The Cine Technician (1935-1937)

Aug-. -Oct., 1936 The Journal of the Association of CineTechnicians 41 And Still They Come {coii/iuiicd from page 39) ployed here illegally and without permits. If this is so, the undesirability of their presence here ceases to be a matter of opinion but a fact for the law to take notice of. It is difficult for the Ministry of Labour to keep track of such a situation, except through such information as A.C.T., or other interested bodies, are able to give them. We would venture the suggestion that a system of inspectors appointed by the Ministry to visit studios might prevent such illegal working in the future, even if it has not already occurred. It is, of course, essential to have a positive as well as a negative approach to this problem. It is not enough to oppose entries, or even to arrange, where necessary, for questions to be asked in the House of Commons. We must develop and extend those activities which are aimed at maintaining and improving the technical ability of British technicians — film shows, lectures. Research Bulletin. We must publicise the British technician and his work, so that increased regard will spur him to do even better." It is true that clever photography, ingenious cutting, or good recording are sometimes buried in productions that never have occasion to blush under West-end neon signs, and that so escape the notice of the critics and even of the industry ; but a list could be compiled of good films made by lOO",,, or nearly 100% British units, that would surprise some of those who hardly seem to realise that British technicians exist at all. We must make certain companies a little more conscious than they are now of the existence of British technical skill. For, after all, it is against the companies that employ an excess of foreign technicians that our complaint ultimately lies, not against foreign technicians as individuals. If we cannot appeal to them on patriotic grounds we may at least impress them through such publicity with facts about British technicians of which they appear to be ignorant. Finally, let us recall part of a motion unanimously passed at the Annual General Meeting on May 10th : — "A.C.T. is of the opinion that conditions in this countrypertaining to the employment of foreign technicians should be no less rigid than elsewhere" (it is virtually impossible for a British technician to obtain employment in the film industries of U.S.A., France or Germany) "but emphasise that at any time it would be prepared to consider proposals from the corresponding body of any other country for employment of their respective members in each country on a reciprocal basis." GROWTH OF A. C. T. 31st December, 1933, ... 98 members. 31st December, 1934, ... 88 1) 31st December, 1935, ... 605 )> 14th April, 1936, ... 845 n 31st July, 1936, ... 1006 )) NEWMAN-SINCLAIR > Price from £120 Send for f'rice List. AUTO KINE' CAMERA IS THE MOST MARVELLOUS I CLOCKWORK DRIVEN CAMERA IN THE 9 WORLD. It drives 200 feet Standard (35 mm.) Kine Film with one wind of \he mechanism. It is reloaded in a few seconds. JAMES A. SINCLAIR & CO. LTD. 3 Whitehall, London, S.W.I HOME PORTRAITURE WITH THE MINIATURE CAMERA By **MINICAM" of '' The Home Photographer." Just Out, This book can be obtained at all good booksellers, or 3j9 fjost free from the Publishers : George Netunes Ltd. 8/71 Southampton St. Stmnd, London. W C.2 Fully Illustrated. 3s, 6d. net. THE first rrnlly complete and authoritativi: work oil miniature portraiture, by a vvellkiunvn expert aiul regular contributor to the "Home t'hoto^raphur." The author discusses [lu subject from A to Z, bef^innin^ with the home studio, its Ii«;htin^i equipment. bacUj*round, reflectors, etc. Goin^ on to the camera equipment and the actual taking of the portrait un<ler varyin<* lij^htinj^ circumstances, indoor and outdoor, child photography and informal portraiture, lie outlines the principles of composition, developing and printing. The work is copi<tusly illustrated with pictures and diagrams. Note : "Minicam" is a recognised .iulhority — his work is followed by raiiiira en I bus lasts everywhere— itnd his book will be eagerly read l.)y ('\ervone connected with the kirn I red science of cinematography. NEWNES : LONDON