The base theater will show it's last movie, "Wreck-It Ralph" Dec. 30 at 4 p.m. One of the reasons for the closure is due to a high cost to convert the theater from using a traditional projector to a modern, digital format. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman)
Mark Montville prepares the places the "Star Spangled Banner" reel on the projection machine. Each reel contains about 20 minutes of content. The role of the projectionist is to prepare a film to play seamlessly. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman)
by Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
12/19/2012 - Scott Air Force Base, Ill. -- Scott's base theater is set to close after showing its last movie "Wreck-It Ralph" Dec. 30 and for the projectionist, Mark Montville, it marks the end of an era.
According to Exchange General Manager Michael Patmon, the main reasons for closing are because it's too costly to upgrade equipment to digital, which would cost an estimated $120,000, and the availability of local off-base venues.
He explained that theaters nationwide will all be digital in 2013 since Hollywood has converted from film to electronic means of distribution, and the base does not generate enough revenue to pay and maintain the costly upgrade.
"We will still continue to provide avenues for Soldiers, Airmen and their families to see all the Hollywood hits with our wide selection of DVDs and Blu-Rays available at the Exchange as well as through Instaflix kiosks," he added.
For Montville, who's been the man behind the reels for the past eight years, the closing of the theater is a sad occasion.
"We have a lot of retirees who come here instead of going downtown. They feel it's safer and the prices are reasonable, as compared to other theaters."
He has been working in theaters for the past 12 years, starting out taking tickets and working the snack bar, and then working up to projectionist when they were short one eight years ago.
His duties begin before the movie starts as he cues both the National Anthem and then the movie.
"Normally, we set up the machines for showing the movie. Then, we look for the changeover dots on the film that lets us know when to switch to the other machine. We change back and forth between each reel," he explained.
"Each movie is on multiple reels, and last weekend, we showed 'Cloud Atlas;' that was a nine-reel movie. Each reel is roughly 20 minutes."
Montville said his favorite part of the job isn't the technical aspects--it's the emotional aspect his job brings.
"Seeing the little kids when they come see the movies is my favorite part," he said. "It's seeing the smiles on their faces--they are happy and excited to see the movie, especially in the past, when we've had Christmas movies."
The building itself falls under the responsibility of the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron to maintain and upkeep and wing leadership will still use the theater for events such as all-calls or other presentations as appropriate.
For the Exchange offerings, Patmon said the Instaflix kiosk, an entertainment vending machine at the Express, offers a selection of 600-800 discs per kiosk and lets users rent DVDs overnight for $1 and Blu-ray discs for $1.49.
