Amateur Cine World (December 1935)

tie EDITOR to hisREADERS HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all our readers. We hope that both editorial contents and advertisers’ A announcements in this enlarged Christmas issue will help bring that wish to fruition. A reveals the fact that, of the enquiries of a technical nature, by far the largest number dealt with titling. We have endeavoured to cater for this interest by the very comprehensive series of articles which have just concluded. Other articles on titling will appear from time to time. Of the non-technical queries it is interesting to note that the large majority had to do with scenario writing and construction. We hope,-therefore, that the script published in this number will meet what is undoubtedly a wide-spread demand. Nothing quite like it has ever been attempted before. Not only are suggestions given on what to film (and the script, being of an “elastic” nature can readily be adapted to suit individual requirements) but advice, as detailed and practical as it is possible to make it, is provided on how to film it. A practical, how-to-do-it scenario of this kind puts initiative at a discount, but at least it can usefully serve as a model. But even if filming the first part of it is little more than a case of following instructions, you need to use your imagination to complete it. And, of course, the technical data will do much to help you smooth out any problems in production you may come across when working out the conclusion. In forthcoming issues we_ shall publish further how to do it scenarios and, in addition, less detailed plots, not necessarily with a ‘family’ theme. These will not be printed in the form of shooting scripts, but will outline the story, giving sugges tions for the treatment of the salient features. In his ‘‘ Notes on Scenario Writing” in this number, Mr. L. Du Garde Peach suggests to the amateur on the lookout for * * * SURVEY of the queries received this year 389 film subjects that it ought to be possible to make a drama, a comedy or a documentary film without moving more than a few yards away from, for example, the signal post outside a country station. Next month he shows just how it can be done, giving a shot by shot script for the drama, an outline for the comedy, and suggestions for the documentary. Mr. L. Du Garde Peach writes with authority. His name appears in the credits of many important British productions, the latest being that remarkable Gaumont-British film, ‘‘ The Tunnel,’ for which he wrote the scenario and dialogue. * * * E would remind readers that our ‘‘ Film the W Family ’’ Competition definitely closes on December 16th. The subject is the same for all sizes of film—the Family—and entries should therefore deal with a family episode. A definite plot is not essential, for you have a ready-made theme. There are three classes: for 16 mm., 9.5 mm. and 8 mm., and beginners’ films in any of these gauges. For the best 16 mm. film and the best 9.5 mm. or 8 mm. film a gold medal and cine goods to the value of £15 will be awarded and there is £5 cash for the best beginner’s film. The running time of all entries must be limited to about 74 minutes. Thus the 16 mm. and g.5 mm. entries must be no more than 200 ft., and the 8 mm., too ft. Suggestions for treatment and full details of the simple rules governing the competition have been published in earlier issues, together with the statement we ask beginners to send with their entries. Do not be shy of sending in your film. At the very least the competition will afford you an excellent opportunity of ascertaining how your work compares with that of other people.. An attractive leader will be awarded for all films that reach a_ certain standard of merit. Christmas provides you with a ready-made subject for a family film. Preserve the spirit of it by filming some parts of the festivities this year. Useful suggestions are given in this issue.