Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

EXHIBITORS HERALD 29 NEW BERNSTEIN DEVICE PROTECTS OUTDOOR STUDIOS IN STORMS § Turn of Electric Power Lever Instantly Covers Scenes, Supplying Artificial Lighting, Both Overhead and in Flooring of Stage; Represents Five Years' Work. ■Ml llllilll' lllllll I1 1 1 II illlllllllllll 'II iiapnaiMM '"''liTlTIIMMMMMMimilllHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ■llllMMMMWUUMBMMIMI^^ he problem of safeguarding the production of motion _es in open-air, sunlighted studios against sudden wind or darkness has been solved by Isadore Bern, head of the Bernstein Film Productions, Los Angeand builder of Universal City, who has perfected a f ingenious devices by which an outdoor studio may ractically instantaneously changed by the turn of ectric power lever into a wind and rain proof enclosthoroughly equipped with artificial lighting both overand in the flooring of the stage. he completion of Mr. Bernstein's plans, which he jj» great study and many practical tests, places in his lands the means of saving thousands of dollars to proncers who arrange to film their subjects by the light if. the sun. The value of Mr. Bernstein's mechanism rill be understood when it is taken into consideration that L-hen great sums are expended tor the arrangements of reductions and it becomes necessary because of clouds, rind, rain or darkness to discontinue action and move he scenery from the exposed floor great loss is oiten uffered. Completely Protects Additional sums frequently have to be spent to replace the scenery, and it is very difficult to get everything pcated again as it was before the interruption, i But in a studio such as Mr. Bernstein has designed, hould the weather conditions suddenly change or darkess come upon the studio while work is in progress, it 5 only necessary to start an electric current which caries instantaneously into place a telescopic arrangement f sliding windows on the top and sides of the structure, ihich at once shuts out any danger from the elements. The electric dynamo moves in either direction a set of tables which op*en and fold the windows like the segments if a collapsible drinking cup or a telescope. The operation of this mechanism does not interfere i the slightest with the settings of the stages, which lay be arranged very close to the sides of the building /ithout interference by the closing or shutting of the indows. Mr. Bernstein's plans include a system of adjustable ght diffusing adapted to regulate the lighting effecthereby the natural light of the sun can be varied or rtificial light modified. In addition, the diffusers preent the supports of the collapsible roof from throwing iado\vs upon scenes or the studio floor. Roof Operation Explained A series of roof-forming window sashes are fitted in rooved guides running parallel. The electrically driven ible either draws the sashes one over the other until ie groove is filled or folds them back again when the mlight is to be used. The same operation of the cables lises or lowers the side sashes in the walls of the ructure. Co-operating with the roofing sashes is a light-diffusing . stem made up of a series of sliding shades which travel |pon wires. The shades, usually of comparatively thin oods suitable for the purpose, may be drawn out of the lay when not needed or may be extended the full length f the overstructure when it is • necessary to close out 3mpl£tely or partially the rays of the sunlight from le top. The artificial lighting system consists of roof and oor lights. Lamp sockets are inserted at many points [i'elow the flooring in different parts of the studio, with avers that lie flush with the surface of the floor when ie lights are not being used. Light may thus be thrown from the floor upon any set or scene placed on the studio floor. Five Years to Perfect For the past five years Bernstein has been working on this invention, which will no doubt be immediately recognized as one of the most important and most needed ever created in connection with the industry of motion pictures. Every producer will quickly appreciate the tremendous saving to be derived from a studio of this design, and there is little doubt that the "Bernstein studio" will receive a warm welcome from manufacturers and be used exclusively by producers in the near future. MONTAGU LOVE HAS A REFORMED BURGLAR ROLE IN "THE GUARDIAN" A reformed bank burglar is the central character in "The Guardian" and is impersonated by Montagu Love. He is exposed by a former policeman, but "wins out" at the finish. The other leading roles are played by June Elvidge and Arthur Ashley. This is a World-Picture Brady-made. SELIG SERIES SHOWING GREAT ATHLETES CONDITIONING THEMSELVES IS INDORSED BY MANY WOMEN The Selig Athletic Series, published by K-E-S-E service, consists of ten one-reel features. According to reports, this series is consistently increasing in popularity. The series presents all the leading athletes in action, including Packey McFarland, Mike Gibbons, Willie Ritchie, Bennie Leonard, Freddie Welsh, Joe Stecher, Frank Gotch and others. Not only are boxers and wrestlers presented, but the leading college athletes in actual competition. Each one of the ten reels of the Selig Athletic Series ii complete in itself. The K-E-S-E exchanges report that the films are indorsed by a surprisingly large number of women, who desire that their boys and girls see the methods pursued by the leading athletes in placing themselves in a physically healthful condition. STANDARD FILM CORP. TAKES OVER CHICAGO ART DRAMAS SERVICE: TO START S30.000 AD CAMPAIGN With the taking over of the Art Dramas Service. 207 South Wabash avenue, Chicago, by the Standard Film Corporation of Kansas City, Mo., the latter company is preparing to launch a S30.000 advertising campaign in sixty or more papers in the Middle West to exploit the King-Bee comedies, starring Billy West. R. C. Cropper, president of the Standard Film Corporation, who is in Chicago at present, announces that R. O. Proctor will remain in charge of the Art Dramas Service. Mr. Cropper also announces that their advertising and sales manager, P. L. Ryan, is preparing an elaborate campaign book containing valuable aids to exhibitors booking the Billy West comedies. It is printed in four colors and contains reproductions of posters, photographs, cut-outs and lists of novelties furnished by the company. These are furnished at cost price, it is said. Mr. Cropper plans to distribute something original in the way of novelties at the convention this week, and exhibitors will be supplied with cut-outs of Billy West prepared by Mr. Ryan from the Art Dramas Service offices at 207 South Wabash avenue, Chicago.