The Cine Technician (1935-1937)

30 PICCADILLY MANSIONS, 17 SHAFTESBURY AVENUE, LONDON, W.I. TELEPHONE : GERRARD 2366. Volume One: Number One. MAY, 1935. Price Ninepence. A. S. Attkins Edward Carrick CONNERY ChAPPELL SiDNEs Cole Harry Davo ... Contributors Page 14 13 l.S 4 Page "Ex-Ray" 2 Kenneth Gordon 9 Alfred Hitchcock ... 3 Otto Kanturek 3 S. S. A. Watkins 7 Editorial A NEW Journal is born. We make no apologies and offer few explanations. We feel that the Journal of the Association of Cine-Teclinicians will offer a link between film technicians, provide an outlet for their views, help them in their work and through them benefit the Film Industry generally. Views expressed will be both critical and constructiv'e, each contributor will be specially qualified in his particular line and whether we agree or not with his point of view there should be much to learn. The first list of contributors represents men whose opinions will be valued and whose remarks will be noted. Let us learn from them and so help the inchistry whose future we all have at heart. We welcome the co-operation which exists between Studio Executives and the Association. They feel that such an organisation can benefit the Industry. We have its future at heart and if there should be differences, are determined they shall be friendly ones. Some technicians are dubious of joining the Association because of the rights of collective organisations to withhold their labour. We have no desire to strike either now or in the future. Reasonableness on both sides will prevent that necessity ever arising. On our part we are determined never to lose that friendly spirit at present so prominent and so pleasing. We are .sure Studio Executives echo similar feelings. Let us not lose our sense of proportion and think that because a technician comes from abroad he must necessarily be first-class. We must train our own countrymen to be experts, as thev are in so many industries, and when they have had tliat training, give them a chance to prove their worth. o o o Apprentices have found their way into the Film Industry as elsewhere. We welcome the move provided it is not used as a means to exploit cheap labour. Apprentices should not do the work of a qualified technician ; the inflow to the industry should be regulated and in the interests of all "premiums" should be abolished. We would welcome the foundation of scholarsliips by companies, educational bodies and training centres. Wealthy parents should not be a necessary qualification for entry to the industry nor lack of them a deterrent. All our members will be pleased to know that Sir Reginald Mitchell Banks, K.C., has recovered his health after his recent illness. It was with deep regret that A.C.T. received his resignation from the post of First President on his being appointed to a Judgeship at Hull. He still remains a Patron and we all remember and appreciate his wonderful leadership which laid the sound foundations of ./^.C.T.'s present success. We appreciate the presence in a British Studio of a technician from abroad from whom we can learn and the Industry benefit. But we do appeal to Studios to remember tliat many competent British technicians are at present without employment. Films cannot be called a liritish Industry if the sole qualification to that claim is based on the fact that the studio is located on British soil. We should like to place on record our appreciation of the striking and effective cover design of this Journal and acknowledge our thanks to the designer for such an excellent piece of work. The nature of the Journal is clearlyepitomised and if, true to precedent, the cover sells the goods we feel that our battle is more than half won.