International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1950)

Conversion to Safety Film 85% Complete BEARING out predictions made by IP over the past several months, Eastman Kodak Co. has announced that it has ceased the manufacture of positive nitrate film and that the conversion to the use of acetate (safety) film within the industry is now 85% complete. Complete changeover of equipment for the making of positive safety film should be accomplished within the next several months. Despite this unexpectedly fast progress toward complete conversion, it is estimated that nitrate film, with its requisite handling and projection precautions, will continue to circulate among theaters for at least another 18 months. This means the dashing of hope by exhibitors and exchanges that a speedy reduction in insurance rates could be effected on the basis of greatly enhanced safety factor of acetate stock. Newsreels Still on Nitrate . Chief stumbling block at present to complete conversion to safety film by the distribution field is the reluctance of the newsreels to use acetate stock. This atti Experience, ability, nationwide organization, complete dependability—equipment and supplies for every theatre need WHEN YOU BUY NATIONAL HAS IT! A quarter century of service to theatre owners has given National Theatre Supply unparalleled experience in supplying their every need — all kinds of equipment from sound and projection systems to cleaning materials— from carpeting to popcorn and popcorn machines. NATIONAL CLAYTON BALL-BEARING EVEN TENSION TAKE-UPS For all projectors and sound equipments All take-ups wind film on 2, 4 and 5 inch hub reek. Silent Chain Drives THE CLAYTON REWINDER For perfect rewinding on 2000-foot reels. CLAYTON PRODUCTS CO. 31-45 Tibberr Avenue New York 63, N. Y. tude is predicated on the fact that newsreel prints have a comparatively short life no less than that the changeover to the higher-priced acetate would cost the reels approximately $250,000 additional annually. Newsreels are now supplied with nitrate positive film from ample warehouse stocks which are estimated to be sufficient to last for several years. Technicolor has just recently started to print release prints on safety film, with every indication that another six months will see its entire output being printed on the new stock. No little impetus to the speedy industry-wide conversion to safety film was lent by the decision of Eastman Kodak to make available to Du Pont a limited supply of acetate stock for distribution covering the period of time necessary for the latter to perfect the development of its own safety film. _i , DuPont Aims at Nylon Film Du Pont is now working feverishly on a safety film stock which differs radically from the Eastman type in that it utilizes a nylon base (it would) which, it is asserted, will neither shrink nor expand, will afford greater transparency and prove to be exceptionally durable. This stock will be ready within two years. A recent bulletin from the National Board of Fire Underwriters states that "there is universal agreement that the storage of cellulose acetate film does not require any special fire hazard precautions." Acetate film is characterized as "slow-burning, the fire hazard being classed as somewhat less than that of common newsprint paper in the same form and quantity." Edge-Marking Important Considerable emphasis is placed by the Underwriters on the necessity for careful examination of the entire print by all film handlers for the words "Safety Film" which should appear at frequent intervals along the edge. IP has frequently stressed the possibility of certain insert sections of a safety print having been printed on nitrate stock. The ignition temperature of safety film is placed by the Underwriters at between 700 and 800 degrees F., as compared with the 300-degree mark for nitrate stock. However, decomposition of safety stock begins at 500 degrees F, with accompanying irritating fumes which, it is said, are not considered to be toxic. The Underwriters' bulletin concludes by stating that "the most important safety factor with regard to cellulose acetate film is in its slow combustion, and any fire can be easily extinguished by the application of water or smothering, much in the same manner as fires in ordinary combustible materials." 26 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST July 1950