British Kinematography (1953)

BRITISH KIMMATOGRAPHY VOLUME 23 No. 4 HON. TECHNICAL EDITOR: R. J. T. BROWN, D.S.C., B.Sc. (Fellow) OCTOBER, 1953 CONTENTS Water Effects The Production of Trailers Personal News of Members R. L. HOULT, A.R.P.S. (Member) ESTHER HARRIS (Member) Page 86 98 103 THE CONQUEST OF EVEREST FORTHCOMING lectures are seldom the subject of editorial comment, but there may be occasions when the outstanding technical interest of the subject matter to be discussed, or the outstanding ability and success of the lecturer are such that the attention of members can quite properly be directed to the meeting. These reasons prompt us to comment upon the lecture to be delivered at a meeting to be held by the 16mm. Film Division of the Society at Film House on the evening of December 22. Mr. T. R. Stobart, B.Sc, F.R.G.S., had already attained a wide reputation for his successful cinematographic records of modern expeditions, including journeys into the frozen wastes of the Antarctic and the tropical heat of Central Africa, before being invited to undertake the formidable task of recording the epic story of " The Conquest of Everest." It is probable, in view of the heavy cost of equipping modern expeditions, that the financial reward likely to be derived from the subsequent commercial exploitation of the film record will, in the future, be an important economic factor to be taken into account at the preliminary stages of planning an expedition and preparing its budget. Indeed, it is expected that professional film technicians will be indispensable members of future expeditionary undertakings. Assignments of this nature call for. many special qualifications, foremost of which are a rugged physique capable of contending with the extremes of adverse weather conditions, and the ability to overcome the discomforts and inconveniences necessarily associated with such expeditions. At the same time, the cinematographer must have a sufficient reserve of physical and mental energy to apply himself to the initial task of picture making. Although he may prepare some preliminary plan before he embarks upon his task, he must, nevertheless, be both director and script writer — directing and writing his script as he goes along. Whilst keeping constantly in mind the primary necessity of making a coherent and accurate record of the expedition, he must, also seize every opportunity that presents itself and turn it to the best advantage. In addition, he must be a complete master of his equipment, be fully experienced in the many techniques and processes involved in the making of a motion picture, and be able to obtain the best possible results under difficult conditions of weather and of lighting. The British film industry can be proud of its tradition in the making of historical, documentary and record films. Over forty years ago, Mr. H. C. Ponting, F.R.G.S., F.R.P.S., accompanied Captain Scott to the Antarctic and made a film record which won wide praise. "The Conquest of Everest" is a film which will enjoy a similar, if not a greater, prestige. We therefore look forward with pleasant anticipation to Mr. Stobart's lecture, in which he will deal with the many technical and other problems that were involved in making this film and the manner in which he overcame them. BRITISH KINEMATOGRAPHY, the Journal of the British Kinematograph Society, is published monthly. Price 5s. per issue (5s. 2d. including postage), annual subscription £2 17s. 6d. including postage. Editorial and Advertising Offices : 164 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W.C.2. Temple Bar 8915-6. The terms upon which Publication in this Journal does not necessarily imply that the Council endorses the views of authors reprinting is permitted may be obtained from the Secretary.