The motion picture projectionist (Oct 1928-Oct 1929)

November, 1928 The Motion Picture Projectionist 13 The <i>Wagnascope "Largest Screen in the World" By Harry Rubin Supervisor of Projection Publix Theatres Corp. THE term "Magnascope" was created by our organization for popular publicity purposes, and as it is reasonably exact and fairly descriptive has been retained. Size is not, however, the sole consideration and the word "Magnascope" is in a sense a misnomer. The contrast between the small and large picture is impressive, but a very effective illusion of growth is also secured by the gradual withdrawal of the maskings. It is quite possible that the large picture more closely approximates the natural range of vision and is therefore easier on the eye. It should be clearly understood that no claim is made that any new engineering principle is involved or that any radical mechanical advance has been made in the development of the Magnascope. It was, however, a striking and quite ingenious novelty, proved highly successful for entertainment purposes, and it attracted more attention than anything of a similar nature for many years. It clearly indicates the value of such novelties and calls attention to the importance of projection presentation. Presentation Is Inexpensive By "projection presentation" is meant novelties for entertainment purposes, ordinarily originated by the projection department, controlled by the projectionist, secured through certain changes in the projector, by adapting the screen to special purposes and the utilization of special film intended to be used in conjunction with the mechanical changes that have been made. In the development of projection presentation, a thorough knowledge of projection and stage craft is, of course, essential, and this is all that was required for the creation of the Magnascope. The Magnascope was first used at the Rivoli Theatre, New York City, in the latter part of 1926 for the showing of certain scenes in Old Ironsides. It involved no great initial expense in its development or any additional cost of operation. Improvements intended to secure similar effects are of course being used now ; but with the equipment devised by us, entirely satisfactory results were secured on an MAGNA5C0PE -SCREEN* MASKING -LAYOUTscale -'!" 3'—* ' — ' — ' — ' >-T«AVeie« FOB J IDE MASKING — < ^S,^ EI tL&JiklM «-"* Fig. 1 — Showing position of maskings S. M. P. E. Transactions, Vol. XII, No. 34. economical basis. This is, of course, always desirable in working up novelties or experiments of this nature. Small Pictures: A large screen, covering practically the entire proscenium opening, is used, with the side and top maskings set at the proper size for a small picture. (See Figure 1.) Large Picture: A warning is given back stage about two minutes before the large screen is to be used ; instantaneously with the changeover, back stage is given a signal and the side maskings and top border or masking are brought to the desired location for the large picture. During this operation the portion of the picture for the large screen, which is being projected on the black maskings, does not show up and therefore the illusion is created that the picture is gradually becoming larger. Maskings: The bottom masking for both large and small picture should be the same, and all projectors should be set to hit this masking. The bottom masking of the sheet should be stationary. This masking may be either black velour or velvet, attached to the drop or screen. Two black side maskings, or draw curtains, on a traveler will serve as the side masking for both the large and small picture. In order to keep the picture edge of these maskings straight, a straight edge frame is put on the picture edge with masking firmly lapped around it. The top masking or border of the screen must also be movable and should be of black velour or velvet, with an iron or wooden edge frame to keep the bottom edge straight. All masking should be as close to the screen, or drop, as is possible. Screen: A large drop can be painted a good, smooth, flat white. Additional Projector : A third projector equipped with a special intermittent movement and special lens is necessary ; the changeover from the regular machine is made when the special scenes are to be shown. Intermittent Movement: In the enlarged picture, having an area approximately four times that of the smaller one, it is essential that a maximum amount of light be projected to the screen. For this reason, a special 72 degree Simplex intermittent movement was designed by the International Projector Corporation. This movement is designed to move the film more rapidly between exposures, thereby permitting a longer exposure of the film upon the screen. Lens Requirements Lens: When a 7-inch lens is used to secure a picture 18 feet in width, and it is desired to secure a picture twice this width, a 3^-inch lens is necessary. Only the highest grade of lens should be used. Shatter: The revolving shutter blades must be trimmed down as close as possible without developing travel-ghost. Where the diameter of the light beam is small, a shutter blade of about 75 degrees will be found sufficiently wide. Changeover: The changeover from a small to a large picture should never be made on a title. The beginning of the: reel which is to be shown on the large screen should be a scene in which the action is in the center of the frame. Special Scenes: Massive scenes, such as the naval battle in Old Ironsides and the elephant stampede in Chang, are recommended.