The Bioscope (Oct-Dec 1931)

December 16, 1931 THE BIOSCOPE 39 Electrical Equipment Efficiency At B. & D. Studios The main switchboard is situated at one end of the studio and is equipped with a 5.000amp. G.E.C. -Salford circuit breaker and the usual instruments. From this board, power is led through heavy lead-covered Pirelli-General cables, via " T ” boxes, to subsidiary switchboards fixed in the walls of the studios. The subsidiary boards are fitted with smaller capacity G.E.C. circuit breakers and with Chamberlain & Hookham energy meters. From the subsidiary boards power is led to smaller boards in the studio galleries overhead and to portable boards fitted with wheels, so that they may be moved to any convenient point in the studio. These portable boards have a large number of outlets and supply flexible cables through special plug and socket joints. The flexible cables run to spider boxes of various sizes, so that the whole lay-out is very flexible and lighting units of different powers can be readily connected at any point in the studio. 90 Per Cent. Osram The studio lighting is approximately 90 per cent, incandescent by means of Osram lamps. The lighting fittings were supplied by the G.E.C. and number over 200, including a variety of types, so that a cameraman may obtain any kind of lighting he desires. The fittings include over 100 powerful projectors, fitted with 2,000, 3,000, 5,000 and 10.000watt Osram lamps and overhead reflector units ranging from 3 up to 18 k.w. rating. STAGES FOR LETTING Producers requiring studio space on “ letting ” terms will be interested to know that British and Dominions can offer the following accommodation for certain dates : — One Stage 98 ft. 6 in. by 73 ft. 6 in., 7,240 sq. feet. One Stage 86 ft. 6 in. by 76 ft. 3 in., 6,596 sq. feet. Inquiries should be made at headquarters, British and Dominions Film Corporation, Ltd., Empire House, 117, Regent Street, W.l. ‘Phone : Regent 7128 or Imperial Studios, Boreham Wood. ’Phone : Elstree 232 The latest type of spotlight supplied was specially designed for the British & Dominions film studios, and the main part of it is cast in one piece of light aluminium alloy, so as to prevent the possibility of crackling noises occurring, as sometimes happens owing to expansion, if sheet metal is used. These new spotlights are equipped with 2-k.w. Osram lamps, and also have a new type of optically worked mirror, which gives increased efficiency. A.R.P. Plan Studio Extensions “Entirely British,” says Basil Dean Plans are being made for the extension of the A.R.P. Film Studios at Ealing Green, according to an announcement made by Basil Dean. A building containing five storeys of technical departments and dressing rooms, together with a stage, dividable into two parts, will be constructed by the side of the existing main central building. Approximately £75,000 will be invested in this new extension, it is said. This extension of the A.R.P. Studios will facilitate the production of a greater number of British films by the Associated Radio Company. It is only a few weeks since the studio at Ealing was opened as an entirely new building and the news that it is to be extended is, therefore, all the more surprising. Speaking to The Bioscope, Mr. Dean said : — “ Not one cent of American money has ever been invested in the enterprise. It is necessary to make this quite clear, because the fact that our films are to be released by R.K.O. throughout the world has led certain people to imagine them to be either whole or in part an American enterprise. “ In point of fact, speaking financially, the enterprise mainly owes its existence to the public spirit of Mr. Stephen L. Courtauld, supported by his brother. Major J. Courtauld, M.P., who are determined that we shall contribute our share towards establishing British films in the world market.” SUNSHINE SUSIE (A Gainsborough Picture) Negative was developed and the Trade Show and Premier run Copies were Printed by : — GEORGE HUMPHRIES & CO. 10, North Court, Chitty St., Tottenham Court Road. Museum 1734/5 Telegrams : Best Lab, London