I've been asked to look into some projector options for a expanding VFX operation. One of the goals is to have a brightness level at the center viewer/audience position that is about what can be expected in a typical U.S. movie theater. But short of getting my light meter and going to a bunch of movies I'm having difficulty figuring out what that goal brightness should be. So I can't figure out how bright/powerful of a projector would be required for the space. Any information would be helpful on this. Even a push in the right direction to figure it out would be appreciated.

If knowing about the space would help it is going to be 18' wide wall to wall, 15' to the drop ceiling, and 22' from front to back wall, with the problem that the projector can't sit on the other side of the wall. So the throw will be about 19' probably.

Thanks you for any assistance,
Jay

Standard film theatre projection is 14FtL to 16FtL,

DCI digital is basically the same.

That's 16FtL at the screen right? So in a large venue room of like 80'+ throw what does that translate to in brightness of someone sitting half way back in the room? Or am I thinking about this wrong? Because in the space I'm looking at it's going to be maybe a 20' throw so I'm wondering if 16FtL at the screen is going to be perceived as too bright?

Thank you,
Jay

The reading is approx the same regardless, as the area being measured is based on the standard CIE observer - a small area close up, larger further away.

For film emulation I would go with 14FtL, and for DCI 16FtL.