Technician, Digitization, Conservation and Laboratory

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Inspects, repairs or restores and assesses film equipment (image and sound); documents and reports the data and assessments collected during inspections, using the systems provided for this purpose. Processes orders or equipment returns, logs data about this equipment and participates in various departmental projects; ensures equipment is in good condition and working order. Provides scanning services for films and other film products using a film scanner, achieving the best-quality digital format without hampering future processing possibilities. Assesses the quality and notes imperfections in the product created; provides technical advice when required and contributes to the administrative processing of these services. Checks equipment condition and ensures it operates properly.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Receives and reviews material to be inspected and corrects identification as required.

Visually inspects both image and sound in the films submitted to them, using the tools provided.

Assesses all physical aspects of the material, such as the degree of shrinkage, the condition of splices, surface or deep damage, the degree of discolouration or degradation, the condition of sprockets, the synchronization marks (image and sound), etc. If necessary, rewinds, cleans and repairs or restores the films or makes the necessary splices to properly restore the film; replaces or adds the required primers and identifications.

If necessary, processes shrunken films, synchronizes image and optical sound, or registers image and sound; assesses the condition of the containers (boxes), packaging and labelling, and verifies compliance with existing conservation standards, replacing them if necessary.

Prepares material for storage or for further activities such as digitization or printing in external laboratories. For original material being produced and for inventory purposes, notes the edge numbers and enters them into the appropriate databases.

In the systems provided for this purpose, reports the data and assessments gathered during inspections and, if necessary, submits reports on the work carried out; communicates information to the appropriate individuals and notifies the person responsible of any defects or anomalies in the material or computer data.

Completes orders received from clients by tracking the film, sound and image material in the data bank and in the different vaults.

Processes returned or input materials; checks, corrects and modifies the data already entered in the database and attaches a bar code to each box. Inputs new data into the database.

Determines the quality and compatibility of the supplied pulled elements; determines the exact nature of the work, taking into account current standards and video formats.

Provides technical assistance to clients (filmmakers, etc.) in handling film stock and analog viewing equipment for film material.

Prepares material and equipment for scanning, makes necessary connections for scanning, calibrates and adjusts the scanner, repairs or rebuilds film splices when they break during transfer.

Determines the setting for the overall treatment of the appearance of the product to process (film or other) by adjusting the colour balance, black, white and gamma levels.

Saves data corresponding to scanning operations by identifying the product created, its location and the setting selected on the device.

Responds to requests for information and advises project technical coordinators or service clients.

Views the result to verify that it meets NFB and SMPTE standards before delivering it to the customer; completes a technical report, giving feedback on the technical quality of the record; clearly identifies each of the recorded reels and notes all relevant information.

Performs periodic testing to ensure the accuracy of the film scanner, controllers, peripheral devices and the various recording machines used.

Maintains records of verification test results, identifies probable causes of equipment malfunction, and reports any anomalies to the service manager and support staff.

Stays up to date on technological developments in their area of expertise and jointly assesses, with other Technical Resources colleagues, new equipment that’s tested periodically.

REQUIRED TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

College studies in film, video editing or equivalent;

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in laboratory work and handling of film archive items, or an equivalent combination of training and experience;

Knowledge of archival standards for film materials;

Basic knowledge of computers;

Bilingualism in the official languages (English and French), oral and written.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Good judgment, meticulous, independent, strong customer-service skills, organized, open to learning.