Academy Leader definition

Also known as S.M.P.T.E. leader. Counting from 8 to 3 and then counting with one frame of two, this is the standard countdown leader.  At the end of the count there is a single frame beep on the soundtrack.  It is used by the lab in order to align the sound at the start of the film, as well as for the projectionist to turn on the lamp at the right time without missing the start of the film.