International photographer (Feb-Dec 1929)

October, 1929 The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Three Interdependence "hi the past, for the most part, men analyzed in solitude the facts before them; and they put dozen, without much mutual discussion , such vision as was vouchsafed to them. This procedure, it appears, teas an error of high magnitude. We risk wasted effort when we use our narrowly limited individual resources in attacking problems which might yield to joint endeavors." — From an article by Harold J. Laski, in Harper's Magazine. MR. LASKI might have heen writing about the motion picture industry and, especially, about the Society of Motion Picture Engineers for, nowhere, has there been a greater awakening than that which has taken place among the individuals and organizations which have to do with the technical side of motion picture production. A few years ago there was little spirit of co-operation among studio and laboratory workers, but it has been an inspiration to note, of late, the growth of this get-together sentiment, especially among technical men. That this spirit has been inspired and fostered by the Society of Motion Picture Engineers, as pioneers, is unquestionable and the transactions of this organization yield abundant evidence that organized research is productive of the greatest good for all. That often enunciated statement of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah : "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free," applies to cinematography, to projection and to all other of the elements of motion pictures as much as to religion, philosophy, ethics and art, for an imperfect lens is not a true lens; a defective emulsion is not a true emulsion; bad material is not true material and certainly there is no truth in methods that do not nearly approach perfection and that are not productive of supreme good. One good mind is better than many inferior minds, but many good minds are infinitely better than one good mind and, particularly, when they are all working together to a common end — in this case the production of motion pictures approximating perfection. Some minds are seeking the best (truest) emulsioi base, some the best emulsion for all purposes; some seek more efficient lenses, purer chemicals, superior light sources, better materials and equipment, while many research for ideal methods of doing things and the outcome of all this intelligent labor, intelligently directed, shall be the cinema of the future, in every way better and finer, more efficient, more economical — a perfected whole making for the well being, prosperity and satisfaction of all who have to do with it. The personnel of the S. M. P. E. is made up of mechanical, electrical, chemical, optical, sound and other classes of engineers, cameramen, projectionists, artists, designers, cinema architects and technicians of all kinds, the very life blood of the creative side of the industry, and their joint product is the sum total of the progress of the industry from time to time. The S. M. P. E. constitutes the clearing house of ideas of the cinema throughout the world and these frequent meetings (twice a year) and the immediate broad-casting of their transactions (the complete report of the programs of these meetings) enables the whole world to keep in step with the progress of the industry. The Cameramen of the industry, represented by the International Photographers of Locals 659, 644, 666 and 665; the Projectionists, represented by the M. P. M. O. ; and the Projection Advisory Council, are all examples of the power of organization of the co-operative spirit. These organizations are all represented in the S. M. P. E. and, while they have all contributed and shall ever contribute to the w'isdom of the Society, they have also profited by its work and shall so continue. The Cinematographers are vitally interested in the broad subject of projection just as the projectionists have come to be understanding of and sympathetic with the efforts of the cinematographers to bring beauty to the screen — all willing and eager to please that great public upon whose favor the whole structure rests. The rapprochement between cameraman and projectionist will eventually make for immense good to the industry on its artistic side in addition to cementing into a fine friendship two great and important bodies of men both working to a common end. Of such organizations and individuals is the S. M. P. E. composed and the rapidity of its growth in number and influence is the best commentary upon the use-value it is giving to the industry and to the public. The closer the various departments of this great world structure called the cinema are knit together the better for all concerned and The International Photographer is glad to hail the S. M. P. E. not only as a pioneer for constructive good in the industry, but as an exemplar of that spirit of interdependence and co-operation which gives promise of the bigger, better things to come. On to Toronto! Hail to Canada! More power to the S. M. P. E. !