Over the last 6 years I have spent a lot of time in cinema bio boxes implementing digital e-cinema systems for http://www.d-cinema.com.au. This, however, has given me a great respect for traditional cinema practices. The technology and history that has gone into the evolution of the cinema projector is very interesting.
Cinema tends to capture the imagination of many people, becoming a very passionate part of their life. This is why I feel that some of the technology developed over the years is amazing. For example, in the early days, being a cinema projectionist involved going to uni and getting a degree. It was actually quite dangerous due to the combustible nature of early film. (Next time I go to one of the really old Bio Boxes, I’ll try to film all the special tools and escape equipment they use to have in it, its crazy!) These days however, this is no longer the case. Much of the magic art of running a Bio box has been forgotten as the last of the projectionists who actually got a degree, are starting to retire.
The reason I decided to start making small videos of Bio Boxes is because, the economic and benefit of a cinema going to a digital system is really starting to kick in. Within 5 years I do not expect many film projectors will be showing films around anymore. I do expect many cinemas to keep them online as it will be too hard for them to move on completely. It will be like losing your wife of 70 years for many older cinema owners.
The video below is an example of going to extremes to place a projector in a cinema. It is one of the more interesting installations I have seen.
Please watch and enjoy, and contemplate the millions of film goers that this technology has thrilled over the years.
Cinema has really come a long way over the years! I’m rather interested in this field and would like to have the opportunity some day to get some hands on experience! I think this video is great for people like who are interested in this, and perhaps those who are curious as well!
I recommend that you upload this video to kyte.tv, it’s a great place to produce shows and get feedback from your audience. You can create a channel and produce multiple shows on there [just like tv!] and viewers can chat with you right there on the channel about the content of your show.
I work at a cinema location and just got promoted to the projection(bio), however, no one seems to know what the term bio actually means.
BAZ,
Have a look at this link.
http://www.theatre.asn.au/node/7590
It covers the issue fo where the name came from.