.Importance 4.3
  5. Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as rotating or replacing xenon bulbs, cleaning projectors and lenses, lubricating machinery, and keeping electrical contacts clean and tight.Importance 4.2
  6. Set up and adjust picture projectors and screens to achieve proper size, illumination, and focus of images, and proper volume and tone of sound.Importance 4.1
  7. Inspect projection equipment prior to operation to ensure proper working order.Importance 4.1
  8. Perform minor repairs, such as replacing worn sprockets, or notify maintenance personnel of the need for major repairs.Importance 4.0
  9. Set up and inspect curtain and screen controls.Importance 3.9
  10. Coordinate equipment operation with presentation of supplemental material, such as music, oral commentaries, or sound effects.Importance 3.7
  11. Clean the projection booth.Importance 3.4
Show the other 6
  1. Inspect movie films to ensure that they are complete and in good condition.Importance 4.5
  2. Remove full take-up reels and run film through rewinding machines to rewind projected films so they may be shown again.Importance 3.8
  3. Install and connect auxiliary equipment, such as microphones, amplifiers, disc playback machines, and lights.Importance 3.8
  4. Observe projector operation to anticipate need to transfer operations from one projector to another.Importance 3.7
  5. Prepare film inspection reports, attendance sheets, and log books.Importance 3.7
  6. Splice separate film reels, advertisements, and movie trailers together to form a feature-length presentation on one continuous reel.Importance 3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English LanguageImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • MechanicalImportance 3.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.8Level 2.7
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.5Level 2.6
Show all 33
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.4Level 2.6
  • MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Education and TrainingImportance 2.3Level 2.7
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • TransportationImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • DesignImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • ChemistryImportance 1.4Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level —
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • PhysicsImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.3Level —
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.2Level —
  • GeographyImportance 1.2Level —
  • BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.1Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Far VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 3.9
  • Control PrecisionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger DexterityImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
Show all 52
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Manual DexterityImportance 3.0Level 2.9
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Reaction TimeImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Rate ControlImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Written ExpressionImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • OriginalityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 1.9
  • Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • MemorizationImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Night VisionImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • StaminaImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Number FacilityImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.8
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.4Level 0.5
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.7Level 2.8
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.6Level 2.9
  • Getting InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.2Level 2.8
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
Show all 41
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 3.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.0Level 2.8
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.6
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 2.8Level 2.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 2.6
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 2.7Level 2.7
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Processing InformationImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.0
  • Telephone Conversations3.9
  • Frequency of Decision Making3.7
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals3.6
  • E-Mail3.6
  • Time Pressure3.6
  • Contact With Others3.5

Technology

11 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (8)

  • Apple macOS
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (3)
  • Audio calibration software
  • Avid Technology iNEWS
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.