American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1926)

Twelve AMERIC A N CINEMATOGRAPHER October, 1926 PROJECTION • Condu&ed by EARL J DENISON Teaching Projection By John F. Barry to Theatre Managers (Director, Publix Theatre Managers' School) Theatre Manager Should Be Trained to Be Versed in all Phases of Film Projection. Because the readers of this magazine are interested in the attitude of theatre managers towards projection, it was suggested that an article be prepared indicating why the importance of projection is emphasized during the training given at the Publix Theatre Managers' Training School and how that training equips the manager for the efficient supervision of projection. Every detail of theatre operation is planned according to its influence in attracting patronage. It cannot be denied that the condition of projection in theatres today affects the sale of tickets. There was a time when motion picture theatre audiences were not as critical of projection as they are today. Then it was possible to run films through the projector with little consideration of speed, the condition of the film, the condition of the screen and the final result. It seemed that as long as the picture reached the screen the audience was satisfied. Condoned Defects were endured patiently because the very novelty of the entertainment kept attention. Flickering, travel ghosts, unsteady picture, poor focus, careless framing and defective masking, were met patiently. They were accepted as inevitable. The slide which followed the break in the film "One Moment Please," was accepted without a murmur. Audience Critical Times have changed. Audiences are now critical and do notice the standard of projection, even if they cannot discuss the matter in technical terms. They may suffer in silence and not make their displeasure evident. But they do not return to the theatre if there is any alternative. Very often they make their displeasure very evident. On Broadway For instance, at a critical moment in the showing of a big photoplay to a Broadway audience this spring the film broke and a blank screen stared at the audience, dispelling the illusion and spoiling their pleasure. The audience was not silent. There were hisses and cat calls and angry comment, loud enough to con vince anyone that resentment was deeply felt. It made very clear that audiences can no longer be imposed upon, and that projection is important. Further proof of this can be found by listening to the comment of motion picture fans in communities where competitive theatres are striving for patronage. One of the factors that determine preference for one theatre rather than another is projection. Patrons will explain their attendance by some statement like: "I prefer this theatre because the pictures are always clear and the picture does not seem distorted, no matter from what seat in the house it is viewed." The importance of good projection is evident at the box office. Smaller Houses Excellent projection is not something that is limited to the larger theatres. There are small theatres where efficient supervision of projection makes it practically perfect despite the absence of expensive equipment. There are large theatres in which the projection is shamefully defective, considering the equipment that is available. The Illusion Projection is important from the very nature of motion picture entertainment. If this entertainment is to give its full measure of satisfaction, the audience should feel that they are part of the story, living its action, fighting and loving and fearing and thrilling; and moving on and conquering with the characters of the action, just as though they were the characters themselves, or part of the action. In other words, they should never consciously realize that they are looking at a two dimensional surface, covered with light and shadows. Nor should they consciously realize that there is a projector above them throwing light that makes only shadows. In other words, they should lose themselves in the story and forget the medium, even forgetting that they are sitting in a theatre chair. They should be carried out of themselves and live through what can be called an illusion. Thwarting Effect Anything that prevents the motion picture (Continued on Page 16)