International photographer (Jan-Dec 1934)

Eventually the Creative Efforts of All Concerned in Motion Picture Production Must Be Interpreted by the Cameraman. THE CAM Vol. I. MONTHLY NEWS OF PRODUCTIC STILL CAMERAMEN Just how important is the "still" cameraman to the motion picture industry? Jack Freulich, head of the still department of Universal Pictures, is qualified to answer that question, he having been connected with the motion picture business for more than fifteen years. "A still man is of more importance to the motion picture industry than most people figure," he says. "Stills are the direct selling factor of the picture. They are used as advertising 'comeon' in the lobby of the theatre; good stills will pack a house, that is if they are arranged to attract attention. In most of our larger cities a great per cent of the people go 'lobby shopping and an unattractive still display in the lobby tends to keep them away from the box office." The man who shoots stills must know his business; he must know what sort of pictures to make to attract attention. "A good photographer will read the script of the picture, get to know the director, cameraman and all the principal actors in the cast, gain their confidence ; in this way he will obtain the best possible action and expression," he claims. "The director is the man a good still man will contact ; he is the boss of the set and will aid in the changing of lights so as to obtain best results." The use of stills taken of sets and stars is unlimited, they are used in trade journals, movie magazines, newspapers, department store advertising and in the selling of the picture itself. "Every actor or actress knows that stills are of the utmost importance to their careers, and will usually aid in every way, a still man they know and trust," he says. "It a man goes about taking stills in a haphazard manner he will soon lose the confidence of the people with whom he works." Universal has a still "morgue" dating back a good many years, each new set erected on the lot is photographed several times and filed away for future reference. This is very important in case retakes have to be taken. The still will show the correct position of furniture, pictures, drapes or other articles of decoration. "Hollywood is the creation center for fashions in the United States," he says. "We receive requests from every state in the Union asking for pictures of new styles used in the making ot pictures, interior layouts of sets showing the arrangement of furniture, drapes and even the entire inside of a home. These come mostly from department stores, furniture factories, interior decorators and many other sources of manufactories." Portraits of the stars and feature players are another type of still. They are used in many ways, fan magazines, newspaper cuts, jewelry advertising, cosmetic, shoes, hats, stocking and many fabric manufacturers use them for window display. The portraits of the stars are sent also in answer to fan requests for photographs. "Interior decorators follow the motion pictures very closely for new ideas," he says. "The fact that motion picture companies employ men who specialize in the making of new creations in furniture, drapes and other household goods, causes a constant demand for stills from these decorators." "The publicity department, a very important cog in the motion picture industry, uses thousands of these stills for mailing lists to theatrical managers and newspapers; it is their medium of building up a new picture," he stated. "This is one man the movies can not do without — the still cameraman." FOX METRO-COLDWYN MAYER With a cast like Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Jean Hersholt, Henry B. Walthall and several other of the good ones — and with George Folsey at the camera, "Men in White" should be anything but disappointing. S. Halprin is in New York shooting process shots for John Blystone's next. Hal Mohr finished Will Rogers' picture, "David Harum," and is preparing for the next Blystone picture. Johnnie Seitz is photographing "All Men Are Enemies," under the direction of George Fitzmaurice. G. Schneiderman has just finished George White's "Scandals," and is getting set for John Ford's next picture. Barney McGill is photographing Lou King's picture, "Murder in Trinidad," at the Western Avenue plant. Ernie Palmer has just finished the "Follies." E. W. O'Connell has finished the "Follies" and is preparing for Jimmie Flood's picture, "Old Thursday." Joe Valentine is photographing James Tinling's picture, "Three on a Honeymoon." Eddie Hammeras and J. O. Taylor are processing. Art Miller is in charge of the cameras on the musical, "Bottoms Up." Harry Jackson's radio orchestra will be used in the recording. PARAMOUNT Gordon and Dev Jennings, the magicians of Paramount, are up to their eyes in trick stuff for current production. The work of these clever artists is one of the strong box-office influences of Paramount. Alfred Gilks' camera work on "Miss Fane's Baby Is Stolen" is pronounced excellent by eastern critics. It features Alice Brady, Dorothea Wieck, Baby EeRoy, etc., and is directed byAlexander Hall. It is a Paramount. Hal McAlpin has started "Man Who Broke His Heart," with William Cameron Menzies and George Somnes directing. Cinematographer Henry Sharp has been assigned to "Melody in Spring," featuring our old radio friend, Lanny Ross. Harry Fishbeck should not be overtaxed in "The Trumpet Blows," as the cast includes only three persons — George Raft, Adolph Menjou and Frances Drake. When Milt Krasner produces his usual artistic lighting effects on "Baby in the Icebox," she probably will thaw a lot. A Charles R. Rogers production. RKO Merian Cooper is said to have announced that RKO will film Bulwer-Lytton's "Last Days of Pompeii," one of the greatest of all dramatic stories. Mr. Cooper is to be congratulated upon his courage and good judgment. The picture should be a tremendous success and the cameraman who shoots it will have one of the really big opportunities of cinema history. Edward Cronjager is working on Jane Murfin's latest screen play, "Transient Love." Harold Wenstrom directed the photography on Radio's "Lost Patrol." COLUMBIA Joe August has another crackerjack assignment in "Sisters Under the Skin," featuring Elissa Landi and Joseph Schildkraut. Johnny Stumar seems to be getting the thrillers. After finishing "Murder at Rexford Arms," he proceeded to "Storm at Midnight" for Columbia. The Cameragram is not in any sens to be confused with Brulatour Bulletir which, for the period of a year was pub lished monthly by J. E. Brulatour, Inc Distributors, Eastman Films, in co-opera tion with the International Photograph? Brulatour Bulletin was originated and de signed by E. 0. Blackburn, well know Hollywood sales representative for Bni latour, Inc. ,-/W., <,:•/*..////■!+ IF THIS STREAMLINE SOMETHING LI : MISCELLANEOUS Herbert Aller has purchased the screen of "Don't Be That Way" and is organi; company to produce it. Looks like one sure fire kind. Hiroslei Horie writes the editor from Japan, that he has just published the first of the Leica Monthly Magazine. Mr. H" also president of Nippon Leica Club and pq of the All-Japan Leica Society. Victor Milner is dean of the cameramen Paramount-Publix lot. Phil Tannura has met with great succ a cinematographer in England and he has v his success by a fine exhibition of courag ciency and technical knowledge. Hollyw proud of him and so is England. "Mysterious Mose" has nothing on Jai Shackleford. Our perpetual globe trotter ing like he did just before he went to th Desert and to Oceania. It won't be Ion we hear of Shack ordering 100,000 or mi of film and pointing the prow of his ship I unknown destination. Shouldn't be surprjj Shack would discover a bit of the lost cqj of Atlantis some day. George Robinson shot "Cross Country for Universal production and release. Ed<_ zell directed. Lew Ayers, June Knigh' ' White, Alan Dinehart and others furnisl action. The host of friends of Ira Hoke will . joiced to hear that he is happily situated" rancho at Grant's Pass and is not worryini cameras and such like. Ira is a credit to "