Kinematograph year book (1944)

272 The Kinematograph Year Book. made to facilitate the exchange of studio workers between this country and America at the close of the war. Negotiations with the American trade union have been opened, and have the support of the B.F.P.A. and the approval of the Ministry of Labour. George H. Elvin, General Secretary, has been elected Chairman of the Labour Research Department. British Kinematograph Society.— A new constitution demanding higher technical qualifications for Fellows and Members is likely to be enforced, together with a drive for increased membership and active work in training and research. Close liaison had been formed with the C.E.A. in connection with the training of projectionists to a higher technical standard, and the LA.K.M. with a view to co-operation in technical matters. Increased activity as regards the subject of standardisation is intended, and research will be fostered upon outstanding problems. A. G. D. West, the President, declared that the Society must be in a position to give sound advice on technical matters and be prepared to form active branches throughout the Empire. At the above general meeting existing officers were reappointed, and an increase of membership of 19 and a surplus of £289 were reported. The two years' course at the Polytechnic continued, and two courses of evening lectures had been held on sensitometry and laboratory practice and substandard film technique. During the year standards had been published which were previously in hand, for exciter lamps, and for 35-mm., 16 -.mm. and 8-mm. films. Scientific Film Association.— Representatives of science and films have formed the English Scientific Film Association to promote the national and international use of the scientific film so as to achieve the widest possible understanding and appreciation of scientific methods and outlook, especially in l elation to social progress. Other aims are : To publish comprehensive lists of scientific films graded according to scientific merit, and establish relations with Government departments, public bodies, and other organisations which are in a position to make, use, or circulate scientific films. STUDIO ILLUMINATION. THERE have been few developments in general illumination practice, although at the end of hostilities it may be anticipated that many of the lessons learned in the laboratories and directed to the war effort will be found to have an application to studio requirements. Particularly is this likely in respect of the fluorescent principle with which many research workers have been experimenting. The highly diffused character of the light and its freedom from glare may make it a valuable addition to existing equipment Mercury discharge lamps are particularly suitable for spotlight work, although tungsten must bs used with them to maintain a suitable colour. Although our technicians have been called upon to cope with ever increasing problems, the efficiency of their performance and its scientific approach has resulted in photographic quality which, in many instances, has not been bettered by all the facilities of Hollywood. Much of the improved quality has been due to the skilful handling of the new raw stocks which, with their increased sensitivity, have led to a readjustment of accepted illumination principles. Large wattage incandescents are in popular favour, although the aic lamps continue to meet studio requirements, particularly in respect of colour photography, for which the high intensity arc appears to be recognised as the standard light source. Faster emulsions and lenses have reduced degree illumination intensity, and consequently we have witnessed the increasing employment of low wattage units. The following notes refer in the main to current lighting equipment in the studio. R. R. Beard, Ltd.— War-time commitments have necessarily restricted the supplies o( this firm's well-known products, which were specifically designed to meet the requirements of higher-speed emulsions, but new models, incorporating in many cases new principles are in preparation to conform with expected post-war demands. Meanwhile the Beard series of incandescent and arc equipment—especially the small and " baby "-type