Broadcasting Telecasting (Jan-Mar 1956)

Niles Says New System Cuts Tv Filming Costs DEVELOPMENT of a mechanical-electronic system for filming complete television programs at 50 to 66% of conventional costs by combining live tv cameras with motion picture cameras was claimed Thursday by Fred A. Niles, president of Fred A. Niles Productions Inc., Chicago. Described as the "Camtronic" system, the method consists of three motion picture cameras mounted on special designed synchronous plates which hold live tv cameras, according to Mr. Niles. Parallexing lenses and progressive synchronization (from camera to camera) are effected with the new system, he said. Mr. Niles reported the technique is now ready for commercial application. Economies realized in editing and lab costs can be applied to the production of an entire series of shows for television, he stated. The system is especially desirable for filming audience participation, variety and musical shows as well as limited set production, he added. Mr. Niles said negotiations are under way for filming three different tv series with "Camtronic" and added he would utilize Chicago's Eighth St. Theatre for some productions. He is maintaining temporary quarters there. Mr. Niles resigned as vice president of Kling Film Productions last month and announced formation of his own firm to produce television programs and commercials and other type films. The "Camtronic" system was described as HIGH as a Kite as usual WHEC 43.6 STATION B 23.0 STATION C 12.3 STATION D 8.6 STATION E 8.5 STATION F 3.3 According to the Latest Hooper Audience Index (October-November, 1955) A share of the daytime Rochester audience almost twice as great as that of its nearest competitor! — That's the happy (and we might say customary/) story told by the latest Hooper Audience Index, October-November, 1955! If you want to get the ears of Rochester's major radio audiences, 7 AM to 6 PM, Mondays through Fridays, then you'll certainly want to learn about the choice availabilities on Station WHEC! Contact us for full details! NEW YORK 5,000 WATTS Representatives; EVERETT McKINNEY ew York, Oiicago, LEE F. O'CONNELL CO.. los Angele working this way: The photography director sits in front of three monitors, connected to three live tv cameras which are interlocked with motion picture cameras. The director is able, by electronics means, to call for cuts automatically recorded on the film in magazines of the motion picture cameras. A fourth control-booth monitor records a film work print with cuts already indicated (similar to the monitor used in live tv, transmitting final images to home tv receivers). CBS-TV Film Sales Rise 90% in 1955 WITH gross sales at CBS-TV Film Sales in 1955 reported at 90% over those of 1954, Leslie Harris, vice president and general sales manager, last week disclosed plans for expansion in all phases of operations. Mr. Harris said that 12 new properties are planned for 1956 for both national sale and syndication, doubling the amount of program series handled by the unit. The series will be produced in Hollywood, England and North Africa, Mr. Harris added, pointing out that among the first slated for filming is The Legionnaire, starring Merle Oberon. The series will be produced in England by Tony Bartley, with the majority of location filming done in Morocco. The speeded-up activity by CBS Television Film Sales, Mr. Harris said, has resulted in an increase in the advertising and sales promotion budget of 50% over last year's. The unit also is planning to move to larger quarters to accommodate new personnel in the merchandising, sales promotion and publicity departments. Latest staff member is Bert Herbert, senior media analyst at Benton & Bowles, New York, who has been appointed assistant to the sales promotion manager. Lucky Lager Purchases 'Crunch and Des' Series PURCHASE by Lucky Lager beer, San Francisco, of the Crunch and Des tv film series for 36 markets in nine western states, Alaska and Hawaii, has raised total sales of the series to more than 60, it was announced last week by the NBC Film Div. The Lucky Lager sale was placed through McCann-Erickson, San Francisco. Other recent sales of the series have been to Regal beer, through Talley-Embry, Miami, and Tracy-Locke, New Orleans, for five southeastern markets and Schmidt Brewing Co., through Al Paul Lefton, Philadelphia, for three markets. FILM PRODUCTION Albert Carlo Assoc., N. Y., has signed Howard Brandy, NBC Radio writer, to create five-minute pantomime program, "Adventures of Count Carlo," with Albert Carlo in title role and featuring ballet star Julie Newmar. Mr. Brandy retains association with NBC Radio. Harris Tuchman Productions, Hollywood, signed for second year to produce series of animated one-minute commercials for Standard Oil Co. of Texas. 1955 series won award in Adv. Assn. of the West competition. FILM RANDOM SHOTS Filmack Trailer Co., Chicago, announces move of New York offices from Film Center Bldg. to 341 w. 44th St. Lab and studio remain at old location. CBS Television Film Sales Inc., N. Y., an Page 46 • January 23, 1956 Broadcasting • Telecasting