International projectionist (Oct 1931-Sept 1933)

October 1932 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST 31 projection lamp and is not likely to occur with film that has been properly seasoned. It is evident that the efforts, artistic and technological, that have been made in producing a picture, will all go for naught if the effects produced are marred by physical defects of the film that present a satisfactory screening, but which could be prevented by proper treatment. Nearly all the difficulties described here are in connection with improperly treated, or untreated film and such defects do not occur in film the gelatin of which has been chemically seasoned prior to its initial screening. Projectionist Not at Fault When film is sent to a theatre in which it will be passed through a projector for the first time, that theatre is certainly entitled to receive film that has been thoroughly prepared for screening; and it should not be necessary for the projectionist to wax, oil, or otherwise treat the film so as to assure himself of an uninterrupted screening. Nor should the projectionist be held responsible for the oil that he must necessarily apply to film that is improperly prepared for screening when the accretion of emulsion causes the projector to protest loudly against overloading when pulling the film past the aperture. Some of the largest producers and distributors have found a relief from these conditions by chemically treating the film at their laboratories; and it seems safe to say that it would be the wish of every projectionist in the country that all new film be given a treatment that would produce as good results for them as are enjoyed by these companies, so that they could feel reasonably sure that no film would be damaged while in their charge. The distributor's interest in properly preparing prints for screening is restricted chiefly to that of assuring the satisfaction of the theatres ; but the decrease in the amount of film that is damaged is incident to a like decrease in the number of controversies over the account, in the cost, and in the annoyance of making replacements; and the lengthening of the lives of the prints offers assurance that the final booking will be a satisfactory one because of tbe good condition of the print. All these factors figure in making the treatment worth while; but most important of all is the need of avoiding, so far as is possible, the loss of time on the booking records of prints that are withdrawn from service and are awaiting the replacement of damaged parts. Large Revenue Loss The revenue sacrificed by the distributor because of his inability to furnish prints of subjects that have been booked, or the expense and trouble involved in obtaining replacement prints either from the laboratory or some other exchange, DEBRIE SERVICE STATION BUSY A NUMBER of special cameras made by Andre Debrie for the U. S. Government and to be used by naval aviators, have been sent to the Debrie service station in New York for their first examination. These cameras include the famous Ultra Speed "GV's" which have been in use by the Government for a period of years. assumes a huge amount, nationally, and is far in excess of the cost of treating film at the laboratory before shipping it to the exchanges. Such treatment not only assures the distributor of a positive saving, but also furnishes assurance that the theatre will be supplied with film that can be screened as satisfactorily on the first booking as on the last. It avoids what is today the greatest cause of controversy between the distributor and the exhibitor; namely, the loss or change of bookings, due to the distributor's inability to furnish a satisfactory print when the print that has been booked has been damaged and no other print is available. Pre-Shippiing Care Before shipping film to the exchange, the laboratory should prepare it so that the booking department of the exchange could feel reasonably sure that the schedule of booking arranged for the film would not be upset by the condition of any of the prints, especially during the "circuit" or "peak" period. As for the satisfaction derived from the film, whether on the first booking or on the last, the small exhibitors who pay minimum rentals are as much entitled to satisfactory prints as the larger accounts, for the amount that the smaller accounts pay represents as great a percentage of their income as does that paid by the larger account; and their customers are certainly as entitled to the best film obtainable. The average motion picture patron is not aware of the causes of the "rain," or scratches that appear on the screen, or of the in and out-of-focus effect; but he does, perhaps unknowingly, appreciate the better quality of the picture when it is free from such defects. Suggested Treatment It is highly desirable that film be treated by the laboratories in such a manner that the following objectives may be achieved: (1) The film should be able to make its first passage through the projector with the facility and ease of a seasoned film, thereby eliminating the NOW • • tve sewve you in America. CAMERAS • PRINTERS • DEVELOPING MACHINES • LABORATORY EQUIPMENT PORTABLE SOUND PROJECTORS • • • EDITING MACHINES AivDRi: Debrie mc. !I5 WEST 45*^ STREET • • NEW YORK A N EW HANDBOOK ON NATIONAL PROJECTOR CARBONS is now ready for distribution /ree to every projectionist. ... This revised edition contains the information needed to secure maximum screen illumination and most efficient operation from all types of carbon arc projection lamps. 96 pages . .... 58 illustrations NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY, INC. Carbon Sales Division, Cleveland, Ohio Unit of Union Carbide |im and Carbon Corporation Branch Sales Offices: New York Pittsburgh Chicago San Francisco MAIL COUPON TODAY FOR YOUR COPY NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY, INC. IP 10 Post Office Box 400, Cleveland, Ohio Gentlemen: Please mail to the address given below, complimentary copy of the New Handbook on National Projector Carbons. Name__ . Title ^^_ Theatre Street __Citv S'afe