Amateur Cine World (May 1935)

STARTING @ Cine Soctety (Continued from The future of any new amateur cine previous page) organisation will largely be controlled by its policy. For example, the small group will most suitably concern itself with really serious examination of the technical possibilities of the hobby, with methods and with technique. In short, it will find its interests in the actual doing of the work and will hardly be concerned with time limits. A larger body, with its varying types of member, _ can hardly adopt this leisurely and Gladys thorough attitude towards film making, but will be more pre-occupied with the production of film-plays of a lighter character. Its members will always remember that they have come together to have fun and while its contributions to film-making knowledge may be negligible, its members will certainly enjoy themselves and thus justify the existence of the organisation. They will, in short, be more concerned with the finished film and with the good times they have in finishing it than in serious research into film technique. It is hardly possible for the two types of endeavour to proceed side by.side within the same organisation. understood.” produced by Certain Rules Necessary | Very little real organisation is needed to control a small band of workers, but nevertheless it is desirable to set up certain standards and rules to obviate unnecessary perplexities or difficulties. For example, as all these people will be working together and pooling their resources both of apparatus and of money, some rule should be laid down as to the ownership of the finished work. I have seen some very difficult arguments arise out of the question ‘“‘ Whose film is it ?”’ If, however, _ the Group is given a name and is vested with ownership of such finished productions and of such special apparatus and equipment as may be communally purchased and _.used, disputes of this nature need never arise. Where Waters and Fack Smith in a scene from ‘‘ MisThis film was the Eastern Amateur Cine Society and is directed by Clarence Packman there is such communal apparatus it will be the duty of the Honorary Secretary to ensure that the distribution of the use of it is fair and impartial. Again, such things as meeting nights should never be left vague. Ifa group, however informal, knows that its meetings will always take place normally on a certain night of the week, its members will fall into the habit of keeping that night free. If the night is not laid down the group will gradually disintegrate owing merely to the inability of members to get together. The election of the Honorary Secretary is also desirable in that he or she will form a focal point around which the activities of the society will be conducted, a point of communication between individuals within the group. In a later article our contributor will deal with the starting and running of a film play producing society, the internal organisation of such a society and the question of programmes. saoanenanccs SUMMER FILM SCHOOL The British Film Institute, in conjunction with the Educational Handwork Association, is holding a Film School at Scarborough from Aug. 5th to Aug. toth. Technical problems of film production and projection will be dealt with practically and instruction and demonstration will be given in the use of films for teaching specific subjects. A valuable feature of the School’s activities will be the discussions on matters of general interest, such as the type of films required, suggested subjects for films, what teachers want in an educational film, etc. There will be a course on film production (Tutor: Mr. Ronald Gow, B.Sc., author of “Gallows Glorious’ and producer of a number of films, including ‘‘ The People of the Axe,” “ The Glittering Sword ”’ and ‘‘ The River Dart’’) consisting of a discussion on the possibilities of school and general amateur film production with criticism of examples; choice of suitable subject ; working out of scenario; shooting of film under tutor and class direction, either by members of class or in.co-operation with film company specialising in amateur apparatus ; demonstration of developing and title making, cutting and joining; showing the film; making of moving maps and diagrams and indoor cinematography by artificial light. Lectures will be given by Mr. Alfred Hitchcock (General Film Production), Miss Mary Field (Production of an Educational Film), Mr. G. T. Hankin, M.A., H.M.I. (The Film in Education) and the Rev. F. Heming Vaughan (The Film in National Life). Further information can be obtained from Mr. J. Kay, 74, Limesdale Gardens, Edgware, Middlesex. We have received from the Coronet Camera Co., of 310, Summer Lane, Birmingham, 19, a copy of the Jubilee Edition of their brochure of still and cine cameras and apparatus. You can get this nicely produced list from your dealer or direct from the manufacturers at the above address. 80