11
Running The Show...
Now that the Platter is ready to use, a show can be made up and run. A typical
show consists of three parts (in order): Policy(fire, food, marquee and
organization advertising), upcoming film previews, and the feature film.
Making-up the show:
Since a platter requires the show to be one piece of film, building the print is
quite important. Typically, a make-up table is used to feed the individual
segments from a reel or roller onto a platter deck in the order of the show. Great
care must be taken to insure that all splices feature correct film orientation(front-
back and left right), and are neat and clean to ensure a correct and easy running
show the first time. Build the print in the correct order, including the correct reel #
order of the feature film. Use the supplied take-up ring, and wind the leader from
the first piece around the ring, and secure in the film catch. Continue to add
policies, previews, etc. in order, paying attention to proper orientation from film to
film.
The BIG SKY Make-Up Table is part if the Film Transport System. This table
works directly with the platter to provide a simple system to make-up and break-
down films. The MUT is described on pages 12 &13 of this manual. Be sure to
follow individual theater and company instructions regarding making-up of films.
Running the show:
Once the show is built, it can be threaded and run. First, remove the take-up ring
from the center of the film by releasing the catch, compressing the ring, and
lifting straight up from the film without disturbing the wrap. Place the ring on
another deck by placing the locating pins in the correct holes. This deck is now
the take-up deck. Place the pay-out head in the center of the deck with the film,
taking care to be sure that the main body slides fully down the center opening,
and the anti-rotation pin is fully seated in it s slot. This deck is now designated
the pay-out deck.
Thread the film through the pay-out head, rollers, tension sensor, projector, and
take-up rollers as described in the OPERATING section of this manual.
Diagrams are provided in the drawing section. The sensor roller will have to be
turned by hand to allow the deck to spin while pulling enough film out through the
pay-out head to fully thread the projector and platter. Once the film is threaded,
rotate the take-up deck CCW, allowing the motor to start and pull the excess film
onto the ring, stopping by itself when the slack is taken up. Start the console, and
the platter will automatically run as a slave to the projector s demands and
running speed. Once the show ends, simply reverse the ring and pay-out head
locations, re-thread the system, and start again.
