The Cine Technician (1939)

26 TH E CI N E-T EC H NIC! A \ April-May, 1937 NEWSREEL B.P.P.A. First Annual Dinner. Illustration at top of page is from menu of first annual Gala Night, held at Criterion Restaurant on February 15th, of the British Press Photographers' Association. Three hundred cameramen and their guests were present. Mr. William Horton (The Times), Chairman of the Association, presided and many prominent personalities in the press and film photographic world were present. Mr. Horton, in proposing the toast of "The Press and NewsReel Photographers," briefly outlined the aims of the B.P.P.A., the formation of which was being celebrated by the evening's function. Mr. Frank Bassill, Pathe's Newsreel ace, in reply, stated how glad the film cameramen were to support their news colleagues and spoke of the happy spirit of comradeship existing between all cameramen on the road. Mr. Frank Derry, Cunard-White Star Publicity Chief, replying to the toast of the visitors (proposed by Mr. Leslie Burch), paid a tribute to the work of press and newsreel photographers, declaring that in the pictorial "cover" of shipping news they were helping to keep British shipping on the map. Dinner was followed by several hours' dancing and cabaret, including Britain's No. 1 Pianists, Bruce Merrill and Harry Foster, in amazing syncopated duets. A happy evening was rounded off by a visit from those "cads," the Western Brothers, who made a special midnight journey from the provinces in order to join in the fun. Facts from America. American newsreel cameramen are organised by affiliation into the I.A.T.S.E. and M.P.M.C. of the United States and Canada, says the "International Photographer" — also in his local Union, depending on his territory. Through this medium there has been established a standaid scale of wages and a definite set of working conditions Were it not for this beneficial understanding between employer and employees, the basic reason for working as a newsreel cameraman would be in a state of uncertainty without end, as it is in England. Newsreeling the Crown Jewels. One of the most interesting jobs during the last months was the filming in the Tower of London of the crown jewels, this being a rota for all reels. The finished job got a good footage used. The "gang" arrived at the Tower at 8.30 a.m. with cameras and lamps and were admitted to the Jewel House about 9 a.m., when the four 2 kw. sunspots were coupled on to the supply by the Office of Works. Lights tested and a few shots taken of the "cage." Then the officials arrived, representing the Lord Chamberlin, O.C. of the Tower, the Chief Warder, police and other officials, in whose joint presence the jewels can be unlocked. Then the iron doors at the entrance to the Jewel House were locked and each piece of the Royal Jewels broughl out separately to be filmed. A still photographic background was used and the crowns, etc., placed on a turntable, each piece of jewellery being photographed in long shot and then details picked out with long locus lenses. Everything went to time and by mid-day the jewels were locked back in their quarters, the alarms set, the jewels checked and the iron doors once again opened. The most striking thing filmed was the huge diamond in the sceptre. All the officials were kindness itself, giving every help to make a grand picture. The value of these jewels makes this the most expensive film ever taken in the world, as the commentator remarked. International Federation of Newsreel Cinematographers. Ax International Federation of Newsreel Cinematographers (Union Internationale de la Presse Filmee) has recent ly been formed. A.C.T. has affiliated through its Newsreel section and Mr. J. C. Gemmell, Newsreel Chairman, is its Committee representative. Other countries to signify their support include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Italv, Poland, Greece and Palestine. The President is M. Henri Piron, President of the Association Beige de la Presse Filmee. The principal object of the Federation is to safeguard the professional interests of all persons engaged in newsreel work. Questionnaires have been circulated to all supporting bodies to ascertain information on professional facilities, customs regulations and other matters. The replies will form the basis of a Report to be presented to a Conference winch will be held in Paris about the middle of June and at which A.C.T. hopes to be represented. Tenax Et Audax.