Kinematograph year book (1944)

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Film Exhibition and Kinema Technique. 195 STAGE EQUIPMENT. THE increasing use of the stage for one purpose and another has been a feature of war-time entertainment. Where it is the custom to put on prologues, scenic interludes and other forms of presentation some form of stage lighting equipment is essential. For personal appearances, propaganda talks the minimum of illumination is required and can generally be obtained from the projectionbooth spot equipment, which, with intelligent handling, will also enable small shows of a modest nature to be satisfactorily staged. On the other hand, many exhibitors have reason to bless their foresight in installing gear sufficient to meec most stags requirements. This has proved most convenient when, as has frequently happened these days, it is desired to switch over from films to variety or drama ; but, even if there is no intention to develope on these ambitious lines, the possession of adequate equipment facilitates the presentation of all but the most spectacular stage shows. That such presentations continue to be given shows the robust character of the installations and the efficiency and ingenuity of the maintenance work that has to be undertaken failing practical impossibility of obtaining new equipment. This does not mean that our manufacturers have not been fully engaged. Much product has been turned out for export, and in addition to meeting service demands have also supplied all forms of equipment to camps, factories and other service and industrial establishments. Replacement of enemy damaged installations have been made under licence, and the maintenance departments have continued to function satisfactorily. Strand Electric and Engineering Co., Ltd.— The company has equipped very many camp theatres, factory canteen stages, hostels, etc., and it has supplied the stage lighting apparatus for such performances as " Salute to Russia " ; but Strand Electric rs scheduled under the Essential Works (General Provisions) Order, 1941, and is almost entirely engaged on work of the highest priority. The surprising fact is that its activities are still largely to do with " theatrical lighting " — not, it is true, for the theatre and cinema, but as an essential part of " the tools with which the job will be finished." Details cannot be discussed at present, but new systems of illumination and control have been developed which will play an important part in ' ' theatrical lighting " for the theatre and kinema, after the war. The overseas demands have been well maintained, resulting in frequent foreign journeyings by Strand Electric electricians to Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Ceylon, Middle East, United States of America and Australia. Nearly 100 members of the staff are in the Forces. W. J. Furse & Co., Ltd. — "When hostilities cease and more normal trading conditions return, Furse & Co. intend to carry out an ambitious scheme of post-war development, and their range of products will include almost every electrical and engineering appliance for the stage, together with a large range of products for use in other parts of entertainment buildings. Furse & Co. are actual manufacturers of their products, which include lighting equipment and control apparatus ; but, in common with other manufacturers, have been occupied for some time now on work of urgent national importance, and can only accept orders for kinema and theatre equipment when these are accompanied by a Government licence or priority. Even under these conditions, however, they have continued to supply their normal products to various industrial concerns for use in canteens, etc., and, in addition, have manufactured considerable quantities of equipment for N. A. A. F.I. The expert side of the business has been considerably developed and steps have been taken for increased representation in many parts of the world. A great deal of equipment has been sent abroad. R. R. Beard, Ltd.— During the past year this well-known firm have supplied only a restricted amount of their well-known range of equipment, owing to their factory being engaged on other work ; but, with the return of peace, they are looking forward to the introduction of new models over Gi