International photographer (Feb-Dec 1929)

May, 1929 The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Three ation, exhibition, projection — everything and everybody was involved, but most of all the photographer, for the camera is the sine qua non of the cinema, the fulcrum upon which the entire institution turns. The cameraman found himself suddenly confronted with problems he had never dreamed of and the manner in which he challenged the new conditions and so quickly overcame them is one of the most remarkable development of this stupendous drama of readjustment. It was up to the camera. If that failed what use to bother with the rest. The sound engineer had his work cut out for him. He had no new worlds to conquer, but the cameraman with a quarter of a century of achievement in pictures to his credit found his scheme of things overturned in a day — even the beauty that he had labored long and painfully to put on his film and which did so much to popularize pictures and to set the cinema upon a solid economic foundation, was placed in jeopardy. But he was not alone. The manfacturers of equipment and supplies of all kinds rose to the occasion; the research laboratories began to burn the midnight-oil ; every brain that could contribute anything to the general stock of knowledge bearing upon the new conditions was called to action and, in a time so brief that the world of technical men will never cease to wonder at it, the talking-sound photoplay was a fact — not what it will be in the fullness of time — but a thing to challenge the admiration of all who can truly say they know the cinema inside and out. It is likely that only the financial heads of the several large units that constitute what is called the motion pic ture industry know the stupendous sum involved in the bringing about of this colossal re-adjustment and yet, in the very midst of the period of over-turning, we have the spectacle of gigantic mergers and new financial combinations within the industry. From all these things we deuct that there must be a wonderfully fine spirit within this institution. There must be in it a tremendous vitality and a basis for substantial growth that cannot be shaken. There must be in it a vision that looks far into the future and that sees there a glory of service to mankind far beyond the dreams of us humble workers in the ranks and, therefore, it must be a good thing to be an integral part of this great world institution and to share in its triumps, its glory and that prosperity which is sure to accompany service well performed in the interests of a grateful humanity. Let no man look ahead and say: "See how far we have to go!" Let him rather look back and say: "See how far we have come in so short a time !" In this amazing drama of readjustment the cameraman occupies a place unique and admirable. His glory will not depart as the years go by. He has been loyal, modest and faithful to his trust, reflecting credit upon the industry and ever pioneering to bring about better things. He has been "faithful over a few things." He will be "ruler over many things," for such is the law. To his employers and to his brother artists and craftsmen he makes a gesture of whole-hearted co-operation — for in union there is strength, and what is good for one is good for all. The sword is great; the pen is greater, but "Camera suprema est." Silent • • Efficient W V Jpl tf #■* . . Adequate Economical INCANDESCENTS You will find in this assortment a lamp to meet every problem and a means for obtaining any desired light value. MR 11 Utility Lamp MR 14 Bell Flood MR 19 Single Side MR 20 Double Side MR 30 Overhead Strip MR 31 Floor Strip MR 35 1000 Watt Spot MR 25 2000 Watt Spot MR-200 18-inch Sun Spot MR-224 24-inch Sun Spot MR-205 Soft Spot MR-211 Rifle Spot Domes, Clusters, Special Units MR-10 Cine-Lite for the Amateur MOLE -RICHARDSON, Inc. STUDIO LIGHTING EQUIPMENT 941 N. SYCAMORE AVENUE HOLLYWOOD, CALIF.