Film Path

The Film Path is the route that the film takes through the projectors whilst being projected. As such, it is imperative that all projectionists know this in detail, as any incorrect lacing can result in a loss of presentation quality and even cause significant damage to the film itself.

Warwick Student Cinema operates two Cinemeccanica Victoria 8 combined 35mm/70mm projectors. The lacing is identical on each and the focus here shall be on the lacing of 35mm film.

All 35mm films need to be projected with the soundtrack towards you. If the film has been made-up correctly then this will result in the film coming off the top of the pay-out spool.

Within the projector

From the point of entry to the projector, lacing is identical for all 35mm films, regardless of the picture format and sound system used. Details of lacing above the casing will be given below for DTS and SDDS soundtracks.

The image to the right shows one of the projectors, with a red line indicating the film path from the first roller at the entrance to the casing, to the last roller before the take-up spool. The numbered sections are the following:

1. The entry roller to the projector casing. This is a dual 35mm/70mm roller, so you must check that the 35mm film is sitting in the 35mm groove.

2. The first sprockets and arm. The film needs to properly on the sprockets. Once laced, tension the pay-out reel. If you open the arm the film should remain stationary, indicating that it is nicely on the sprockets. If the film is not on the sprockets properly, then opening this arm will cause the film to move. The arm must be closed when projecting.

3. The top loop is key in several ways. It is important to have this the right size (the qualified projectionist will show you this!) in order to keep the picture and sound in sync if playing in DTS or SDDS. Also, this loop trips the safety arm above it if the film snaps at the top of the gate. 4. The film passes through the gate between the runners and the back-plate. It must be sitting smoothly between the two if it is to run without problems. 5. The intermittant. This is sprocket that pulls through whole frames of film at a time. It must be set before positioning the film in the gate, so that it is about to pull the film down by a frame. The arm must be closed when projecting. 6.