International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1947)

Hot-Processed' Film, Tele Camera by Kodak TWO recent developments by Eastman Kodak Co. which are giving motion picture people the jitters or, conversely, causing them to emit loud huzzahs (depending upon their views anent theatre television), are the "hot-processed" film which can be developed within 45 seconds, and a television recording camera. The camera is so recent a development (having been officially unveiled at the recent SMPE meeting) that detailed specifications have not yet been made available. It is known, however, that the camera will satisfactorily record tele programs at sound speed from a monitor receiving tube. Its basic design features a 1200-foot magazine, separate synchronous motor drives for the shutter and film-transport mechanisms, and an 8tooth sprocket pull-down actuated by an accelerated Geneva star. Impressive Show of Speed A very impressive demonstration of the "hot-processed" film occurred when 16-mm motion pictures taken from a plane over Atlantic City were developed on the return flight to Philadelphia, where it was rushed to the Philco tele station and broadcast within one hour of the original take-off time. 'Hot-processed' film machine uses heated chemicals to process motion picture film at high speed for tele use. Time requqired to develop, fix, wash, and dry a single 16-mm frame is about 45 seconds. As shown here, with portable water tank, compressor, and waste tank, the machine is self-sufficient. Flow of solution from jar at top is adjustable. The processing machine utilizes a continuous flow of heated photographic chemicals and a special heat-resistant film. Using chemicals heated to about 125 degrees F., the unit can operate continuously at the rate of 8 feet of film a minute. It reduces the over-all time for complete processing of a single frame of 16-mm film to about 45 seconds, as compared with the normal time of 40 minutes required for processing at ordinary temperatures. Special Heated Solution Used Film can be developed to a negative or positive with the machine depending upon the process used. In the Philadelphia test the film was developed to a negative which was converted to positive pictures on tele screens by means of an electrical circuit in the video transmitting equipment. The machine has no large chemical storage tanks. Instead, the solutions, maintained at high temperatures by a thermostatically-controlled unit, flow continuously into miniature processing tanks at a rate sufficient to maintain constant photographic quality. Each of the three tiny tanks holds about an ounce of solution which is piped in from quart reservoirs. As excess solutions overflow each tank after 5 seconds of use, they collect in a trough and are discarded. By this arrangement the small amount of chemical in the machine at any time is renewed frequently with fresh solutions, thus eliminating most of the chemical problems of processing. The continuous flow of chemical solutions amounts to "using 6 feet of solution for 6 feet of film." During processing the exposed film, carried on rollers, follows a simple overand-under path through the miniature tanks. In 15 seconds a frame of film is developed, rinsed, and fixed. Next the film is given a hot spray wash, after which it passes between squeegee rollers that remove excess water. Final drying takes place during 15 seconds when the film moves over heated drums. The speed in processing is obtained primarily through the use of the hot chemicals with an experimental film specially prepared to withstand the high temperatures. The film is not yet ready for general distribution. Eastman is reported to view the technique as one which may eventually complement, rather than replace, present methods of processing used in the tele and motion picture fields. "Video to Boom Film Production "... Hollywood RETURNING to -Hollywood after a nationwide tour of television facilities, producer Jerry Fairbanks lashed out at die-hards who predict dire futures for the film industry as a result of the increasing popularity of television. "Television will not supplant the theatre any more than radio has supplanted the opera house or the concert stage," he said. "On the contrary," he continued, "it can be as great a boon to the theatre as sound was to the silent pictures." Fairbanks, who produces the "Popular Science" and "Unusual Occupations" series of short subjects, among others, is the first to start production of films made exclusively for telecasts. Patterned on a radio format, his films are produced to play individually or serially, each show being 15-30 minutes long, with 17 shows to the package. Using 16-mm rather than 35-mm film for his production, he decried criticism of his choice. "For instance," he stated, "it is said that 16-mm negative is of poor quality when shown. Eastman is now preparing a special film for us that compares to any 35-mm on the market. Not only that, but the new Mitchell camera and lens equipment that has been developed is just as professional as the larger models." According to Fairbanks, film will be the main source of video programming and Hollywood is destined to become the capital of a tremendous television industry. The producer emphasized, however, that theatrical film is not satisfactory for television. Explaining further, he said that shadow effects be(Continued on page 33) 20 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST • December 1947