British Kinematography (1953)

June, 1953 171 SOCIETY DINNER THE social functions of the Society have always been famous for the wide representation of interests to be found among the guests. The Dinner on April 14 at the Savoy Hotel proved no exception to the tradition, when 350 guests were present and personalities from all sections of the industry entered, with enthusiasm, into what turned out to be both an interesting and enjoyable evening. In proposing the toast of the Society, Mr. J. W. Davies, President of the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association of Great Britain and Ireland, gave emphasis to the valuable contribution to the advancement of the science and technology of cinematography which had been made through the Society's educational work. The future, with the advent of three-dimensional and panoramic screen projects, would provide opportunity for the Society to be of even greater service than before. Whether it be in production, in processing or in exhibition, the proposed new techniques would provide scope for research, scientific improvisation and standardization. In responding to the toast, Dr. Leslie Knopp, the Society's President, spoke of the intention to extend the courses of instruction and raise them to a higher technical standard. It was hoped to raise the standard of efficiency and economy in picture presentation and to include in the curriculum lectures on the modern developments of three-dimensional and panoramic picture presentation. Attention was drawn to the fact that although industry and commerce had for long supported research organizations which were found to be sound and profitable, the large British cinema industry was without such an undertaking. With comparatively little expenditure upon properly organized and directed research, results which could have lasting benefits might be achieved. The Society was preparing a comprehensive report on the principles of stereoptics and stereography and the problems involved in stereo cinematography. It was intended to give producers and camera operators guidance as to how to avoid the glaring faults of linear distortion and mis-placements in space relationships, and to point out the secondary physical and psychological relationships that must be observed to preserve comfortable and, as far as possible, natural viewing conditions. It was hoped to deal with some of the laboratory problems, the proper co-relation of analogous points and image pairs, and suitable alignment to meet average conditions of projection : some of the new problems the renter would have to face would be included ; the examination and checking for synchronism of paired copies, their identification and perhaps new standards of reel lengths : for exhibitors it was intended to investigate the alignment and synchronism of projectors, new standards for spools, modifications of screens and the like. Finally, and perhaps of greater importance, close liaison would be kept with colleagues in America and on the Continent in an endeavour to maintain adequate standards so that all films would be universal in their application. Dr. Knopp introduced a note of warning, that the Society was not financially strong and might find it necessary to ask for assistance to complete the task. Mr. Baynham Honri, the Vice-President, of the Society, proposed the toast of the guests and Major R. P. Baker, President of the British Film Producers' Association, responded briefly.