Amateur Movie Makers (Dec 1926-Dec 1927)

THE PYRAMIDS ARE WAITING Photograph by Arthur Dailey The First MOVIE MAKERS' CRUISE A New Idea for the New National Hobby THE skyscraper pile of the pyramids bears convincing testimony to the theory that there is nothing new under the sun, but this winter these same inscrutable monuments will be visited by something absolutely and genuinely new — the first amateur movie makers' cruise in the history of the world, an ultra modern idea called into being by the international popularity of amateur cinematography. Amateur movie making on this cruise will be its raison d'etre, with all other plans revolving around this central purpose, instead of a side issue, frequently hampered by other considerations, as is so often the case on ordinary tours without cinematic motivation. And that amateur movie makers have thus received the recognition which the requirements of their hobby makes essential is due to the activity on this score by the Amateur Cinema League. This central clearing house of amateur movie making experience, being in touch with thousands of world travelers through its membership and the readers of Amateur Movie Makers, was keenly aware of the special needs of cinematic travelers. Therefore the question of planning special tours with movie making as the primary consideration was taken up with various travel agencies. The importance of this rapidly growing phase of world travel was immediately appreciated by James Boring's Travel Service of 45 Astor Place, New York Twenty-six By William Walker City, a fine and reliable travel agency with a record of many successful tours. It immediately undertook the planning of a tour which would fulfill every dream of the cinema enthusiast. The Mediterranean cruise was decided upon as ideal for the initiation of this new plan, providing winter travelers with idyllic climate, lighting conditions perfect for photography, and kaleidoscopic variety of cinematic subjects, places and peoples. And so on February 8th, 1928, the movie makers' own cruise will start from New York City on the specially chartered new White Star Liner "Doric." Gardner Wells, whose unique travel articles, written from the viewpoint of the cinematographer, have Photograph by Gardner Wells THE GLORY THAT WAS GREECE LINGERS STILL been published in Amateur Movie Makers from time to time, will be in charge of the tour. Every cinematic opportunity on the route of the "Doric" is intimately known to him, as he annually visits the Mediterranean countries to make motion pictures and gather new lecture material. Thus the tour will be guided by an expert who will share with cruise members all his knowledge of the places visited, their local color, and the fascinating native customs. The ship itself will be specially equipped for movie makers. A salon will be fitted with complete projection apparatus, as a theatre for the showing of the pictures made enroute. Lights and reflectors will be available for the making of interiors or night scenes. In the movie makers clubroom Mr. Wells will give frequent informal talks on movie making problems, and discuss cine possibilities of the ports about to be visited. The Amateur Cinema League,, naturally, has no other interest in this new plan than to encourage a valuable service to the traveling amateur. Inquiries concerning it should be directed to James Boring's Travel Service. However, the League has made a thorough investigation of the agency and of the plan and will be glad to serve the members of the League and readers of Amateur Movie Makers in answering any inquiries which they might wish to make.