British Kinematography (1951)

January, 1951 SWINGLER AND PULMAN : MOTION PICTURE PRESENTATION Interval Music An essential part of the presentation is the reproduction of gramophone discs, and considerable attention has been given to the design of the non-synchronous attachment to the main sound reproducer with the object of assuring the very finest sound reproduction from discs. Fidelity cannot be obtained, however, from discs that are badly worn, dirty or scratched. During an interval, patrons are listening, if only subconsciously, to the incidental music, and any imperfection in the sound reproduction will be noticed. The selection of discs of suitable type plays its part in patron enjoyment. Timing is important; music should not cease suddenly half-way through a composition or in the middle of a bar. It is far better to have a few seconds' silence than to have a discordant change from disc to film reproduction. Presentation of a disc programme demands a deal of thought and will repay consideration. Discs chosen by someone with musical appreciation can add much to the enjoyment of patrons, and conversely, if badly chosen, can cause annoyance to many. Disc programmes to cover an interval before presentation of a feature film should be arranged with the motif of the film in mind. The disc programme presented with " Hamlet " is an outstanding example. Auditorium Acoustics In considering patron enjoyment, brief reference must be made to auditorium acoustics. Sometimes the sound reproducer is giving good sound, yet hearing conditions in the auditorium are still poor. This can be caused by unsatisfactory acoustical conditions where the rate of decay of sound from maximum to inaudibility is too long. Such an auditorium will have a high reverberation period which can be corrected only by the judicious use of acoustic absorbents. In some of the larger auditoria highly reflective surfaces can give rise to echoes, or to confusion caused by one tone being superimposed upon another occurring immediately afterwards. In such cases as low a volume as is consistent with audibility will tend to alleviate the problem. Patrons must not have to strain to hear the sound reproduction, otherwise they will •become tired through ear fatigue, which will adversely affect their goodwill toward a particular kinema. A service designed for the comfort and convenience of patrons is the provision of a deaf-aid system for hard-of-hearing patrons. Certain seats wired for lorgnette type handsets enable these patrons to enjoy the complete film and disc programme in comfort. 3. LIGHTING Light has always attracted mankind, and the psychological effect of light is of great importance. Skilful use of this medium will do much to attract the patron to the kinema, and to maintain that cheerful and exciting atmosphere that is most desirable. There are times when its effect should be startling, and others when it should efface its own individuality in silent and inconspicuous service. Developments in light sources, particularly in the groups of lamps known as discharge lamps, have placed further media in the hands of the lighting engineer with which he can produce many beautiful lighting effects designed to stimulate the emotions of the audience. Lighting the Entrance The main entrance is the kinema' s " shopwindow," and it must be remembered that a greater number pass the theatre during the day than actually pay for admission. The front-of-house is the focal point of attraction, and from dusk onward the effects achieved by well designed and attractive publicity can be greatly enhanced by skilful lighting. The attention of the passer-by is caught and drawn to a kinema entrance with a brightly lighted canopy and entrance foyer, while the architectural features of the building can also be brought into prominence by the use of neon lighting and coloured flood-lighting, so that the cumulative effect of the front-of-house is warm, luxurious and inviting.