Epson Supports Filmmaker Community with High-Lumen Projector in the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center’s Amphitheater and as a Contributing Sponsor of NYFF63.
Photos courtesy of Epson
After years of relying on a flat panel in the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center’s Amphitheater, Film at Lincoln Center (FLC), a nonprofit organization that celebrates cinema as an essential art form, decided it was time for an upgrade. The venue required a display solution capable of delivering exceptional detail for its evolving viewing needs. Ranging from films to intimate talks and professional presentations, many types of events are hosted in the amphitheater, requiring variable lighting conditions of which the new solution needed to be able to accommodate, ensuring picture quality wasn’t washed out, even when the environment is well-lit. With programming already underway, the project required a fast turnaround, making a simple and efficient installation essential.
“Our audiences know that when they come to see something in our cinemas, they are going to have the best possible experience,” said Jeff Delauter, Vice President of Operations, Film at Lincoln Center. “It was vital that this new display technology meet those high expectations, regardless of the content being shown.”
The 75-seat amphitheater features intimate bench seating and was originally designed as a multi-purpose community space for events like Q&As and live talks. While its acoustics were excellent for live performances and speaking events, choosing an appropriate video solution required careful consideration to suit the unique characteristics of the space. After connecting with Epson and exploring the capabilities of its new premium Q-Series projectors, FLC’s operations and projectionist team immediately recognized the potential. For them, choosing the QL7000 4K HDR high-lumen laser projector wasn’t just an upgrade; it was an easy, clear-cut decision.
“The amphitheater is a unique venue, hosting a wide range of events, each with different content and lighting needs,” said Greg Sherman, Chief Projectionist, Film at Lincoln Center. “When people enter the space, they’re often engaging in a master class, a director’s talkback, or an extended Q&A. It functions as a flexible, multi-purpose venue in ways the main theater cannot, so it must support both conversation and media.”
Perfect Projection Fit for An Intimate Space
A key differentiator between the previous flat panel display and the new projection system is the viewing experience. Flat panels emit direct light, which can be harsh on the eyes, especially over time. In contrast, projection uses reflected light, which is softer and more comfortable to view. This makes it easier for audiences to shift between live action and media content without eye strain; this is an extremely important advantage in a multi-use space.
The QL7000 also offers noticeable improvement in image clarity and detail. Delivering up to 10,000 Lumens of Color Brightness (ISO Rated) and 10,000 Lumens of White Brightness (IDMS Rated), the projector is engineered with Epson’s 3-chip 3LCD and Double Micro-Lens Array technologies for exceptionally bright color and with 4K Display Technology, plus HDR10, it provides an exceptionally clear 4K UHD experience. “Plus, with its ability to handle various input sources and content formats, the QL7000 has been a major step up for us in every way,” added Sherman.
For further installation flexibility, the Epson Q-Series projectors are offered as “body-only” units, allowing users to select the motorized lens that best fits their environment. In this case, the QL7000 is paired with a middle throw ELPLM15 lens, ideal for delivering large, high-quality images.
“We’re very pleased with the projector. It’s incredibly bright and sharp, with rich, accurate colors and beautiful resolution,” said Delauter. “It is also the perfect fit for this amphitheater and its many lighting needs. Plus, you can’t beat how quiet it is. A feature that is crucial in an intimate room like this, where distracting noise would take away from the audience’s experience.”
Along with its projection contribution to the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center’s Amphitheater, Epson is a Contributing Sponsor of the 63rd New York Film Festival (NYFF63), underscoring its dedication not only to cutting-edge technology but also to nurturing the vibrant community of filmmakers, students and audiences who gather at premier cultural events like NYFF.
