Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

10 BETTER THEATRES SECTION OF January 31, 1925 ‘‘Better Theatres” Stop Chart Launched as Projection Aid Better theatres” this month invites the cooperation of exhibitors and projectionists in a national campaign to effect attainment of better projection. As the first step in this campaign, “Better Theatres” announces establishment of the “Better Theatres Stop Chart” service, which makes available to all theatres a steady supply of data sheets for the recording of information essential to the success of this campaign. information as to the predominant causes of inferior projection. Establishment of this service is designed to end existing confusion on this point through bringing together actual daily records of projection performance in the theatres of the nation. The “Better Theatres” Stop Chart has been devised by this section of Exhibitors Herald in cooperation with Clell Jay, chief projectionist of the New theatre. Little Rock, Ark., contributor of many articles inferior prints from the exchanges is accountable for the greatest number of stops, exhibitors can demand rectification of this condition. Presenting statistics compiled from the records of all theatres availing themselves of this “Better Theatres” service, this publication can focus attention upon the matter and relief will be forthcoming without question. If mechanical imperfection of projectors generally is responsible for improper pro What the “Better Theatres Stop Chart” Does For the Projectionist: Detects, isolates and classifies causes of projection stops. Reveals mechanical defects of equipment ; proves need of repairs and new parts ; explains all stops encountered. Affords basis for comparison of white screen periods, effecting reduction of duration. Improves service to employer. For the Exhibitor: Provides definite weekly record of projection efficiency. Furnishes basis for evaluation of equipment, running inventory of equipment and data as to condition of same. Produces better projection through elimination of faults and increase in projectionist’s efficiency. Improves service to public. The “Belter Theatres Stop Chart” will be supplied to exhibitors and projectionists without charge upon receipt of letter or coupon requesting same. * * * Better projection is obtainable only through detection and elimination of the causes now obstructing progress toward that goal. To date no effort has been made to assemble definite representative Clell Jay, projectionist. New theatre. Little Rock, Ark., author of the Necker Filmscratcher and other articles which have appeared in “Better Theatres.” recently published in these pages, who this month is made a member of the “Better Theatres Advisory Staff.” Mr. Jay and this department are in agreement upon the following basic conclusions: 1. That the picture stop is the outstanding projection error. 2. That elimination of picture stops is logically the first step toward prdjection betterment. 3. That elimination of picture stops can be accomplished through detection and correction of the causes thereof in the order of their prevalence. ^ ^ ^ In actual practice, the picture audience gives no thought to projection until “something goes wrong.” When this occurs, first thought is as to the projectionist’s ability and there is little patience with or sympathy for him. Second thought, following directly upon the first if the white screen period be of more than a few seconds duration, is as to the ability of the exhibitor and the equipment of his theatre. With restoration of the picture to the screen, projectionist and exhibitor are thought about no longer, but the impression of inferiority persists. By use of the “Better Theatres Stop Chart” the projectionist is enabled to give his employer at the end of each week an accurate record of the stops occurring during that period. This record gives the number of stops, the dates of their occurrence, the duration of each white screen period, with the causes for the stops. In this w'ay it is possible to determine in a short time the predominant causes of inferior projection. ^ ^ With the predominant causes known, and with actual records at hand, the next step is to effect elimination of those causes. If jection, exactly the same course can be followed. Whatever the causes may be, they may be taken up individually by exhibitors and collectively through this publication with certaintjf that conditions will be remedied. All exhibitors and projectionists are in\ited to apply for “Better Theatres Stop Charts.” An adequate supply will be sent promptly upon receipt of request. Elimination of the screen stop is the first step. When this has been accomplished, secondary projection faults will be treated. The degree of cooperation experienced in the campaign will determine' the rate of progress toward success. Editor “Better Theatres,” EXHIBITORS HERALD, 407 So. Dearborn St., Chicago, 111. Sir: Send me (free) a supply of your “Better Theatre Stop Charts” to be used for the purpose of improving motion picture projection. (Name) (Theatre) (City) (State)