Movie Makers (Jan-May 1928)

tinct contribution that amateurs can make to the progress of cinematography. The Cinema Crafters can produce their own type of photoplay without fear of box-office verdict and, with such definite ideas, they are bound to produce something novel and constructive. California Collegians UNDER the leadership of Arthur R. Brearly, of the Amateur Cinema League, a group of undergraduates at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, have produced, "The Sporting Chance," their first film venture. For production simplicity, the author of the scenario", Paul H. Kiepe, confined the action almost wholly to exteriors in which local scenes could be used. The club has a full battery of amateur equipment at its disposal. Special reflectors were made of battened vernier board, painted with aluminum paint and then varnished; before the varnish was dry, it was sprinkled with semi-metallic dust. The rivalry of two college swains and a mad automobile race to win the girl form the theme of the plot. The car used by the hero, an antique affair, was sold during the course of the production. Despondency settled on the cast, when someone thought of the idea of registering the destruction of the car and the hero carrying on the race on freight cars, alfalfa wagons and other vehicles. These complications furnished many amusing situations. Arthur Brearly directed. Paul Kiepe photographed and Matt Barr managed the production. Miss Billie Walker played the lead, supported by Lafayette Taylor and Walter Outler. Josephine Campbell played the comedy lead and Tom de Graffenried, the father. This group plans a second production. Portland Progresses A CINE contest is planned by the Portland Cine Club, Portland, Oregon. A substantial award, not yet announced, will be given for the best reel. Experienced judgment of amateur films is being developed by this western club. At each meeting, members' films are projected; a printed score card, giving space to grade the films on human interest, photography, story continuity and title work is passed round. Each person present grades the films as projected and the results are averaged. An educational address on some phase of amateur movie making is featured at each meeting. The club is encouraging making film records of events of civic and historical interest. George N. Black is president, Fred G. Meyer, vice-president, and Ray La Fever, secretary. These, with Benjamin H. Davies and Dr. Merle Moore, constitute the board of directors. Washington Shoves Off TPHE scope of the Washington, ■*■ D. C, Cinema Club, organized January 9, of this year, is wide. Beside presenting cinematic programs, including addresses, film showings and technical discussions, this club plans an amateur photoplay, enlisting the services of prominent Washingtonians, having experience on both stage and screen. John W. Thompson is president of this club, Henning C. Nelms, first vice-president; Ralph E. Woltz, second vicepresident; Miss Clara Martin, secretary ; Landon Van Ness Burt, treasurer, and Henry B. Dellett, technical director. Messrs. Thompson, Woltz, Burt and Dellet are League members. Viennese Importation OUR library for amateur clubs has received its first European addition, one hundred and ten feet of Viennese scenes made by Carl M. Kotlik, of the Club der KinoAmateure Oesterreichs, of Vienna, Austria. Every member of the League visiting Vienna will find a hearty welcome from Mr. Kotlik and the members of the club of which he is president. Vienna, the city of music and beauty, offers much to the cineamateur. Mr. Kotlik may be found at 21 Justgasse, Vienna. Flushing Organizes HPHE Amateur Movie Makers of ■* Flushing, N. Y., had their initial meeting January 6, sponsored by the Y. M. C. A. of that city. Some thirty members signed the rolls and an executive committee of Ronald Kounts, Arthur Gartelman, William Schulz, Alfred Ziegler and Charles Stanley was elected to prepare for the production of a one-reel comedy. Photoplays produced by other clubs were shown. This club is fortunate in having excellent equipment. (Continued on page 124) "THE SPORTING CHANCE" Involves Motor Cars, Freight Trains and Alfalfa Wagons, As Well As the Famous Los Angeles Climate. One-hundred-one