International photographer (Feb-Dec 1929)

Six The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER December, 1929 deed, the larger theaters are strict in enforcement of the rule forbidding visitors in the projection room. In a good many cities there are ordinances which forbid any but a licensed projectionist from entering. As a result the projection room is a sort of mystery place little known to the average person. The projectionists live a hermit's existence while on duty and find their time well occupied, especially so since the advent of the audible film which requires constant care and attention. When sound is recorded on disk, the projectionist must be constantly apprehensive of mishaps for the reason that once the film and recorded disk are out of syncronization, the performance is utterly ruined, as there is no method that has been devised to resynchronize the disk and film. No mishap occurring in the projection room causes the consternation that is occasioned when disk and film are not in synchronization. Some time the projectionists are at fault, but as a general rule the fault lies in some defect in the film, the disk, or the mechanical attachment. It is to be expected that the projectionist will be blamed for any mishap which may occur, especially by the audience. In the many years that I have been connected with the theater, I have never witnessed any mishap which so thoroughly irritates the audience as does an interruption in the showing of a sound subject. Under such a condition the audience becomes furious and gives the full expression to its feelings in no uncertain manner. "Not so long ago the entire projection room equipment for the finest theater could have been purchased at a cost of less than $5,000.00, while today equipment suitable for present day needs may reach a cost of $50,000.00. This latter sum would, a few years ago, have been sufficient to pay the entire cost of building and equipping throughout, an entire theater of goodly proportions. It is a pleasure to note that the better class of theaters have at last come to a realization of the importance of the projection room and are furnishing adequate and modern projectors and equipment, which enables the projectionist to produce proper screen results. It is to be regretted that many theaters are still using inadequate and antiquated equipment. Good projection requires good projectors. Poor screen results will do more to injure a theater's reputation and patronage than any other single factor. Bad projection and good business are never companions. Show me a theater where proper projection standards are not maintained, and I will show you a theater where business is in the same category as its projection. "In closing, may I not express the hope that, in the not far distant future, there may be a better understanding and appreciation on the part of motion picture audiences of projection and its importance in presenting and emphasizing the visual and audible artistry of the production staff that has been so painstakingly incorporated into the production by the director, the cameraman, the actor and the technician. A proper understanding of 'Projection, A Specialized Art,' will add immeasurably to one's appreciation and enjoyment of the performance. I want to caution all of you who are projectionists against ever being satisfied Mot Points Conducted by Maurice Kains It is a good idea to make about six cuts one-sixteenth of an inch in depth on each side of your roll of adhesive tape with a razor blade as illustrated. Heavy lines s/ioiv radial cuts. Dotted lines represent similar cuts on opposite side of roll. A roll of tape so sliced will not fray on the edges, and it may be torn very easily at any length you may desire. * # * Do you know that there is nothing better for cleaning the glass of your camera booth than a chamois skin slightly dampened with clean water? * * * Do you know that you can work in the most fly-infested exterior location without being annoyed by the insects gathering on the window of your camera booth? Ira Hoke takes credit for this one. Cut Tanglefoot sticky flypaper into strips about one-half inch wide and as long as the full length of the sheet (about 15 inches). The paper should be placed flat at the base of the window, with one edge touching the glass. Flies have a habit of bouncing up and down the booth window. Tanglefoot quickly settles such acrobatics. Spots of wax smearing onto the window may be easily cleaned with a cloth moistened with motor ether. with projection mediocrity. There is always room for improvement, no matter what has been accomplished. Perfection in projection has not been achieved, irrespective of the splendid progress that has been made. Let all of us who are interested in the advancement of the science of motion picture projection rededicate our purposes to the continuance of the struggle for better projection, a struggle not rooted in selfishness; an effort not in the interest of personal gain, but a contribution to the motion picture industry through co-operation and good will. Let us spare no effort to enhance the value of the motion picture as an art by earnestly and constantly striving for greater appreciation of motion picture entertainment through the application of the scientific principles and practices which produce the highest standards of motion picture projection, thus giving increased pleasure and satisfaction to the millions of motion picture patrons, whose good will and patronage are indispensable to the future development and permanence of the entire motion picture industry." It is a good idea for assistant cameramen to place a tiny peep-hole through the center of the slate or focussing card that he may watch his camerman's signals from the booth without endangering his eyesight by arc or mazda glare. The signals from the inside of the booth are easier to see also. Such a hole in a slate may be used to hang the board on the outside of the booth, where it will be out of the way and serve as an identification of the cameraman working within. Did you know that if you use a white bristle brush, instead of one with black bristles, for cleaning the inside of the camera that it will be easier to detect the presence of lost bristles on the working parts of the camera. The brush can be stiffened if necessary by wrapping adhesive tape around the base of the bristles. This also prevents the outside bristles from breaking. The brush should be washed out occasionally with soap and water, gasoline, or ether. * * * The "Hot Points" editor will be glad to print any camera kinks which you have found helpful or interesting in your work. Mail your contribution to Maurice Kains, care of The International Photographer. Small amount down Small monthly payments Beautiful lots in Hollywood Hills as low as $750.00 Only five minutes from Hollywood and Highland GRanite 9097 and 2024 ALVIN WYCKOFF Photographed for Universal "Out to Kill" Starring JOSEPH SCHILDKRAUT Directed by GEO. ROBERTSON Richter Photo Service Movie and Still Cameras for Rent Still Finishing 7915 Santa Monica Boulevard OX. 2092 HT, 1780 James E. Woodbury Portrait and Commercial Photographer GRanite 3333 5356 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, Calif.