Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1923 - Mar 1924)

XXXR' BETTER TI-IEATRES SECTION OF March 1, 1924 Illustrating Mazda Projection Article A— White Diffusing Surface B — Semi mat Metallized Surface C — Beaded Surface Fig-. 28 — Three representative screen surfaces and brightness distribution when equa] quantities of light are directed in beams normal to the surface. Fig. 33 — Apparent screen brightness as affected by height of mounting: Position I favors the high balcony; position Z wastes nmst of the light; positioa 3 is probably most effective for this house. THE GEOMETRIC SAFETY REEL USED AS STANDARD THE LARGEST PRODUCERS The Double Edge Prevents ^:!^^Z^.-,vir.,.r, The Rolled Edge ^°r"^'::^''" The Geometric Stamping Co. 221 E. 131st STREET CLEVELAND, OHIO PROJECTION WITH MAZDA EQUIPMENT (Continued from page XV) brightness decreases somewhat with the larger pictures, as may be seen from the illumination values of Fig. 24, there is a compensating factor in that the brightness required for a good picture decreases as the size is increased. The proportions of the theatre, the range of seat elevations and the position of the projection room with reference to the stage must therefore all receive careful consideration in the selection and mounting of the screen. The relative size of the screen images is in direct proportion to their distances from the projector. When the light is projected at a considerable vertical angle from the normal to tlie screen, the picture will be noticeably wider at the bottom than at the top. The distortion of the picture as well as the distribution of screen brightness to all parts of the audience accordingly impose limits in the design of a theatre. The architectural treatment of a new theatre can readily be adapted to produce conditions for favorable screen results. Placing the projection room lower than has been common practice even in the newer theatres will assist in the projection of good motion pictures. * * * The illumination of the auditorium during the projection of the picture vitally affects the required screen brightness, and the selection and placing of the lighting equipment must therefore be treated as a phase of the projection problem. There must be sufficient light to create an agreeable atmosphere and to permit the theatre patrons to find or leave their seats safely during the projection of pictures, 3'et the eye should encounter no very bright areas and the light directed to the screen from fixtures or vertical surfaces facing the stage should be kept at a minimum, in order that contrasts in the screen picture will not be materially affected. If but one per cent of the screen brightness is contributed from sources other than the projector, the screen illumination must be increased by 30 to 40 per cent in order to produce as satisfactory results as though no e.xtraneous light reached the screen. The other surfaces at the front of the house should, however, receive some illumination so that excessive contrasts of brightness may be avoided. The theatre exterior, lobby and foyer are usually brilliantly lighted in order to appear cheerful and attractive. However, the eyes of the patrons are thereby adapted to this level and it requires time for their adiustment to the lower level desirable in the auditorium. By lighting the rear of the auditorium to a moderate intensity and gradually decreasing this to the front, the eyes are given an opportunity to adapt themselves as one passes down the aisle, and at the same time the illumination reaching the screen is kept at a minimum. The use of indirect lighting equipments, or units with deep reflectors, shades, or shields, and of auxiliary aisle lighting, obviates the interference with vision caused by bright sufaces near the field of view. Frequently beams or other architectural features may be employed to prevent the direct light from reaching the stage and to shield the eyes of the audience. The brightly lighted music sheets of the orchestra may cause annoyance when in the line of vision, and they sometimes reflect a considerable amount of light to the screen. Judicious placing and masking of the music racks will frequently improve these conditions. fContiniied in the next issue of "Better Theatres.**) In writrng advertisers, f^h'osc mention EXHIBITORS HERALD