International photographer (Feb-Dec 1929)

Four The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER December, 1929 cation of sound were far from perfect, is not difficult to understand. "After the installation was made, the responsibility of operating and maintaining the sound equipment became the duty of the projectionist who had little or no knowledge of the complicated device, aside from a few hours of operating instruction. "This unfamiliarity was not due to his indifference. There had been no opportunity to secure the technical information necessary or to prepare himself for this new responsibility. From the outset it was apparent there would be trouble. Many changes had to be made, before the sound equipment measured up to the exacting exhibition requirements of the modern motion picture theater. The projectionists who pioneered the introduction of sound have every right to feel a great satisfaction in the contribution they have made in the development of this epochal achievement. I feel one may safely say that the problems arising through the introduction of sound were far and away the most difficult with which projection room staffs had ever been confronted. "The men who have solved the problems in a practical and hgihly satisfactory manner are to be congratulated. They are deserving of the highest commendation from the entire motion picture industry for this splendid service. "The audience cannot be expected to appreciate the painstaking efforts incorporated into the work of the projectionist in attempting to present for their edification and enjoyment a faultless screen per formance. How are they to know of the projection problems that are to be overcome in producing the screen results which they expect and demand? They have no means of knowing that at each performance more than ten thousand feet of delicate celluloise film of a highly inflammable nature is being driven through the intricate steel projection mechanisms at a tremendous rate of speed and that this operation is repeated as often as eight times in a single day. Would it matter if they were to know of the intense heat to which the delicate film is subjected in passing before the concentrated light rays and of the inevitbale consequences that would follow even a momentary stoppage of the film under such conditions. How are they to arrive at an understanding of the constant care and attention necessary on the part of the projectionist in caring for the equipment so there may be no interruption in the performance? It seems to me that a proper appreciation of the work of the projectionist by the theater patron, and by others who should be better informed, will not be forthcoming until we have succeeded in dispelling the popular misconception that the duties of the projection room staff are to operate and care for electrical and mechanical devices which are automatic in operation and require but scant attention. "No attempt will be made by me to stress the mechanical ability of the capable projectionist. Neither shall I dwell upon the requisite understanding of electrical phenomena which is indispensable to the solution of projection room problems. Of his familiarity with the principles of optics I shall only say that without this knowledge, the splendid image definition which is characteristic of the finished screen performance would be impossible of attainment and the beautiful photographic results of the consummate skill of the cameramen would be wasted. "It is true, of course, that an able projectionist must be a good mechanic, but it does not naturally follow that a good mechanic would be an able projectionist. My impression of the matter is that real showmanship is one of the most essential qualities for the real projectionist. He must be show-minded in all that the term implies, with a background of theatrical experience which will imbue him with that inherent theatrical spirit, 'The ShowMust Go On,' no matter what may happen. No amount of academic training could possibly produce an outstanding projectionist. The essentials for good projection are not to be learned out of books alone. True, the theoretic approach will be of value to the novice and will be highly beneficial to the experienced projectionist; no man ever lived who knew as much as he ought to know. When any man reaches a point where he imagines he has all the knowledge he should have, it is a certain indication of his need of it. "Physical conditions in the construction of a theater necessitate locating the projection room at some point remote from easy access. It seldom has visitors. In ROY DAVIDGE FILM LABORATORIES An Exclusive " Daily"* Laboratory QUALITY AND SERVICE 6701-6715 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD GRanite 3108