American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1952)

New Eastman Kodak Brownie Movie Projector New inexpensive 8mm projector announced by Kodak. engine slowly clanking past — a shot where the engine fills the screen. After the film is processed, screen the two scenes and compare them. You will find that the express train, which you photographed while it was travelling upwards of 60 miles an hour, appears to he moving rather slowly. The switch engine, on the other hand, crawling along at perhaps ten or fifteen miles per hour, will appear to be travelling much faster. This experiment will dem¬ onstrate how placement of the camera can affect the rate of movement of a subject on the screen, regardless of its actual rate of travel as it was filmed. It will demonstrate how, by placing your camera properly with relation to the moving subject, you can step up or slow down the pace of the action in a scene, depending upon the dramatic ef¬ fect you wish to achieve. After this demonstration, and you still are experimentally-minded, make a few additional shots to determine what effect camera angles have on tempo. Shoot the test subject — one which you know will be moving at a relatively con¬ stant speed throughout all test takes — the express train would be ideal — or use an automobile. Shoot long shots, medi¬ um shots and closeups of the moving subject as it travels: 1) directly across the frame, 2) diagonally toward the camera, and 3) directly into the camera. In the first series of tests, you will discover that long shots invariably give the impression of slowest movement, while action in closeups appears to be the fastest. In the second series you will find that the shots showing movement di¬ rectly across the screen and the extreme closeup of the object moving directly toward the camera give the illusion of fastest movement, while all other angles produce the illusion of progressively slower tempo. By studying all of these shots on the screen, it will be seen that the apparent speed of any movement will appear to increase as the footage of the scene — that is, the length of time it is on the screen — decreases. As a result of these tests, it will be seen that we have three basic rules to follow for making any movement on the screen appear in rapid tempo: first, show it in closeup; second, show it from a dynamic camera angle — one that accentuates its movements within the frame; and third, keep duration of the action on the screen short. Once the cine cameraist understands these basic rules, he can put them to work to his advantage when filming any type action. For example, suppose you wish to contrast the movement of one man who is walking along calmly, with that of another who is running (Continued on Page 539) The Brownie Movie Projector, a new inexpensive 8mm projector for home movies, was unveiled last month by the Eastman Kodak Company. The new projector is designed to provide high-quality projected images and to feature maximum simplicity of oper¬ ation. The new Brownie features a new type of “floating-power” control. A single knob can be positioned for either for¬ ward projection, “stills,” reverse pro¬ jection, or motor rewind. Designed as an ideal team mate for the Brownie 8mm Movie Camera, the projector is said to be the world’s easiest projector to use. The Brownie has a nylon carrying handle on top and is fitted with a re¬ movable cover on one side which is held by two simple spring catches. The cover can be snapped on, or lifted off, in a second. To simplify threading, an easily fol¬ lowed film path is printed on the plate behind the sprockets. Sprockets are in¬ directly illuminated so that the pro¬ jector can be threaded in the dark. In threading, it is not necessary to engage the film with a pull-down claw behind the film gate. Focusing is controlled by a finger-tip focusing lever. A self-locking tilting knob permits quick and positive screen centering. A power fan with adequate ventilating louvers assures cool projec¬ tion. An important feature are oil-im¬ pregnated nylon gears which are lubri¬ cated for life. It is not necessary to oil this projector at any time. The Brownie is expected to begin reaching dealers’ shelves in time for Christmas. However, it is possible that supplies may be insufficient, at first, to meet demand. To meet such emergency, the company has also announced a “Brownie Gift Certificate” plan. This will enable dealers to supply Brownie Gift Certificates for Christmas-giving and providing for delivery of Brownie projectors after Christmas. The Brownie Movie Projector is priced at $62.50 and sells complete with a 30" wide projection screen for $67. Tips On Christmas Movie Making planning TO make Christmas movies this year? There are dozens of helpful ideas for you in “Tips On Christmas Movie Making,” latest of the famous “Tips” booklets published by Bell & Howell Company. Copies may be had at most photographic dealers. The cost? A mere nickle ! All kinds of things happen at Christ¬ mas time, and you’ll want to record on film what goes on at your house. A little planning now will assure you of a lot of enjoyment later. First make a list of special events to take place and check those you will want to film. Many scenes can be done before Christmas and will furnish the background for your Christ¬ mas morning shots around the tree. Whether you shoot in color or blackand-white, you'll need extra indoor lighting. “Tips” describes the best methods to use. December, 1952 American Cinematographer 537