International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1955)

In The SPOTLIGHT The function of this department is to provide a forum for the exchange of news and views relative to individual and group activities by members of the organized projectionist craft and its affiliates. Contributions relative to technical and social phases of craft activity are invited. POSSIBLE expansion of employnent opportunities for members of the organized craft — projectionists, stagehands, and others — is pointed up by the aggressive promotional efforts now being expended by at least three organizations on behalf of a portable Tv projector, as follows: General Precision Laboratory, The Fleetwood Corp., and Philips, of Holland. These systems all produce a 9 x 12-foot screen image which may be picked up from either closed circuit or broadcast-Tv. Moreover, all of them feature extreme ease of operation, servicing, and portability. IP's interest in these various units centers upon the possibility of the sponsors thereof utilizing the talents of the organized craft, which has demonstrated its ability to operate any piece of equipment designed for visualaural reproduction. Under prevailing conditions the expenditure of an additional $2500 for such equipment by any theatre, large or small, is extremely doubtful, considering the more immediate demand to put existing plants in order — new projectors, lenses, light sources, screens, power supply, and the like. Additional emphasis is lent to this point by the vigorous campaign being waged by the sponsors of these equipments to place the units in convention halls, clubrooms, hotels, and sundry places of assemblage other than theatres. We may accept or reject the assertion by the portable Tv manufacturers that the extreme portability of such units will enable "bicycing" them between the theatre and the aforementioned assembly points. Whatever may be the ultimate application of these units, these words are intended to alert the craft to be on the lookout for the installation of such equipment in their respective areas. Such technical details relating to these units as are presently available are detailed on page 28 of this issue, together with the names and addresses of the distributors. The IA is reportedly investing much time and effort to gaining jurisdiction over such closed-circuit Tv showings. Equipment now is handled by local Tv servicemen, hotel electricians, etc., with house porters doing the pulling-hauling chore. IA slant is that it doesn't care who services such units provided IA men operate, set up, and knock down the equipment — meaning projectionists and stagehands. • More than 130 delegates to the recent California District Council No. 2 meeting visited Paramount's West Coast Studios where they witnessed a special demonstration of VistaVision. The demonstration films included identical scenes photographed with a standard vs. the VistaVision horizontal camera, in addition to comparison scenes projected from the regular vertical release print vs. the double-frame horizontal release print. Edward Maule, chief projectionist at Paramount, welcomed the delegates on behalf of the studio. Loren Ryder, head of engineering and recording for Paramount, addressed the delegates and explained briefly the highlights of the VistaVision process. • From the Women's Trade Union Auxiliary of IA projectionist Local 143, St. Louis, Mo., comes a request that IP publicize the extreme desirability of a women's auxiliary in all branches of the organized craft. In a supporting statement under the heading of "Ten Reasons Why You Should Join An Auxiliary to Your Husband's Union," are listed 10 persuasive reasons why such auxiliaries are extremely beneficial. All those who view such a move with favor may obtain details by addressing Mrs. Josephine Briley, 9501 Eucalyptus Drive, Afton 23, Mo. Mrs. Briley is secretary of the Women's Trade Union Auxiliary of St. Louis Local 143. • Irving Griebler, member of Baltimore Local 181, recently completed an assignment for the Wyeth Labs., world-famous pharmaceutical organization, in which he ran off the film CALIFORNIA DISTRICT COUNCIL DELEGATES AT SPECIAL VISTAVISION DEMONSTRATION 18 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST APRIL 1955