Notes for the Projectionist

35mm projector, Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood

Notes for the Projectionist, Mulholland Drive (2001)

When Mulholland Drive went to cinemas in autumn 2001, each print came with one sheet of paper, addressed to the projection department and signed by hand.

David Lynch's note to the projection department, 2001

The headroom request is from the roots of the film. It began as a pilot with dimensions framed for television. Initially Audrey, from Twin Peaks was intended for the lead role. The volume request, came from Lynch feeling the cast and crew screening was too quiet.

"Sound is fifty percent of a film, at least," Lynch said. 


Selznick and Kubrick have aslo both written to projectionists.

Concerning the presentation of Gone with the Wind, 1940
Stanley Kubrick's notice to projectionists, Barry Lyndon, 1975

A note left in the can for the projectionist

When the DVD launched in 2002 it also came with instructions. 

David Lynch's 10 Clues, DVD insert, 2002
"The world you go into in a film is so delicate. It can be broken so easily."

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