Movie Makers (Jan-May 1928)

FILMING PRE-HISTORIC AGES English Amateurs Produce Educational Films of Merit By Arthur L. Marble AMONG the educative institutions to recently produce motion pictures is the County School for Boys, at Altrincham, England. Those directly interested in the school are particularly grateful to the cinema because it has given new interest and point to summer camp activities. Ronald Gow, the principal, and his enterprising students have shown that the dramatization and filming of historical events may become a very interesting and informative part of the vacation program. Even before 1926, the County School for Boys had portrayed camp scenes which were successfully exhibited in theatres. Considering Mr. Gow's proficiency in the use of the motion picture camera and the growing enthusiasm of the boys, the camp committee made it financially possible for the summer campers to conquer new cinematographic fields. So it was decided to film a historical drama, depicting a typical day in the Neolithic age of primitive Britain. "The People of the Axe," as the production was called, had a three-fold purpose. This, according to Mr. Gow, was: (1) To show what teachers required in a teaching film; (2) To provide an educational school activity; (3) To add interest to the summer school camp." A scenario was, of course, the first requirement. In supplying this need the boys received valuable experience in composition. Among the many manuscripts submitted a scenario was finally chosen. This was turned over to Sir William Boyd Dawkins, an archeologist of considerable experience, who was kind enough to give constructive criticism on the script, as well as valuable advice on other technical details. In preparing material for the various scenes the students were required to search historical records for data. Little by little the information and properties accumulated. In many cases parents offered useful contributions, as for example, axe and arrow heads, skins and costumes. It was found that a sheepskin, when properly cut, would make two suits of the abbreviated type prevalent during the Neolithic period. As summer is the slack season for theatrical costumers, it was possible to rent such necessities as wigs at a very low rate. When vacation time came a tract of SCENE FROM THE PEOPLE OF THE LAKE" land, free of all traces of civilization, by a thrilling attack on the colony was located. The work of building by a hostile tribe. In defending the sets on the territory was divided village the Scout is an active partici among the boys. Presently the wig pant. warn tents, stockades, looms, imple The following is a summary of the ments and "dug-out" canoes assumed approximate expenses incurred in the appearance of an ancient setting. producing "The People of the Lake:" From near-by farms the boys ob Raw film, developing, printtained the horses, dogs, goats and ing, lighting, camera rentsheep called for by the scenario. al $195.44 These animals appeared quite at Materials, including lumber, home before the camera, and after wigs, string, tools, etc. . 68.41 a little rehearsing were easily photo graphed. Total $263.85 For the filming, Mr. Gow reports Realized from local rentals. 122.15 the use of two 32mm. machines, both of British manufacture. Debit balance charged to The cost of producing "The People camp funds $141.70 of the Axe" (including positive film ) "The People of the Lake" was diswas approximately $223. Rentals tributed by the British Instructional received up to November, 1927, Film Company, which shared the amounted to $121.50, so that, ex proceeds on a commission basis. The elusive of later revenue accruing camp committee, in financing the mofrom this source, the expense borne tion picture activities over a period of by the camp committee was in the several years, must indeed be sincere neighborhood of $102. So success in the belief that work of this nature ful was the picture that the producers is worth the time and money exlooked forward to a similar enter pended. prise for the next summer. Accord "School film production as prac ingly, plans were made for another ticed here," writes Mr. Gow, "is only reel. another form of school play produc The second photoplay, called "The tion. The method is different and People of the Lake," dealt with the the results are different, but the bene Bronze Age. Like the former pro fits of cooperative work are the duction, it was made both for recre same. The making of costumes, ational and educative purposes. properties and scenery occupied Briefly, the story is as follows. A many weeks of exacting spare-time Boy Scout, studying a huge volume labor for the boys, and with due in of ancient history, falls asleep at the sistence on proper research the whole task. In dreamland he finds himself undertaking has great educational living in the Bronze Age, a visitor value. * * * The richest reward was to the lake people. From time to the enthusiasm of the boys and the time the Scout verifies the authen knowledge that many of them will ticity of what he sees by reference have a lifelong interest in that part to the tome constantly by his side. of history which is the most inter The story is given a dramatic touch esting of all." 328