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Y.M.C.A. MOTION PICTURE BUREAU 179
Moreover, the cost of these machines, their multiplicity of types, their lack of interchangeability, and the technical knowledge necessary for their successful operation, rendered improbable many immediate or near future purchases of them by strictly nontheatrical exhibitors. There was a possibility that experimentation would result in the perfection of a reliable sound reproduction machine which would be within financial reach of the small nontheatrical exhibitor, and which would not require technical knowledge for its operation.
If the Bureau adopted a waiting policy, it was probable that those cooperating industries desiring sound film service would be forced to establish their own distribution and exhibition of sound films and would continue to distribute only their silent versions through the Bureau. The Bureau, except for refusing to accept inflammable films, had refrained from making any specific requests of the cooperating companies. In the past the cooperating companies, on their own initiative, had provided for all changes made necessary by the introduction of improved methods in motion picture production. For example, in the early stages of the Bureau's development, one of its cooperators imported French Pathe pictures for its use. The success of these European industrial pictures encouraged American companies to produce similar domestic pictures for release through the Bureau. The introduction of the 16 mm. width film caused a similar reaction.
The general director favored the policy of waiting. He believed that if economical and reliable sound projection machines were devised, the Bureau's supply of talking films would be forthcoming. Portable projection, by means of newsreel trucks, in his opinion, would not serve the nontheatrical needs. He believed that the large motion picture companies would not continue long to offer sound productions to the nontheatrical market.
He admitted the probable success of the producers and distributors of strictly educational films, such as the Q.R.S. DeVry Corporation, Eastman Kodak Company, and University Film Foundation, realizing, however, that their success would depend upon a correct analysis of educational needs, upon economical distribution, and upon rentals and sales which included ample teaching manuals. The director, furthermore, was not thoroughly convinced of the relative merits of 100% synchronized industrial