I'm trying to get into the home theater installation field and was wondering if some of you experienced installers could give me some advice on getting a job.

I've been a theater projectionist for 5 years, 3 of which were as booth manager doing all the film work and upkeep of the projectors and such. I also worked with Panasonic reps helping to installing their top line video projectors for the Cinequest film festival. I've always had a love for a quality film experience and think that a logical step in my career is to move into the home installation realm. I'm switching careers because of course there is dirt money in being a projectionist except for union guys, and the union is basically dead except for LA and NY.

So I've been looking into two different direction and this where I need advice with. I don't have the wiring or construction background to get in with alot of companies, even though I understand alot about lens, keystoning and hear good surround sound. I've been looking into the local JATC program for the Sound and Communications installers, but am not sure if alot of contractors even hire union installers, or even if this is the right direction. I don't want to pull phonelines the rest of my life. There is also a CEDIA certification, but it seems more geared towards guys who are already working in the field and are honing there skills.

Any personal stories or advice on a good direction for me to persue would be a great help. I'm not looking for a job in this forum, so no need to flame this post...just advice. If you want, send me an e-mail at [email protected]

Thanks

I would think that based upon your past experience that your experience that you could easily step into the industry as something of a video specialist.

What are you looking to do....sell, install or calibrate?

I'm not much of a salesman, just alittle too passive by nature to really "push" stuff...installation would be my main interest, with possible assistance in the design aspect, but I would want to start out with just installation to learn as much as possible.

There was a thread on this about a week ago with some VERY good advice. Might try a search.

Otherwise, the only way to get into it is to jump in. Find someone whos looking for some help. Easier said than done. As long as youare presentable and show up on time, you should have no problem getting started.

Good luck.

Fugazi,

Based on your projectionist ecperience, I would say put together a great resume, and disperse it to all relative employers within your area. If they have a position, I'm sure you'd at least get an interview.


After all, you don't know if you don't ask.

Just a thought.
You better be 'addicted' to this lifestyle! Lots of late nights, "Holidays" are the worst time of the year, and there is never enuf time in the day!!!

The end result is quite gratifying, though, so, I guess I'll keep trucking along.

Just remember not to make any plans on a day you 'have to work'!!!

pilgram
what is this "Holiday" thing you speak of?

Founding members should know this.

Holiday -- A point in time where 20 clients you haven't seen in a year want an 8-10 hour job done 2 days before the "holiday"!!

In the early days, It was reffererd to as a time to gather with family and friends to celabrate a momentus occasion.

pilgram...

Thanks for defining "holiday"

I had forgotten its meaning.

This year I was stupid enough to set up some of these last minute "holiday systems" on the Eastern side of my state with mountain passes to cross... loaded down with equipment. Just when I consider myself smart enough to post here... I do something like this that leads me to question my own intelligence.

Fugazi... you are named after a cool band. I think your questions were much better worded than the other recent "getting in" post. If I was looking and you were in my neck of the woods I would interview you. In my opinion, someone who is trainable based on desire is much better than one who knows it all. Put that resume together and make yourself a valuable employee... a contributing member of a good team. It is increasingly harder to find dedicated people who don't just want to jump in and be an "Instant Stereo Guy". Be willing to get dirty and learn from the ground up... for every few months of wire pulling there is always the happy customer day when you all get to feel good... and when a good boss takes you to a celebratory dinner!

Good Luck!

It sounds like you might want to learn the ins and outs (if you don't already know them) of video calibration, because with your experience, you probably already see things that beginners don't see when they look at an image (for instance, many of my customers don't see subtle video hum, and I confess I don't tell them until I am ready to take care of it).

There are a few guys out there with a really great eye, and experience in setting up the finer details of projectors. Because there are not many, you would not have full time work for quite a while, but it could only help to specialize...as long as you also have a job.