Motion Picture Projectionists

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

The occupation "Motion Picture Projectionists" has an automation risk of 34.9%, which closely aligns with the base risk level of 35.3%. This relatively moderate risk stems from a blend of routine, automatable duties and more nuanced, manual responsibilities. Projectionists are primarily responsible for managing the technical operations that ensure films are presented smoothly to the audience. Advances in digital projection technologies and automated systems have streamlined many projection processes that were once heavily reliant on hands-on skill and constant supervision. As a result, a sizable portion of the job’s core functions are increasingly subject to automation, though not all duties are easily replaced by machines. The top three most automatable tasks for motion picture projectionists include "monitoring operations to ensure that standards for sound and image projection quality are met," "starting projectors and opening shutters to project images onto screens," and "opening and closing facilities according to rules and schedules." These tasks are largely repetitive, standardized, and rule-based, making them prime candidates for automation through software controls, remote monitoring systems, and automated facility access. For instance, modern digital projectors can be programmed to start and stop at scheduled times, and integrated systems can monitor audiovisual quality with little human intervention. Additionally, automation in facility management—such as automated lighting and security—reduces the need for projectionists to manually open or close venues. However, some occupation tasks remain notably resistant to automation due to their complexity or requirement for nuanced judgment. The most resistant tasks include "splicing separate film reels, advertisements, and movie trailers together to form a feature-length presentation on one continuous reel," "preparing film inspection reports, attendance sheets, and log books," and "observing projector operation to anticipate the need to transfer operations from one projector to another." These activities often demand manual dexterity, attention to specific details, and adaptability to unique or unforeseen circumstances—qualities that current automated systems struggle to replicate. Additionally, the bottleneck skill for this role, originality (at 2.0%), further highlights the need for creative problem-solving and individualized judgment, even though its relative level is quite low among projectionist tasks. Therefore, while a significant share of the work can be automated, key aspects of the projectionist’s role still require human oversight and intervention.