Exhibitors Herald (Aug 1920)

August 14, 1920 EXHIBITORS HERALD 61 Production Forces Carefully Organized STAFF OF SPECIALISTS IS ASSIGNED TO ALL DETAILS AT SELZNICK STUDIO THE foundation upon which rests the success or failure of any motion picture company is the producing unit. Myron Selznick, production manager of all of the Selznick Enterprises, has built his foundation upon a rock of specialists with the result that pictures hearing the Selznick trade mark are blazing the trail of happy hours all over the world. Due to his keenness in selecting players, directors, writers and general assistants who are experts in their line, Mr. Selznick has established a well-organized and trained production unit composed of men who know their business generally and in detail. Myron Selznick personally supervises the work of each Selznick studio and their various departments. The extent of Selznick production activities is evidenced by the fact that the production unit controls more than two-thirds of the studio space in Fort Lee, N. J. * * * Besides the main Selznick studio, the largest building in Fort Lee devoted to the making of pictures, Selznick Pictures Corporation also controls the Paragon and Solax studios. These three studios, located within a mile's radius, provide facilities for the simultaneous working of ten companies. Prominent among the staff of specialists are J. W. Schleiff, assistant to Mr. Selznick and business manager of the production unit ; William Stoermer, special representative, and James Dent, general studio manager. Working under Mr. Dent are three studio managers ; Herbert L. Steiner, manager of studio No. 1 ; Warren G. Beleu, manager of studio Xo. 2, and L. A. Shores, manager of studio No. 3. The making of National Picture Theatres productions is done under the supervision of Harry Rapf, whose title is general production manager of National Picture Theatres features. Randolph Bartlett is supervising title editor, in charge of a phase of the production work that is of prime importance. Joseph Hayden is in charge of cutting and Maurice Walsh directs the laboratory work. Managing the work of an extensive wardrobe department at the main Selznick studio is A. St. Germain ; Peter Jones is manager of the still department, and Al D'Agostino is in charge of a technical staff. H. L. Adams is construction engineer. Another important phase of the making of Selznick pictures is the "'spotting" of locations for exterior scenes. This work is managed by R. J. Manning. The building superintendent of the Selznick studios is James Duffy. A group of writers of exceptional merit and achievement make up the Selznick scenario department. Melville Hammett, business manager and head of the department, is a man of wide experience with the spoken as well as the silent drama. For five years he was manager of various Belasco productions and for three years was manager of Cyril Maude. In addition to his duties as head of the scenario department he has written the continuity for Eugene O'Brien's latest picture. "The Wonderful Chance." John Lynch is a veteran writer for the screen. Some of his more recent picture stories include, "The Figurehead," with Eugene O'Brien, "Darling Mine," with Olive Thomas, and "Idle Hands," with Elaine Hammerstein. Lewis Allen Browne was for ten years editor of the Boston Journal. He was associate editor of The Forum Magazine, and author of "Indian Fairy Tales," "Prudence Wentworth," "Around the Clock" and other novels. He has been writing for the screen for six years. His screen successes include : "Sooner or Later," with Owen Moore, "Land of Opportunity" with Ralph Ince and "Marooned Hearts," with Conway Tearle. Louise Winter is the author of scores of novelettes and stories that appear almost regularly in Young's, Snappy Stories, Smart Set, Parisienne, Ainslee's, etc. One ; »T ; ■ ■',Q -.' M ' )^*L ^ ■ ' .• JAMES DENT General studio manager of her stories, "The Spite Bride" featured Olive Thomas. Jack Lait is widely known as the author of humorous stories and sketches and author of the play, "Help Wanted." He has numerous screen successes to his credit. R. Cecil Smith and Ella Stuart Carson are among the most successful continuity writers in the film industry. Among their recent scenarios are : "Footlights and Shadows." "His Wife's Money," "Sooner or Later," and "The Shadow of Rosalie Byrnes." Edward J. Montagne is another veteran continuity writer and author. Recent releases include : "Out Yonder," "Red Foam," "The Point of View," "Wilderness Fear," and "The Daughter Pays." Rear view of the immense Selz nick studio at Et. Lee, N. J.