Year book of motion pictures (1929)

technics are included in the curriculum. One of the class rooms of the institute is a combination classroom and miniature theater equipped with professional theater apparatus for the use of the students: (12). The Publix Theater Managers' School has been established to provide training for men who hope to become motion picture theater managers. The training extends over a period of six months and is given in the theater-auditorium of the school. The schedule includes about 700 hours of formal instruction given by experts in various lines: (13). In an article on "Instruction in Motion Picture Photography," attention is called to the lack of organized training of satisfactory quality in motion picture technology. It is suggested that an endowed school in this field would provide a satisfactory supply of technicians for the industry. It is suggested that such a school would also be a satisfactory place in which to make educational films: (14). "Twelve-Year Trial of Educational Films" is an account of the work which the United States Dept. of Agriculture has done during the past fourteen years in educational motion pictures. During this period, the department has produced more than 300 subjects, of which 230 are now in circulation. The method of producing and exhibiting these is outlined. The experience of the department leads to the conclusion that educational films are extremely effective and that this field contains enormous possibilities which may exceed even the use of the film for entertainment: (15). "Visual Education in Retrospect" relates that while the motion picture is not always the most effective way to present ideas, it has its own field on which it may not fear encroachment, especially in certain phases of geography and history. Films should be adapted to the school curriculum and preferably subordinated to it: (16). In a paper, the director of the National Bureau of Standards, calls attention to the many ways in which the Bureau may be of service to those working on technical motion picture problems : (17). Film and Emulsions A motion picture film without gelatin is described as a celluloid film in which the sensitive material is dispersed. It may also i>e possible to make a chromated film without gelatin. By using the principle of the wet collodion plate a third type of film might he produced: (18). A sensitometric study of a German panchromatic film emulsion has been made. Relative speeds to arc light, tungsten and daylight, and suitable developer formulas are given: (19). A patent describes a process of lessening the curling in photographic films by applying a plurality of thin coats of varnish one upon the other, to the rear face thereof: (20). According to another patent a metal ribbon attached to the film will prevent contraction or expansion: (21). A case is recorded of panchromatic plates being placed in dark slides in 1914 and not exposed until 1927, when they were found excellent except for edge-fog that extended in from one-eight inch : (22). A German firm now supplies six types of negative motion picture film: "special," "extra rapid," "Kinechrom" (orthochromatic), "Neuchromo" contrasty (orthochromatic), "Pankine" (panchromatic) and tropical film: (23). A report has been made of an investigation carried out by the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of America, Inc., on the causes of film mutilation. The work includes a study of alx>ut 500 theaters in the Atlanta district. The causes of mutilation reported are classified as sprocket damage, scratches, mutilation of the end of the film for signal purposes, and fire damage to film. An analysis of each class is given. Inspection systems in vogue are discussed and in conclusion, recommendations for reduction of film mutilation are made: (24). A short note on "Film in Good Condition for all Theaters" calls attention to various factors which may injure the film, resulting in poor projection and unsatisfactory presentation of the picture: (25). General The distributing industry is drafting a Trade Practice Code at the Trade Parley: (26), and it is predicted that the government will enforce the code: (27). Perhaps the most important thing decided at the Trade Practice Conference last October (1927), in New York City; (28), was to make the conference an annual event. It was felt real progress could be made at such conferences, and that they could do much to aid cooperation in the industry : (29). The future value of a negative depends upon its manner of preservation. The Consolidated Film Industries, Inc., have fireproof vaults equipped with humidifiers and thermostatically controlled heating devices which insure prevalence of proper atmospheric conditions at all times. Mistakes in ownership are rendered unlikely by an elaborate system of negative recording and checking: (30). The new production policy inaugurated last summer (1927), is demonstrating its effectiveness with better pictures produced economically and efficiently. The workers are more content ; fresh impetus has been added by more youthful and farseeing stars ; and the directors are giving better support to players and studio personnel: (31). The motion picture has long been established as the universal entertainer, and its educational and social values far exceed its worth in entertainment. It has encouraged and vivified the arts, stimulated interest in the drama, painting, sculpture, music, literature, poetry, and dancing, employing the greatest masters in the production of films and in the theater. It has inculcated an artistic taste among the masses. It has developed a wealth of dramatic talent, has created many new professions and has encouraged authors. It has stimulated every trade and especially the liberal arts and the building construction fields. It has brought the peoples of the world into closer touch, creating good understanding and promoting world peace. The film takes us everywhere, broadening our minds, and making us better citizens. It shows us bow things are made and gives us a realization of the unlimited cleverness of man. Even the churches recognize the film as a great medium for good and are rapidly installing projection machines. The motion picture keeps the family together, helps parents to be up-to-date with their children, keeps the children out of mischief and gives the old people a new lease on life. These facts are given in a book entitled "Can Anything Good Come Out of Hollywood?": (32). The public and motion pictures have been studied in a general review of the exhibition problem. The author urges that the program for any particular theater should be made up specifically to please a definite type of theater goer, and further suggests that classification of the available material from the standpoint of locality and spectators is much better than to make up the program indiscriminately. Relation of the vaudeville act to the motion picture program is discussed: (33). Under the heading: "The Business of International News by Motion Pictures," the author points out some of the advantages of motion pictures as a means of disseminating news, and describes the organization which is maintained at present by many of the newspapers for obtaining pictures, both still and motion, of current events. Specific cases illustrate how quickly events of interest are photographed and how rapidly the negative is developed, prints are made, and positives circulated. The manner in which the motion picture of the Smyrna fire was obtained and released in New York just 14 days after its occurrence is described in detail: (34). Dluminanta A new metallic contact for starting a mercury vapor lamp has been designed which facilitates 984