Theater Services Projection Technician

Overview:
The Production Administration Team (PAT) at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – School of Film and Television (SFTV), a top-ranked film school, supports student productions and serves students in Film Production, Screenwriting, Recording Arts, Animation, and Film Studies. The students in Film Production produce approximately 800 films per year. Each project is overseen by a staff member in PAT. Projects are monitored for adherence to rules, policies, and procedures codified in the SFTV Handbook, and most importantly, for the highest level of workplace safety.

PAT provides services and maintains available facilities and equipment in 5 buildings across two campuses, including sound stages, scene and prop shop, professional cinema-quality [MC1.1][JL1.2]camera packages, grip/electric equipment, and production sound equipment for both project and classroom use. For a more complete list of equipment and facilities, please see the SFTV website.

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Theater Services Administrator, the Theater Services Projection Technician will assist the Theater Services Administrator in operating all projection facilities for the school, including current and future film, tape, and disc venues. The Projection Technician will assist in the scheduling and training of student workers, and support classes by sourcing films for screenings. The Projection Technician will also assist in the maintenance of projectors and projection equipment, including coordination with external vendors.

The ideal candidate brings a collaborative mindset, a deep understanding of professional projection standards, and a commitment to fostering a safe, educational, and creatively empowering environment for emerging filmmakers.

This is a temporary assignment.

Position Specific Accountabilities

• Oversee the operation of projection equipment for class screenings in all three theaters across LMU campuses (Mayer Theater, Broccoli Theater, and Playa Vista Campus Theater).

• Assist student workers in the use of projection equipment and standard projection practices during class screenings and events.

• Conduct sound, visual, and overall performance quality checks on all projection equipment. Troubleshoot equipment when necessary to ensure classes and events run smoothly.

• Advise the Theater Services Administrator of any maintenance and/or repairs needed. Perform routine maintenance and repairs when needed. Schedule vendor repairs of all current and future projection equipment when necessary.

• Collaborate with central university departments such as Facilities Management and Information Technology Services, in addition to internal SFTV staff and administrators, as needed to ensure smooth operation of projection facilities.  

• Coordinate the rental, delivery, and return of rented DCPs and Film Prints used in the theaters.

• Collaborate with the Programming Committee, internal and external event producers, and designated SFTV staff to coordinate and review the audio, lighting, sound, and screening expectations during special programming, including screenings and events held in the theaters. Attend meetings and review materials, including but not limited to digital assets and run-of-shows, in preparation for special programming. 

• Operate sound and visual equipment during special programming, including but not limited to screenings and events.

• Maintain and update both the physical SFTV Library of films and the online catalog of films, in addition to the web-checkout media catalog.

• Use department and university-approved systems and accounts for all operational needs, including but not limited to email correspondence, documents, files, and asset management.

• Review and follow university policy and procedures. 

• Perform other duties as assigned to or requested.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations

Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the LMU.  Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.  Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Typically a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of University and federal regulation/policy changes.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple projects, maintaining a high caliber of quality.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in progressively responsible positions in film and/or video exhibition and/or video engineering technology.

• Advanced knowledge in the areas of film projection and/or video exhibition

• Practical knowledge and experience loading and projecting 35mm and 16mm film preferred.

• Experience with setting up, installing, or maintaining the use of microphones, speakers, and various projection equipment. Experience with digital sound equipment and cables.

• Experience in public screening and events.

• Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral) evidenced by background in preparing comprehensive reports incorporating complex highly technical information.

• Familiarity with Computers and IP Networking Systems.

• Exceptional troubleshooting skills.

• Must possess a strong ability to multitask. Experience in multi-venue management is preferred.

• Keen understanding of the role of academic support staff in interaction with students is required.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule to allow some weekend work during production periods (~10 weeks/semester).

• Demonstrated ability to supervise multiple reports expected.

• Experience in project management strongly desired.

• Ability to mentor students required.

• Ability to assist students in the development of professional attitudes and disciplines expected in the entertainment industry.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be organized, detail-oriented, and demonstrate initiative, quick problem solving, thinking ahead, and follow-through.

• Proven ability to work calmly and efficiently in a high-pace, high-volume environment.

• Ability to work both independently and follow direction. Must be proactive.

• Highly developed crisis/conflict management skills required, specifically de-escalation.

• High degree of empathy, respect for and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, ages and cultures required. Keen understanding of the role of academic support staff in interaction with students is required.

• Understanding of organizational structure and ability to follow instructions and defined processes.

• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of industry standard software expected, including MS Office 365 suite, Word, Excel, Outlook, Zoom, Teams, Slack, MM Budgeting, MM Scheduling, HotSheets, Premiere, After Effects, ProTools, and Avid Media Composer.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Constantly required to sit, feel, use finger movement, speak clearly, hear conversation, see near and far. Frequently required to stand and walk. Occasionally required to lift, carry and push up to 25 lbs., stoop, kneel, reach high and low, use depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is normal.

MENTAL DEMANDS: Mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequent calculating, interrupted work, variety of interrelated tasks, sustained concentration, use of reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.

Staff Temporary (Fixed Term)

Salary range

Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)

LMU is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities and ensuring a comprehensive recruitment and selection process for all applicants.

Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the application, interview, or selection process may contact Human Resources at [email protected] or by phone at (310) 338-2723. Applicants who use relay services or other assistive communication technologies are welcome to utilize those services when contacting Human Resources.

When contacting Human Resources, please include the job posting number, title of the position and department for which you are applying. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of a disability or provide medical information when requesting an accommodation during the recruitment process.

LMU will work with applicants in a timely and interactive process to identify and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable federal and state law.