American cinematographer (Nov 1921-Jan 1922)

November 1 , 1921 Page Thirteen 'How It All Happened cA Brief ^riew of the Beginnings of the oAmerican Society of Cinematographers <By H. LYMAN BROENING The formation of the first motion picture camera club, in America, came about under somewhat mysterious and peculiar circumstances. During the summer of 1913, while employed at the Edison studio in the Bronx, New York City, Messrs. Frank Kugler, Philip E. Rosen and Lewis Physioc got their heads together. These men were operating cameras for the Edison Kinetoscope Company, at a salary of $18.00 per week. The Motion Picture Patents Company group of producers practically controlled the industry, making it impossible for an employee to seek safe employment with independent concerns. Anonymous notices were sent out to as many cameramen as it was possible to reach, with a request that they reply to a certain office in the Tribune Buidling. A few straggling replies were received and a meeting was decided upon. The eventful evening finally arrived. Heinebund Hall, at Thirty-fourth street and Eighth avenue, was the trysting place. Thirteen men appeared, each a stranger to all the others and with no definite idea as to why they were there. After a few anxious moments a waiter came in and distributed a paper to each which read, "This meeting is yours." Then things began to happen. A temporary chairman and officers were appointed from among the small group and they proceeded to get together. Lest there be opposition by the producers the meetings were secretly carried on regularly for six months and, with the establishing of a friendly interest among the cameramen, "The Cinema Camera Club" made its debut into motion picture society. The expected opposition never materialized and with a rapidly increasing membership quarters were opened in a building in Columbus Circle. The next move, in 1915, was to the Times Building where spacious offices were occupied by the rapidly progressing organization with a register of over one hundred and twenty members. The first social event was a ball, held at the Palm Garden Hall, which proved a huge success and added prestige to the Club. A second affair followed, a year later — an invitation dance at Pabst Colosseum in Harlem. During this course of events a similar body was formed in California known as "The Static Club." Both were formed for social reasons, for an exchange of ideas and for the general advancement of the cameraman and his work. Later on, the "Static Club" changed to the "Cinema Camera Club" and an affiliation was formed with an exchange of membership. In 1916 a house organ, "The Cinema News," made its appearance and for a time was fairly successful. "Static Flashes" was also issued as a representative paper of the western club. In 1918, at a regular election, Mr. Philip E. Rosen was voted into office as president for a third term of the Cinema Camera Club, but was called out of town and resigned his office. Mr. Rosen arrived in Los Angeles in time to attend the last few meetings of the Cinema Camera Club, of California, which was sadly waning. The membership was badly mixed up and plans to continue were apparently useless. The assistance of Mr. Rosen was sought, by reason of his experience in these matters, which resulted in the appointment of a committee upon re-organization while the Club went through the dissolving process. On Saturday evening, December 21, 1918, a meeting by the members' newly appointed committee of ten, was held at the home of Mr. Wm. Foster. A board of governors was established, consisting of the ten members present and five more selected. This constituted the beginning of the "American Society of Cinematographers," with the motto of "Loyalty. Progress and Art," and marked the formation of a society of cameramen, whose work and names stood for the highest in the art of motion picture pho PHILIP E ROSEN, FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS. tography, for the purpose of furthering co-operation between cameramen, directors and producers. The rule of membership by invitation was inaugurated. The second meeting, held the very next evening at the home of Mr. Fred Granville, resulted in the election of these officers: Mr. Rosen, president; Charles Rosher, vice-president; Homer Scott, second vice-president; Wm. Foster, treasurer; Victor Milner, secretary. By the time the fifth meeting was reached the society occupied quarters in the Markham building, Hollywood, its present home. Rene Guissart, A. S. C, writes from London that he has been engaged to film the great British production, "The Bohemian Girl," under the direction of Harley Knoles, the producer of "Carnival." Mr. Knoles is an Englishman, and is well known in the United States. It was he and Mr. Guissart who. a few years ago, produced for the World Film Corporation "Little Women," one of the most charming pictures ever filmed. Mr. Guissart will return to Los Angeles to take charge of the cinematographic work on "The Masquerader," the great Richard Walton Tully story soon to be produced. Mr. Guissart says that in Europe there are few directors and cameramen and fewer actors. He sees nothing to cause fear of European competition. The only good pictures, he says, are those made by American staffs with players taken from the stage.