Page 10 - RD_2024-06

At the other extreme - this is
the splicing kit I used while
working for Hoyts Theatres.
In Melbourne, pretty much
the whole cinema system
relied on the skill of
Assistant Operators to make
good hand splices when
“making up” the shows and
repairing film damage.

Manual Splicing Procedure: With scissors cut out damaged film, cutting through the
centre of a frame line on right hand roll. Anchor the film with a
metal weight, emulsion down. Cut the left hand film
allowing one sprocket hole overlap ahead of the
frame line. Put the six inch straight edge
on L.H. emulsion side frame line and
use the razor blade to scrape all the
emulsion off the overlap (moistening
with the tongue helps this process).
Turn the film emulsion down and
accurately position the overlap sprocket
holes over the holes of the R.H. frame.
Double check film alignment. Then,
holding firmly, lift the overlap and quickly
apply ample film cement across the splice.
Press firmly together for several seconds until
cement is dry. The whole operation is done on
a piece of clean white blotting paper to absorb
excess cement spill. Who needs a splicer?... I do!

The join should be clean and free of air bubbles. It
should be almost invisible. I always trimmed the
overlap corners just in case the ends lifted.
(Sorry about the flouro tube reflection on the film.)

All equipment and photos from Kev Franzi’s
Australian Cinema Heritage Collection.

10 REEL DEALS March 2024