A recent article in The Seattle Times highlighted Fallon's own Aaron Ridenour for his work as a 70mm projectionist. His career, however, began in the projection booth of the Fallon Theatre.
Before digital projection, every movie shown at the Fallon Theatre depended on the skill of a projectionist. Originally opened as the New Rex Theatre in 1920 and converted for sound films in 1930, the theater relied on projectionists to thread reels through mechanical projectors, monitor each showing, and switch reels with split-second timing.
According to the Churchill County Museum, projectionists watched for cue marks that briefly appeared in the upper corner of the film. Those marks signaled when to start a second projector, so audiences experienced a seamless transition from one reel to the next. A missed cue could result in broken film, a dark screen, or an interrupted performance.
The Fallon Theatre upgraded to a platter system in 1983, allowing an entire feature film to run from a single projector after the reels were assembled. Even then, projectionists remained responsible for building each print, threading the projector, monitoring the presentation, and dismantling the film afterward.
Unlike digital projection, 70mm film requires specialized equipment and careful preparation. Large-format film prints are significantly larger and heavier than standard 35mm prints, and every showing depends on experienced projectionists who understand how to assemble, thread, and operate the equipment correctly. Only a limited number of theaters in the United States continue to present films in the format.
Movie enthusiasts value 70mm for its exceptional image quality, clarity, and immersive presentation. Although digital technology has become the industry standard, many filmmakers continue to champion film, and audiences still seek opportunities to experience movies as they were originally intended to be shown.
Ridenour built on the foundation he learned in Fallon to become a leading 70mm projectionist. He later served as lead projectionist at Seattle's Cinerama and now oversees 70mm presentations at Seattle's SIFF Cinema Downtown, helping preserve one of cinema's most specialized crafts.
For Ridenour, a career preserving one of filmmaking's oldest traditions began in a much smaller projection booth in Fallon. His story is a reminder that the community's historic theater helped launch a career dedicated to keeping the art of film projection alive.
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