Motion Picture News (Oct-Dec 1930)

32 M o ti on P i c t u re N e w s October 11, 19 30 Markings and Reel Change-over Become Standard {Continued from preceding page) picture aperture when starting the incoming machine. Repeat the timing process for the other machine or machines as there is often appreciable variation between the pickup speed of two machines in the same projection room. 6. Threading for Disc In threading up for disc, set the needle on the disc at the synchronizing mark and thread the start mark frame into the picture aperture of the projection machine. Then turn down the machine until the proper footage numeral appears in the picture aperture. If the turn down is not made in this manner, changing over from the signals on the outgoing reel will not be successful. When running down the machine to the proper footage number note the revolutions of the turn table. This will simplify the process of threading. 7. Threading for Movietone Once you have determined the actual change-over footage which must be left to run through the incoming machine it is simple to thread up each standard leader so that the same footage frame number will be at the aperture ready for the start. If you wish to test the length of your loops to insure synchronism thread up so that the start frame or any numbered footage frame is the aperture. A diamond mark will show at the sound gate as the diamonds are placed twenty frames ahead of the start frame and footage numerals. You can then turn down to have the exact frame in the aperture for the change-over footage. 8. Change-Over When you see the motor cue start the incoming machine. When you see the change-over cue throw the douser switch. 9. The Cues The motor cue is a circular opaque mark with transparent outline printed in the upper right hand corner of four consecutive frames. The first of these frames is exactly twelve feet from the end of the picture. This distance, like the length of the synchronizing leader, was designed to accommodate the variety of pickup speeds among machines in use. The change-over cite is a mark like the motor-cue on four consecutive frames, the first of which is one foot from the end of the picture. In placing the change-over cue in this position it was assumed that the average time lapse occurring when an alert operator sees the cue on the screen until he throws the douser switch is half a second. It is essential that the operator throw tin switch immediately the cue flashes on the screen if the change-over is to be perfect. 10. Counting Disc Revolutions When playing discs with standard releaseprints many projectionists prefer to count the revolutions of the disc to reach the proper turn down for perfect change-over. Specifications for 35 mm Release Prints Suggested by Academy of M. P. Arts & Sciences Blue Print Chart, Section 1 PROTECTIVE LEADER Either transparent or raw stock. Whoa tbe pro tec tire leader has been. reduced to a length of four feet It Is to be restored to a length of six feet. IDEHTIPICATIOH LEADER (Part Title) Shall contain not less than 32 frames in each of which is plainly printed In black letters on white background, type of print (See Nomenclature) , part number (Arabic numeral not less than \ of frame height) , and picture title. STtMCHROinZTNO LEADER Pirst section shall be opaque. Start mark shall be one frame in which ie printed START (inverted) in black letters on white background 1/2 of frame height. A white line t/J2 inch wide upon which Is superImposed a diamond 1/6 inch high by 5/6 inch wide ehall be printed serosa the picture and eound track area at a point exaotly 20 frames ahead of the center of the start frame. Beginning 3 ft. from the firet frame of picture, each foot is to be plainly marked by a transparent frame containing an inverted black numeral at leaet 1/2 frame height. Footage indicator numerate shall run consecutively from 3 to H, inclusive. This eectlon shall be opaque and contain frame llnee thruout entire length which do not cross sound track area. At a point exactly 20 frsmes ahead of the center of each footage numeral frame there shall be a diamond (white on black background) 1/8 inch high by J/S inch wide. PICTURE It is recommended that picture action start and finish on fades wherever possible, otherwise significant sound should be kept at least five feet from the start and finish of the picture* Leader! 11. Change-Over on RCA Machines Because of the almost instantaneous pickup of RCA projectors, reels may be threaded up at the start frame for these machines and the standard signals at the end of the outgoing reel employed for motor start and change-over. In this case practically the same amount of footage will be run through on the incoming reel as on the outgoing reel. 12. Partial Exceptions to Standard Prints It will naturally be some time before the standard release print comes into universal i^e throughout the country, as past releases will continue in circulation. The dubbing process of some producers releasing on disc necessitates the use of more than twelve feet of leader between the start frame and the action. These prints will be standard in other respects and as the footage will be numbered at every foot up to the start frame the projectionist can readily see the length of his leader without measuring. Handling Standard Prints In the Exchange 1. Exchange Film Inspectors are expected to make sure that every print inspected conforms to the measurement outlined in the Standard Specifications. Any cut outs or mutilations in either the leader or run-out will affect the change-over. It is suggested in this regard that a standard charge be made for any mutilation of leader or runout and thai any theatre returning a print with a reel damaged in this manner be