Year book of motion pictures (1929)

Physics The merits and shortcomings of reversing prisms and mirrors in production technic have been compared. The relation of prism size to the objective focal length is important for double reflection may result. Other requirements for prisms and mirrors are mentioned: (60). A very complete discussion of the theoretical side of the specific characteristics of ideal tungsten filaments has been made, along with an outline of useful mathematical methods of computation: (61). Under the title "Light Filters, Their Characteristics and Applications in Photography," a very' complete review of the theory and use of filters has been given. The theory of filter factor measurement is discussed, attention being called to the fundamental characteristics of photographic materials, the spectral distribution of energy in the illuminant, and the absorption characteristics of the filter upon which the value of the multiplying factor of a filter depends: (62). Projectors The Knirps suit-case projector has the dimensions 50x50x20 cm. The feed and take-up reels are mounted side by side, with the feed-reel next to the wall of the box so that the take-up reel may be turned by hand in an emergency. An automatic fire shutter enables stills to be projected without injury to the film, and air blasts cool the gate and lamp house : (63) An electrical device that enables a projector to be focused from a distance is reported: (64). A flexible take-up spool has a central shaft composed of a series of metal tubes, arranged so that the effective diameter of the core can be increased or decreased at will: (65). A coo'ing blast, which may replace the fire shutter on a projector, consists of a centrifugal blower feeding air into a tank, equipped with battle plates to remove oil and dust, and a blow-off valve with electric control to the motor to maintain constant pr-ssure. Distribution tubes run from the tank to the parts to be cooled: (66). Many partially successful attempts have been made to build an ideal cover shutter, but as yet litt'e improvement has been made. A short description is civen of the various types of shutter that have been in actual use: (67). A safety control, cutting off the light beam in front of a projector arc, consists of a douser operated by a series of electrical controls which function as soon as the progress of the film in the gate is stopped. By means of a series of levers operated from the back of a spotlight, the color frames, iris, curtains and arc adjustment may be handled conveniently: (68). A continuous motion picture projector is described as being illuminated by flashes from a gas-filled lamp. No shutter is necessary: (69). A patent has been issued for a motion picture gate that has a hinged part that grips the film between movements: (70). In some new Bausch & Lomb condensers, the plano-convex lenses are replaced with a pair of lenses with one parabolid and one spherical surface. Condenser of 2Sy2 inches diameter are made of shells filled with water. Even illumination of a large area is claimed for the aspheric condensers : (71). Screens A new method of hanging the screen eliminates the necessity for the usual black border, thus reducing the contrast between the bright picture and the background, improving the viewing conditions. The screen is set forward of a full-stage black velour eye curtain, and a black ground cloth is used to cover the stage floor. A "curtain of blue light" is projected between the screen and the black curtain giving a deep blue background and providing the necessary contrast: (72). Standardization A review of recommendations made at the International Photographic Conference at Paris in 1925, with regard to the establishment of a unit of pho tographic intensity, has been published: (73). Statistics Europe is at present engaged in an extensive theater building program. One hundred and sixty "de luxe" houses, with a total seating capacity of 200,000 are planned: (74). Labor Bureau statistics show that the 1926 expenditures for amusement places exceed the 1925 figures by more than $19,000,000. In 294 cities, 967 building permits for places of amusement were issued, with an estimated total investment cost of $134,640,162, comparing with $116,283,961 expended for 1,047 places in 1925. This indicates that theaters are being built on a more elaborate scale. Further statistics are given of the permits and estimated costs in various cities: (75). American pictures still dominate the German field. During the first six months of 1927, 425 feature films were on the German market, 295 of which were made in America and 99 in Germany. Short films were provided almost exclusive'y by the United States. Of 177 short films exhibited 155 were made in this country: (76). It is expected that France will produce 100 films this year. During the period from September, 1926, to September, 1927, 413 films were exhibited in France, of which 245 were American, 81 French, 52 German, 10 Italian, 13 Scandinavian, 5 British, and 7 from other countries: (77). There are 60,000 motion picture seats in Kansas City, one seat to every 8 persons: (78). Throughout the world there is $2,715,000,000 invested in picture houses. The following figures were compiled by George R. Canty of the Motion Picture section of the U. S. Dept. of Commerce in Paris: (79). Statistics are given showing number of theaters, capacities, capital invested, etc., in the more important sections of the globe. Theater construction expenditures will reach a total of $161,938,000 during 1928 according to a survey by the Architectural Forum Magazine: (80). Eighty-five per cent of the world's movies are filmed in Hollywood. American films are very popular in all foreign countries: (81). Admission taxes during the year 1927 totaled $17,835,818, a decrease of more than $3,000,000 from the 1926 figure: (82). In 1926 there were in Germany 4293 motion picture theaters, with a total seating capacity of 1,546,815. Of these 415 were built in 1926: (83). The seating capacities were distributed as follows : 2515 Theaters Seat 300 1392 Theaters Seat 600 287 Theaters Seat ' 1000 99 Theaters Seat more than 1000 A chart compiled by the U. S. Dept. of Commerce gives the number and distribution of motion oicture theaters in 1926 as follows: (84) United States 20,500 Europe 19,773 Far East 3,692 Canada 2,000 Latin America 1,932 Africa 490 Near East 69 Stereoscopic Pictures A French patent has been granted on a stereoscopic camera which is provided with two lenses on opposite sides of the vertical center and above and below the transverse center, with rotating shutters which intermittently and alternately cut off the ray from each lens. Stationary prisms arranged one above the other reflect the light to a common point on the moving film: (85). A German review has been made of the various means whereby stereoscopic effects may be achieved partially or completely in motion pictures. Anaglyphs in complementary colors form the most practical method. In general, stereoscopic pictures are hardly worth the trouble: (86). Under the title "The First Use of Stereoscopic Pictures in Motion Picture Theaters," the great difficulties in the way of producing stereoscopic motion pictures are mentioned and a brief description of the Teleview and Anaglyph systems is given: (87). A paper on "Stereoscopic Cinematography" con 987