Kinematograph year book (1944)

196 The Kinematograph Year Book. their range of theatre and studio lighting equipment, incorporating new principles in many cases, but retaining the former robustness in construction which is well appreciated, and ease of operation. Robert Rigby, Ltd. — -Equipment bearing the famous trade name of " Premier " is installed at hundreds of kinemas, where it continues to give sterling service. Although the commercial output of this firm has suffered as the result of its war-time commitments, they are still able to meet, through the usual trade channels, a not inconsiderable proportion of customers' requirements. Provincial Cinematograph Trading Co. — This firm markets a wide range of products, including all the best known makes of illumination and mechanical equipment. Lighting units, switchboards and dimmers figure among the accessories specifically designed to meet exhibitors requirements, which also include curtain tracks and controllers of modern design. Most of these articles can still be supplied from stock thanks to the foresight of the principals who have to a great extent overcome certain difficulties of money. The company's maintenance service is also functioning. Walturdaw Cinema Supply Co., Ltd.— The peace time organisation of this famous firm has been adapted to war needs, but not wholly to the exclusion of the commercial exhibitor who can still rely on the quality of Walturdaw apparatus. Naturally, certain product is in short supply but it is still possible to meet most requirements in respect of most types of kinema electrical equipment, draperies, curtain tracks and controls, battens and other factors which contribute to the overall efficiency of stage presentations. A considerable amount of work has been done for the Services, and for works recreational centres, and the replacement and reconditioning of war damaged premises continue to feature prominently in the firm's activities. Knight and Co. (Engineers), Ltd. — Work of national importance has relegaced the stage-engineering department of this firm to the background, even were exhibitors in a position to instal console lifts, fire curtains and revolving stages for which Knights were famous in pre-war days. At the same time the requirements of the Industry have not been forgotten and a considerable amount of research and experimentation has been going on which will result in the development of many ingenious devices which are destined to play an important part in the betterment of stage performances. TRAINING OF PROJECTIONISTS. THE rapid deterioration of projection standards during the past two years is presenting a serious problem to exhibitors. The prime reason for the position is, of course, the man-power demands of the war effort, but while other industries appear to have successfully solved the difficulties attaching to the adequate training of substitute labour, this does not seem to have been achieved by the Kinema Trade as a whole. One possible reason is that trainees are drafted into the box and are expected to ' ' pick-up ' ' the rudiments of their highly skilful job with no sort of background or the teaching of its essential elements. The result is seen in bad change overs, loss of screen illumination, unintelligible sound and, of course, film mutilation, which possibly may lead to a charge of incompetency against a perfectly efficient projectionist at the following play date. These faults are evidence either of lack of experience or indifference, possibly both, and the various departments of the Trade recognising that the situation may have the most serious repercussions on the future of the Industry have come together to seek a way out. Meetings of the C.G.A. and the British Kinematograph Society have taken place with a view to establishing a co-operative effort by means of lectures and papers, and the holding of meetings in various areas to improve the quality of projection. With this end in view the activities of the projection division of the K.R.S. has also been strengthened. The Kinematograph Renters Society have