International photographer (Feb-Dec 1929)

April, 1929 The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Five Talkies in Color By John W. des Chenes Sound — or color? Or both? Will one survive the present era in which producers are fighting frantically to supply Mr. John Public and family with a cinema "kick"? Will the other fade into the inglorious background of oblivion? Or can the two be successfully synchronized so that J. P. will settle back into his overstuffed theater seat and say, "That is what I have been wanting right along and didn't know what it was." Whatever the answer — this much is evident: Producers are beginning to display a healthy interest in color cinematography. Maybe they have discovered, like the man who found a mixture of Gordon's and Grenadine more to his liking, that sound pictures will go over better with a "color chaser." The Max B. Du Pont Vitacolor Corporation, through its general manager, Harold S. Ryerson, announces this month that two of Hollywood's principal studios have commenced competitive bidding for the Vitacolor method of producing motion pictures in natural color. This process was viewed with amazement recently by members of Local Union No. 659 and an account of it was carried in the first issue of the "International Photographer." It is only necessary to state in recapitulation that Vitacolor appears in every way ideally suited to professional needs. The process does away with the expensive and laborious dye method, requiring only color disks for camera and projector ; it necessitates no more than normal time exposure, a big improvement, and its taking speed fits in nicely with the synchronization idea. Of the other processes available, Technicolor's "Redskin" is said to be meeting with success on both coasts. "The Viking," which has not yet been released, is done in color by the same method. Multicolor's recently produced one-reel subject, "Tam-o'Shanter," is on its way to find a release in New York while this company plans further pictures along the same line. There is no doubt of it, producers are looking up to color cinematography with far more interest than they have heretofore evinced. Whether there is frantic appeal in their beseeching gaze or merely curiosity remains to be seen. Palmer Represents Industrial Men Brother James R. Palmer, former steward of the San Diego territory, has been elected to represent the Industrial Cameramen on the Board of Executives of Local No. 659. Palmer has given the Industrial situation a great deal of thought, and is rapidly working out a solution to the intricate problems with which these workers are confronted. Now that the studio situation is rapidly being cleared up, the board is preparing to devote more time to the problems of the News and Industrial men throughout the West. Since leaving Hollywood three years ago, Brother Palmer has been in close touch with various phases of the Industrial business, and has a keen insight of their working conditions in our jurisdiction. Industrial cameramen who are members of Local 659, are urged to write to James R. Palmer, 428 Markham building, Hollywood, explaining in full any situations with which they are confronted in their particular territory, which to their belief can be improved by action of the Local representatives. Co-operation with Brother Palmer in this matter will help him complete his survey which will soon be placed before the governing body. Off for Africa Bob Roberts and George Nogle left last week for Africa where they will join Clyde DeVinna and Dale Deverman on the M-G-M location at Nairobi. They are filming the epic of Africa, "Trader Horn." With the famous traveling cameramen were Albert Arnold, Eddie Cornwall and Bill Riley, of Electrician's Local No. 37, who will furnish artificial light for the jungle picture. The company expect to arrive at Mombasa on April 24, and after a two and a half day trip will arrive at Nairobi, 800 miles in the interior. •Seven or eight months will be spent filming "Trader Horn" on the African location. Brother DeVinna, chief cameraman of the troupe, expects to keep in constant touch with the M-G-M headquarters at Culver City, through the medium of the latest model short wave radio sending set with which the company is equipped. HIM R.KER5HRLH. rilTCHELL CBITO SOUND** 5PELD , 1245 JffftfSOfl AVE_ CLU-VE^ CITY CALIF WALTER J. VAN ROSSEM Photographic Laboratory and Camera Rental Service HOIIy 07^r> 604J) Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, California Warner "Bill" Crosby Assisted Jackson Rose Alvin Wyckoff Gordon Pollock GR. 4486 1121 Gordon St. OTTO HI MM High Speed Mitchell Complete MOrningside 11379 Now at Metropolitan Studios Roy Davidge Film Laboratories An exclusive "Daily" Laboratory Individual Service * 6701 Santa Monica Boulevard HOllywood 1944 _