Home Movies and Home Talkies (Jun 1933-May 1934)

HOME MOVIES & HOME TALKIES 487 DOING IT ALL YOURSELF {Continued from page 467) of light can be effected at the right moment. Very httle experience is necessary in order to adjust the hght to the iiegative and in any case a short length of film — say, a foot or so — can be used as a test strip and developed before the complete reel is printed off. The machine will, of course, accommodate 100 ft. or more of film so that the amount printed in one piece will be dependent upon how much can be processed conveniently at a time. Negative film in the 16-mm. size is now available from Messrs. Selo, Gevaert and Agfa at prices which do not include the pi'ocessing. Positive stock can also be obtained from these firms imder similar conditions. In order that their equipment can be sold complete Messrs. Sands, Hunter and Co., Ltd., are marketing an outfit consisting of the Arri printer as described in 16-mm. size, and the Correx 16-mm. home developing outfit, which has already been reviewed in our December, 1933, issue. The whole outfit will sell for about 25 guineas. MAKING SCENICS— (2) {Contimied from yage 165) can console om-selves with the thought that it might have been irritating. It is always a matter for hesitation with those who in the course of planning a film of genei-alities come up against .something of a sjjecific and interesting nature and realise that they must ciu'tail their new-found enthusiasm for this subject in the interests of the film as a whole. It seems a shame to them tliat they should be spariiig with the camera on these interesting and beautiful things, perhaps so much more personally interesting than the scenery ujjon which they are engaged. The answer to that is : Make a documentary film — -if you have sufficient knowledge of your subject. Otherwise, consider this illustration : A painter engaged on a landscajie may paint a church on his canvas ; Ijut however beautiful or interesting it may be, he does not bother about the detail of the stained glass windows of that chvirch. The important thing to liim is that the church should be in harmony with the rest of his landscape ; and so he colours it accordingly. In the same way must we who are engaged on making a film fi-om the same viewpoint try to avoid detail disturbing to the general harmony of our film. Sometimes it is a wrench — -but not if we appreciate what we are doing. SOME HINTS ON CASTING (Continued from page 471) not present any subtle jiroblems — he is a type, but he fits into the family and is a decided contrast to Derek. Irene Gilmour I see as dark, petite with flashing eyes : a wayward, mis(•liievons ami attractive person. Tlie Jordan girls are vevy different. Julia, the elder, tries to be " county " ; she drives a car, dresses well, plaj^s bridge and hunts— a pastime that is taboo with all the members of her family except her mother. Julia is a tall, fine young woman ; her younger .sister, Jenifer, is not so tall — an open-air girl, she loves all animals and hates himting. The two sisters can be different in features — -Julia can resemble her mother. To sura up casting points : — (1) Consider the characterisation ; ask yourself : ' ' Does this artist look as if she (or he) might behave as the character has to act ? " (2) When you have cast the members of one family, ask yourself: " Do these people bear any family resemblance to any of their j)rogenitors or forbears ? Do they look like a familj' ? " (3) Be careful that you have no striking superficial resemblances that will confuse. And if any such are unavoidable, bear in mind how clothes, make-up, the closeness of the camera and the construction of j^our continuity can remedy this. (4) Make up your mind if you are going to work on a policy of choosing Actors or Types. (Whichever you choose, you will probably find yourself having to compromise by mixing the two kinds.) (5) And, finally, think twice before you choose the " finished actor." NOVOPAN is a film unrivalled in amateur cinematography. Have you tried it yet ? Indoors under artificial light, or out-ofdoors in dull or fading evening light it records brilliantly. Next time, ask for 16-inm. Reversible NOVOPAN FILM In 40 ft., 50 ft. and looft. spools to fit all cameras. 40 ft. 15/8d. 50 ft. 17/6d. 100 ft. 32/6d. Prices include expert processing service. jictfct Photci w Ltd. 1-4 Lawrence Street, High St., London, W.C.2