New Amsterdam Film Loopers LLC
16mm Equipment Rental
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: I've never worked with movie film before. Can I do this myself? And, are you available to help?
A: If you have a some familiarity with analog devices, our looper unit is for you. But if this is your first experience projecting on film, allow for extra time to work with the equipment. Ian, our owner and technician, is available by phone, email, and video-chat, to advise and to answer questions.
Also, take a look at our instructional video.
Q: Can I project and install any type of movie film using your equipment?
A: Our loopers are intended for use with 16mm equipment. All of our rental lenses fit Eiki 16mm projectors (our preferred brand).
Q: There are other looper designs out there. Why should I rent from you?
A: Our looper system was originally designed by Ruud Molleman in 1992, specifically for visual artists who wished to exhibit work on 16mm film. Since then, our equipment has been used by numerous institutions, and has a proven track record. Our looper is designed to make loading and changing out film prints as easy and as straightforward as possible.
Q: I see that you're based in New York, but I don't live there. How would an equipment rental actually work?
A: There are two options.
Option #1: Rental equipment can be shipped to and from the exhibition venue by a private mail carrier.
Ian, our technician, will be available remotely to advise for the run of the show.
Option #2: If hands-on support is needed, equipment can be transported and hand-delivered by car. Our technician will then make himself available to train staff on-site to operate the equipment. One full day is usually sufficient for a thorough training. Since 2017, we've done site visits to numerous galleries and museums across North America.
Q: I don't live in the United States. Do you ship internationally?
A: We ship to any location in the Americas. If you are looking to rent equipment for an exhibition outside of the Americas, contact our sister organization:
Studio M / Amsterdam Film Loopers.
Q: Do you provide editing equipment: additional reels, black leader, splicing tape, etc.?
A: A splicer is necessary for changing out film prints, and can be provided upon request. We can also supply replacement lamps, reels, splicing tape, etc., along with other items like PROJECTORS and LENSES. We use our best judgement for each rental, but it's always good to ask us ahead of time. Special requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Q: My film has a soundtrack. Can I rent speakers from you?
A: Many of our projectors have built-in speakers. Otherwise, no, we do not lease out audio equipment.
Q: My film is 30-minutes long. Can I play it on one of your loopers?
A: Our loopers can accommodate up to fourteen minutes of film (approximately 500 feet). Once the duration of the exhibition print exceeds the fourteen minute mark, it becomes increasingly difficult for the projector to handle that amount of material. 500+ feet is a LOT of film, and in our experience there WILL be issues with tension, regardless of the design of the looper. We prefer the proven method of working with small loops.
Q: My film is 1-minute long. Will I be able to play it on one of your loopers?
A: We recommend loading at least 100 feet (two-and-a-half minutes) of film onto the platter, to allow for some cushion. If the print is too short a length, there's a good chance that the projector will tug on the material from both ends. For films shorter than two-and-a-half minutes, we strongly suggest working with a lab in order to get additional prints made. When it comes time to exhibit your film, you would then physically splice two copies of the print together, head to tail, and install them on the looper.
Q: I'm interested in getting extra prints made. Can you make this happen?
A: Lab work, such as making additional prints, needs to be arranged with a motion picture facility. Here is an abbreviated list of labs that are out there:
Q: I'm working with my gallery to plan the layout of the exhibition space and I'm not even sure what's possible in terms of the scale of the projection. Where do I begin?
A: Take a look at our lens throw chart. These throw measurements and distances should give you an idea of what's possible for a given space.
Q: I just received a quote from New Amsterdam Film Loopers LLC. What does the proposed fee include?
A: We offer both rental and full-service installation of 16mm equipment for exhibition purposes. Please communicate your needs, so that an itemized quote can be drafted as soon as possible.
Our technician is available to assist you and to answer questions remotely. Advice and troubleshooting over the phone (or by video chat and email), is included as part of the cost of the rental.
Q: What happens if there are equipment failures during the run of my exhibition?
A: Most often, problems can be anticipated ahead of time, and are typically due to wear and tear on the film print itself - not mechanical issues. A manual switch (even a power strip) - one that keeps the projector active only at times when an audience is present - will limit damage to your exhibition print. Arrangements can be made with us to leave backup equipment on-site. Please communicate your needs as soon as possible. Our staff has years of experience, and will be available to advise you for the duration of your exhibition.
If you expect the projector to be running for say, eight-hours-a-day, six-days-a-week, we recommend replacing the exhibition print once a month.
Physical wear and tear on the exhibition print will not only result in scratches to the image, but will eventually tear the film's perforations. A damaged print is more likely to slip out of alignment and become tangled.
All of our projectors and loopers are kept in excellent condition. Keep in mind that New Amsterdam Film Loopers LLC cannot be held responsible for equipment that we do not own or maintain.