American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1941)

Youth Has Its Fling —At Scenario Production <By~ (OilioK. Scott AMATEUR movie-making is generally admitted to be "a young man's L game" — but down in Texas there's a group of movie-making amateurs for whose activities some new and superyouthful adjectives ought to be coined. Officially they call themselves Pixilated Pictures (not incorporated), and though they have no less than five successful scenario productions to their joint credit, not a single member of Pixilated's production staff is yet old enough to cast his (or her) first vote! None the less, for five years these youngsters have operated a thriving 16mm. production company, turning out productions which not only gave them recreation and a constructive outlet for their energies, but in every instance repaid their production-costs and usually a small profit besides. It all began back in March, 1937, in the back-yard of Mrs. E. Humphrey Price, of San Antonio, when a group of children whose ages ranged between 10 and 13 years got together to stage a neighborhood show. Apparently the show was successful. At any rate, it so intrigued Mrs. Price that she brought out her lGmm. camera and filmed several of the "acts." When in due time the film came back from the processing station and was previewed to an enthusiastic young audience, she discovered she had a band of aspiring movie-makers on her hands. Now most adults, faced with such a situation would especially if they valued their cameras — turn a rather deaf ear to the idea. But not Mrs. Price! She encouraged the children to form a serious production group and actually try their hands at making a movie. She agreed to sponsor the budding firm, and to provide her camera. But the expenses of production, she wisely suggested, should be taken care of by organizing a ■ . "•• to loll > DlXZCTtti A typical Pixilated Picture Contract. Note penalties for non-appearance and tardiness. real company and raising the necessary money by the stock-selling route. In this way, the costs of production could be divided among the youngsters pa pating, incidentally giving them useful training in modern business principles. With these necessary details out of the way, preparations were started for the first production. Glen Alvey, one of the boys who from the start has been a leader in Pixilated's activities, wrote the script, choosing that favorite among horror stories, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." To everyone's surprise, this first venture into production was a success— so much so that it not only repaid its cost, but enabled the company to declare a dividend of 100% on its stock, and issue more at double the original price. Since then, these young folk have produced five complete features. Included among them are the original "Dr. Jekyll , and Mr. Hyde," released in June. 19 7; "It's Laughter We're After," in Decern1 ber of the same year; "Hollywood II !" in 1938; "Snazzy Sixteen," in 1939, "Frankenstein," in 1940. In addition, i the group has made local 16mm. newsreels to round out the supporting bills ) at the showings of their features, and | at one time even ventured into the commercial field, filming a 100-foot advertising short for a local dancing teacher. | Most ambitious of Pixilated's producj tions has been "Frankenstein," the pro duction-cost of which ran over $100— hut which, it may be added, still made money, SO widespread a reputation : 172 April, 1941 AmKUICAN ClNEMATOCRAI'HKK