International photographer (Jan-Dec 1935)

Twelve The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER June, 1935 \\ FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN (A Technician's Comment on Lewis W '. Physioc's New Book) ri Every book is the result of some reason or incentivefame, fortune or obsession. In this instance the reason was in the contemplation of the author's own experience and the observations of many of his associates. When we were developing along with the industry, there were many occasions when we needed a bit of information and had to dig through a lot of material before finding what we wanted. This was not surprising, for after the birth of the new art it developed so rapidly that no chance was allowed for classifying its several branches into a well defined school. The many problems were the result of momentary inspiration and the solutions were necessarily a matter of experimentation. Because of this fact, the industry was tolerant of experimentation, trial and error and guess-work. The situation is now entirely different: We are in the midst of a well defined, highly developed art— one is either a director, cameraman, sound expert or he is notThe industry is no longer interested in educating one of its technicians by the old trial and error system. During this vast accumulation of experience many well defined questions have repeatedly arisen. The matter of their answers represents the curriculum of the study of the art. It is reasonable to suppose that such a dignified array of matter deserves the proper representation through a text book : if not to aid the exponents of the various departments and those aspiring to such positions, at least to encourage the proper appreciation of the art. This last consideration — appreciation — is significantly reflected in the fact that many colleges have added cinematographic divisions to their courses in art appreciation. To be sure, there have been numerous books written, but so many developments have succeeded them as to make them obsolete. Aside from the idea a general appreciation among fans and students, the attitude of many exponents of the art suggest that such a book might be of value to them. Inter-departmental workers attend lectures at the colleges and our own Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and The Society of Motion Picture Engineers to familiarize themselves with the problems of the associated departments. They reflect the undisputed fact that they can better perform their individual offices and make it easier for their associates by knowing what can and cannot be done. And further, many foreign countries are exhibiting the ambitions to produce their own pictures for their own people. Not all are in a position to send their students to Hollywood for the proper training; and there is a limit to their draughting of our own talent. It is certain, therefore, they will find help in From Script to Screen. AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 MINUTES "Around the World in 80 Minutes" is the title of a 16 mm. talking motion picture which the Dollar Lines is showing in various cities in clubs, schools, hotels, department stores and similar institutions to promote travel on its ships. The picture is approximately three thousand feet long and takes eighty minutes to run; hence its name. It is being shown on Bell & Howell sound-on-film talking picture projectors with only two changes of reels. It is possible, when desired, to show this same length of footage with only one reel-change. Alois Havrilla is the narrator of the picture. The use of the projector provided by the Dollar Lines for its Chicago office is typical of what is being done in other offices of the Lines to secure wide distribution of the picture. The various sales representatives of the Chicago office arrange showings of the picture in advance in their respective territories to cover a certain pre-allotted time block. Each representative puts on the "show," operating the projector himself. During the past thrree months there has been scarcely a day when a program has not been given. Although most of the representatives had never seen a motion picture projector before this promotional plan was inaugurated, it took only a short time for them to become acguainted with the operating procedure so as to put on excellent shows. Sales results have been gratifying. The picture gives a graphic idea of the interesting scenes and experiences of a world trip via the Dollar Lines and cuts down sales resistance. John Mescal is going to do a picture for Walter Wanger, Paramount release, after having startled the photographic profession with his extraordinary accomplishments on "The Bride of Frankenstein." By the way, John is the new golf champion of the cameramen this year. Gil Warrenton is resting at his ranch after having finished two pictures for Liberty Productions. Art Marion, distinguished still photographer, has gone to Lone Pine to shoot two Westerns for the Republic Pictures Corporation. The locale is at the site of highest and lowest point in the United States. J ^\ We'll Pay Cash! ^ WE WANT IMMEDIATELY Mitchell Eyemo De Brie Akeley Bell & Howell Contax Leica, and Similar Used Cameras — Also — LENSES, MOTORS, PARTS, AND CAMERA ACCESSORIES What Have You To Offer? Write or Wire Today MOTION PICTURE CAMERA SUPPLY, INC. 723 7th Avenue New York City >*■ Please mention The International Photographer when corresponding with advertisers.