British Kinematography (1950)

92 Vol. 17, No. 3 PRESENTATION OF 16mm. FILMS At the request of organisations interested in raising and maintaining the standard of 16mm. technique throughout the industry, the Society has set up a Committee of Investigation. This Committee will investigate and report current methods and practice and will subsequently issue a code of recommended practice to the industry generally. The parent Committee, under the chairmanship of Norman Leevers, B.Sc, A.C.G.I., will operate through four technical sub-committees, each dealing with a separate branch of the work, as follows : Photographic Sub-Committee : To be appointed. Sound Recording Sub-Committee : N. Leevers, B.Sc, A.C.G.I. (Chairman), R. A. Ball, C. C. Buckle, P. Heath, M. V. Hoare, A. Tutchings. Projection Equipment Sub-Committee : W. Rudd (Chairman), L. S. Baker, D. S. Morfey, N. W. Wooderson. Presentation Sub-Committee : H. S. Hind, A.M.I.E.E. (Chairman), L. S. Baker, J. W. Hissey, M. Raymond. The work of these sub-committees will include consideration of the items set out below : Photographic Sub-Committee : 1 . Picture contrast. 2. Picture density. . 3. Definition. 4. Methods of picture duplication. 5. Methods of sound duplication. 6. Track density and fog level. 7. Flutter in printing. 8. Printing light sources. 9. Negative wear in printing. 10. Methods of using joined stock. Sound Recording Sub-Committee : 1. Frequency characteristics. 2. Recording levels. 3. Volume range. 4. Recommendations for colour pro cesses. 5. Distortion content. Projection Equipment Sub-Committee : 1 . Wear or damage to film : Perforation damage, Abrasion, Heating. 2. Picture steadiness. 3. Illuminant : Optical efficiency, Effective light output, Lamp life (incandescent sources only). 4. Sound head : Speed stability, Optical efficiency. 5. Mechanical sturdiness. 6. Ease of maintenance. Presentation Sub-Committee : 1. Routine testing. 2. Test films. 3. Adjustments. 4. Available spares. 5. Projector speed. 6. Methods of storage. 7. Joining of reels. 8. Assembly of continuous pro grammes. 9. Position of projector. 0. Size and position of screen and surround. 1. Screen illumination. 2. Ambient light level ; loud speaker position ; sound volume level ; acoustic conditions. Care of films. 13 It has been resolved that the investigation be as complete as possible, and that it be carried out impartially and in a way which will not embarrass users of current processes, since the aim is to influence future development into the most suitable channels. The work itself will resolve into two stages : Stage 1 : The examination and criticism I of present practice. Stage 2 : The specification of methods for obtaining the best results. It is expected that the first stage will be completed by early Spring, 1951, and the second stage will follow later in the year. The Committee welcomes the support and active collaboration of those in the industry who are in a position to assist by the contribution of helpful information or in other ways, and feels confident that this investigation will ultimately be of great value in stabilising and promoting the healthy growth of the 16mm. film industry. FROM THE OVERSEAS PRESS Publications quoted may be seen in the Society's Library DEEP FOCUS AND LONGER TAKES The Garutso lens provides additional depth of field at a given aperture. (According to the Cine-technician, July-August, 1950, p. 106, it consists of an annular element attached to the normal lens.) Amer. Cine., September, 1949, July, 1950. DEPTH BY INSPACIAN Improved depth of field is achieved by means of a device which causes consecutive frames of film to be focused on different planes. Inter. Phot., August, 1950, p. 8. REALISM WITH A MASTER'S TOUCH A large proportion of the film " Asphalt Jungle " is being filmed with a 35mm. lens, in order to achieve depth of field. Amer, Cine., August, 1950, p. 271,