International photographer (Jan-Dec 1937)

10— NOVEMBER, 1937 (Tradewinds — Cont.) INTERNATIONAL Standing Committee Reports Three committees reported at the SMFE fall convention. Highlights of the Studio lighting and Standards bodies are presented here, while the Projection Practice group's entry into controversy with the Academy Research Council over proposed revision of the Standard Aperture, is covered in a news story on Page 27 of this issue of International Photographer. The Studio Lighting Committee, of which R. E. Farnham is chairman, reported that the past year has witnessed unusual advances in both studio lighting equipment and technique of lighting, second only to the famous 1928 period when the studios adopted incandescent lighting. Cameramen now are entering an era of "precision'" lighting. Highlights and shadows are carefully balanced with dimmers as well as the placement of the units. This calls for equipment giving more accurate light control. Also, influence of lighting for color is creating a greater appreciation on the part of cameramen of the color quality of the light in black-and-white photography. The report also tells of the development of a satisfactory filter of extreme accuracy, making possible the use of incandescent lamps of I he '"CP" type for Technicolor photography, either alone or when mixed with other suitable illuminants. The Report of the Standards Committee, of which E. K. Carver is chairman, made note that there have been but two meetings of the committee since the last report at the Spring convention. During the summer, fourteen new drawings have been completed covering 8 mm. film standards, revision of the drawings for sprockets, and reels for 35 mm., 16 mm., and 8 mm. film, but only preliminary discussion of them has occurred. The Standards Committee also has given initial approval to the adoption of the spacing of 0.15 mm. separating the two halves of the push-pull sound track, but the balloting is not yet complete. requires that sound and projection equipment be maintained in first class condition at all times. It is the purpose of the author to present plans and ideas which have aided in maintaining a high standard of projection in his city. Since this city is over 150 miles from the nearest parts supply company, a wellplanned system of mutual cooperation is of the greatest importance in order to prevent shut-downs with attendant loss of money and good will. The success of the plan over a period of ten years recommends it to consideration of other projectionists' organizations which are isolated from repair and emergency engineering facilities. "A Discussion of Screen Image Dimensions"; F. H. Richardson, Quigley Publishing Co., Inc., New York, N. Y. (7.5 Min.). A review of the objectionable faults, which exist in many motion picture theatres because of a lack of data on and understanding of the problem of the relatifin of the shape of a theatre auditorium to the size of the projected picture. A plea is made that the Society of Motion Picture Engineers secure more data on this problem and arrange for its distribution. "Precision Ail-Metal Reflectors for Use with Projection Arcs"; C. E. Shultz, HeyerShultz, Inc., New York, N. Y. (10 Min.). Applications to Photographic Processing Equipment"; H. A. Smith, Republic Steel Corp.. Massillon, Ohio (20 min.). This paper deals with the peculiar characteristics of an all metal reflector regarding its resistance to tarnish, pitting, breakage and heat. A comparison is made between the present standard glass reflector and this new type as to reflectivity, dependability, accuracy, color response and longevity. "Perforated Screens and Their Faults"; F. H. Richardson, Quigley Publishing Co., Inc., New York, N. Y. (10 Min.). This paper discusses certain faults in perforated screens, particularly with relation to imperfection in perforations. It is prepared wholly to bring iorth discussion with view of determining how far the faulty perforations, as illustrated by slides, may be injurious to sound results in theatres. "Commercial 16-mm. Projection Faults"; C. L. Greene, Minneapolis, Minn, (i.5 Min.). Because commercial motion pictures on 16 mm. film are an outgrowth of "home movies," the standards of projection are low. Less care is given to their proper presentation than is the case with theatrical showings of 35 mm. film, whereas, because of the greater overall magnification, more care should be given. Some of the more glaring faults are treated in some detail, a general treatment is set forth, and the importance of proper presentation is clarified by comparison of showwindows of the street and of the screen. Thursday, October 14th Morning — Apparatus Symposium and Manufacturers' Announcements. "The Sound-Level Meter in the Motion Picture Industry"; H. H. Scott, General Radio Co., Cambridge, Mass. (75 Min.). The modern sound level meter may be used as a convenient means for making a large number of measurements of value to the motion picture industry. Recent designs featuring light weight, small size and convenience of control make modern sound level meters particularly well adapted for such purposes. Among many possible uses are: Measuring noise levels in studios and theatres; measuring noise made by ventilating equipment, cameras, or projection equipment; measuring background noise level from reproducing system; checking overall frequency response of reproducing system; checking variation in frequency response throughout auditorium; checking level of reproduction in auditorium, etc. Typical data is presented showing results obtained in a theatre. "New Ideas in Mobile Sound Recording Equipment"; C. M. Ralph and J. G. Matthews, General Service Studios. Hollywood, Calif. (7.5 Min.). An extensive rental service, in addition to the usual studio facilities, has created at General Service Studios, Inc., a demand for sound recording equipment, unusually broad in scope. Portability requirements range from portable "trunk" equipments to mobile recording and re-recording rooms having a high degree of comfort and convenience. Operating requirements impose the need for twentyfour-hour-per-day service, at times, from any one of a number of power sources. At the same time, in consideration of the rental aspect, simplicity and fool-proof operation were found to be essential. Requirement for a mobile recording room has been met very economically and advantageously by the use of a cabin type trailer. (International Photographer, August, 1937, Foreign Markets "Safeguarding and Developing of our Film Markets Abroad" was discussed by N. D. Golden of the U. S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, speaking at the SMPE Fall Convention. An abridgement of his paper follows: American motion pictures are maintaining their immense popularity throughout the world, yet barriers and obstructions which tend to limit their sale continue to be imposed abroad. "Contingent" taxes and complex restrictions which continue to be slapped on in all too many instances in foreign markets are among problems American producers must face. Some of these are legitimate enough, from the standpoint of local interests, but others appear to be inherently unreasonable. In certain cases our motion-picture industry may be justified in taking a strong and positive stand with the object of bringing about the rectification of unfair measures. We need not be unduly hesitant. Our producers and distributors can afford to make effective their opposition to merely narrowminded or punitive practices, while at the same time conforming readily to rational and moderate foreign requirements. In any such stand they will have the backing of one momentous factor — namely, the avidity of foreign audiences to see and hear our magnificently entertaining films. Foreign markets play a highly significant role in the success of our industry. They must be constantly cherished and cultivated and energetically safeguarded. It is noted that any strong wave of nationalistic sentiment in Central Europe, finding expression in restrictive laws affecting motion pictures — or a movement toward control or rigid censorship somewhere in Asia — or some inimical reaction in a Latin American country — may contribute to an ultimate effect whereby motion-picture employees would find less in their pay-envelopes or might even be confronted by more severe emergencies. The importance of the industry's exports is shown by the fact that from 30 to 40 percent of all revenues received by American motion picture producers for their products are derived from foreign markets. Steady efforts of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce to safeguard and augment American motion-picture markets by supplying a wealth of factual data and utilizing a variety of trade-promotive methods is covered in the paper presented. The bureau's motion-picture unit has recently been raised to full divisional rank, in recognition of the industry's importance. Such helps as it provides are especially vital at the present moment because, under the circumstances existing today, our motion-picture producers and distributors are apt to find themselves puzzled, entangled, or thwarted by the ever-growing intricacy of the conditions that they face abroad. Hence, their continued success in foreign markets depends upon the functioning of a reliable intelligence service.