The international photographer (Jan-Dec 1930)

One Hundred Sixty-eight The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER June, 1930 One of the Industry "s Brightest Lites -BY FRANK P. ARROUSEZ With almost twenty-five years of technical experience in the motion picture industry to his credit, the activities of Frank P. Arrousez, director of production and sales and export in electrical detail of the L a k i n Corpora t i o n, well known local manufacturers of "Laco Lites," the publication of any periodical dealing with the technicalities of motion picture equipment would indeed h e incomplete ■ without, at 1 least, a brief summary of Mr. Arrousez's activties and association with the film world as well as his advent into Picturetown. Like most boys who seem to follow their natural inclinations along with the years, Frank already had solved the riddle of "what makes the door bells ring" and "how many parts the telephone has" and had graduated to that precocious stage when "short circuit," "amps," "watts," "juice" and "alternating current" formed a part of his every day vocabulary. It was at this time, along in 1907 that with all his worldly possessions, Frank came to Los Angeles and got a job with W. B. Palmer Electric Company, now known as the Quality Electric Works. While associated with the Palmer concern, our young electrician enjoyed frequent buggy and wagon rides to Hollyweed, never dreaming that in the immediate years to follow, this peaceful little suburban town was destined to become the motion picture metropolis of the world — and Frank, with his knowledge of electricity, which was to play such an important part in picture production, grew right along with it. 1912 and 1913 when little groups of California picture concerns, up and down the coast from Niles Canyon to San Diego were worrying along faithfully, shooting their one and tvvo-reelers in barns and back lots, fighting public opinion and deputy sheriffs, Frank seemed to sense the fact that electricity was to become a dominant and necessary factor in the production of motion pictures. Motor generators and arcs came with stages and studio electrical apparatus of all descriptions were found to be of vital importance as motion pictures gained a foo hold — they had begun to be looked upon as a permanent industry. They represented a big payroll, growing day by da Y, of which Los Angeles and Hollywood rVere proud — this E ipin that came over is;ht. 37 1% v":t/ JJ used from BEN SAVAGE her peaceful slumbers, began to acquire a metropolitan aspect — cabbage patches and orange and lemon groves became studio lots, and tall eucalyptus and pepper trees in whose shade the Dons of old California would sleep their quiet afternoons away, were torn up to make room for paved streets and activity. Not many more buggies and wagons did Frank Arrousez see — authomobiles and street cars brought one to Hollywood and its business like aspect — and electricity everywhere. Frank Arrousez, in 1914, sold to D. W. Griffith organization, the first three unit motor generator set ever used in a motion picture studio, and it proved so satisfactory in operation that through this introduction, three unit motor generator sets, today, are standard equipment in the industry. After sixteen years of service this set still is in use at MetroGoldwyn-Mayer studios; and so perfect is its design and assembly that it never has been changed. The largest synchronous set in use at that time was sold in 1921 to the William N. Selig Studio on Mission Road. This was a 400 k.w. set purchased by Arrousez in Goldfield, Nevada, and the delivery upon which is studio history. According to the contract between "Colonel" Selig and Arrousez, the set was to be "on the lot" and in working order thitry days after the date of purchase. Frank "knew his machinery," also, he knew his Nevada — and the work that was required in order to bring the generator to Los Angeles. Goldfield and its railroad facilities offered nothing to brag about — the mining industry of Nevada has induced the railroads to build their tracks into the district — and a mighty precarious procedure it proved to be. A net work of tunneling and underground passages were poor foundation for heavy hauling — but after a lot of hard thinking — and harder hauling, Frank's equipment, bound for Los Angeles and the Colonel's studio was loaded and on its way. After arrival here, the machine was redesigned throughout under Frank's supervision, the result of which proved to be one of the outstanding mileposts on the road of motion picture progression. With several years of intense practical motion picture experience to his credit, Frank Arrousez in 1928 "sold Creco Incorporated" the idea of mounting a 300 k.w. 2200 and 4400 volt synchronous set on a truck for portable duty. He negotiated with Creco for the trade of a 300 k.w. General Electric motor generator set for some Creco arc equipment and the result is that the motion picture industry enjoys the rental privileges of generator sets with quiet operation and at the same time capable of an overload capacity. This equipment, according to those acquainted with it, is the utmost in mechanical perfection. It was during this stage, of what was to prove one of the world's greatest in dustries, that Frank Arrousez foresaw the possibilities of incandescent studio equipment — sound pictures had been introduced and with them had come the necessity for silent equipment. From the electrical departments to the production management of the studios came the cry for quiet equipment — the result of which is "Laco Lite" to meet the requirements of modern production. The experience that Frank Arrousez had gained through his association with motion picture activity brought him in contact with Mr. A. L. Lakin, president of the "Laco Lite" Corporation which bears name. Mr. Lakin was so impressed with Arrousez's knowledge of motion picture requirements, that he advanced him his first financial backing to the extent of $250 which, through the progression of the industry has grown until today the Lakin Corporation represents an investment of more than $100,000.00. The Lakin Corporation is represented by more than forty employees, a payroll which adds a consistent contribution to the industry of Los Angeles and Hollywood. The manufacture of "Laco" products is under the direction of Frank Arrousez who has, through his undisputed knowledge of studio lighting requirements, gained the co-operation of the entire Laco organization. Frank Arrousez has progressed with motion pictures — he has proved himself a factor in the introduction of electric equipment necessary to the talking pictures of today. In line with evolution, we feel that Frank, who found out what made the "door bell ring" still will continue to find out what demands the manufacturer of motion pictures will make upon electricity. WITH COMPLIMENTS Earl (Curly) Metz Assistant Cameraman Phone GLadstone 4151 HOLLYWOOD STATE BANK The only bank in the Industrial District of Hollywood under State supervision Santa Monica Boulevard at Highland Avenue