Here is a Picture of a Filmstrip Projector
March 5th, 2006
It’s a Fisher SM-1000. God, it’s heavy! It was supposed to be a prop in the third installment of The Block. Unfortunately, due to weather-related snafus, it was left behind and we had to substitute a video projector for a filmstrip projector. Strangely enough, the entire sequence involving the projector—a series of flashbacks in “filmstrip form” that revealed my character’s back-story—was never filmed but a shot of me operating the projector was left in the final cut.
Oh, and the show was cancelled, so I remain the kiss of death for Will Hines.
There’s not much point to all of this except that it allows me to point out that the projector is very beautiful—sort of elegant and clunky at the same time. I’m guessing it was made around 1965-1975. It’s funny because it comes from an era of full-on ugly wood-paneled TV sets but the designers back then got it right when it came to industrial AV equipment, I guess.
The appeal of the first Star Wars movie, I think, is very dependant on the look of early 70’s design. It was fantastic as a kid to see a futuristic world that was so clunky and squared-off. This filmstrip projector could easily have been a droid from the first Star Wars. For some reason, George Lucas abandoned that vision in the prequels and everything took on a CGI gloss.
I’m a blogger talking about Star Wars.
March 5th, 2006 at 5:48 pm
I wondered why you operating the projector was left in “The Block,” in the middle of the “testing” montage.
I like how you said “revenge” in “The Block.” That was my favorite part … and you playing the glockenspiel. My two favorite parts.
As far as I’m concerned, Rocco in the cliffhanger killed the show. He’s the new kiss of death.
March 5th, 2006 at 6:22 pm
i’m dating a guy who blogs about star wars.
March 5th, 2006 at 6:34 pm
mitch was awesome in “the Block.” http://channel102.net/show.php?show=48
to “revenge” and playing the glockenspiel, i would add “the arena of the mind” and the computer category as high points.
(and good writing, hinesy.)
i didnt understand why you were inside until i remembered that it snowed.
pussies!
March 8th, 2006 at 1:15 am
i’m up past midnight catching up on the writings of a friend who blogs about star wars.
i always liked the shots of the x-wing fighters; in particular, the fact that the fighters were dirty.
March 8th, 2006 at 12:31 pm
Yeah, I’d have to scuff the projector up a bit to fit in.
March 10th, 2006 at 10:49 am
The projector reminds me of the HAL 9000. Its lens looks like a knowing eye.
March 25th, 2006 at 6:36 pm
As the proud owner of the Star Wars triology, the Lord of the Rings triology, the X-Files Pilot, Dark Star, Highlander, The Last Starfighter, Legend, The Neverending Story, The Rats of N.I.M.H, Escape from Witch Mountain, Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal, I find this entire sequence offensive.