Kinematograph year book (1935)

Equipment and Technique in 1934. 231 colonial members. Although unforeseen circumstances have interfered with the carrying out of the B.K.S. complete programme, numerous important technical subjects have been ventilated at the monthly meetings. During the year E. Oram succeeded Paul Kimberley in the office of secretary, which he has held since the inception of the society. The Guild of British Kinema Projectionists and Technicians reports a busy and fruitful year. Two new Courts have been opened at Preston and Stoke, and sub-Courts formed at Middlesbrough and Huddersfield. The various courts have proceeded with their policy of monthly lectures and demonstrations of all the latest in sound and projection equipment. A special sub-committee has been meeting in Manchester to discuss various lines of progressive guild policy. Of first importance in this connection has been the consideration of a guild apprenticeship scheme which it is proposed should be administered by a joint committee representing the guild, the C.E.A. and other interested organisations. It is hoped that next year will witness the successful launching of a concrete scheme. Juvenile membership and recognition are other subjects under consideration. Considerable progress has also been made by the Association of Cine. Technicians, which is working towards professional status of the studio technician. Capt. Cope is the secretary and organiser, and the president is Sir Reginald Mitchell Banks, M.P. During recent years little has been heard of the activities of the Royal Photographic Society in respect to professional kinematography. The success of the kinematograph exhibition held in November and the attendance at the various lectures indicated that a real attempt is at length being made to attract both amateur and professional. Subject matter of the lectures covered a comprehensive field, including scientific and technical papers dealing with every side of the production and projection of motion pictures. The activities of the British Film Institute, as reflected in the annual report issued in October, comprise the formation of panels dealing with the application of the film to the following subjects : Education, Entertainment, International Relations, Dominions, India and Colonies, Medical, Social Service, Scientific Research, Amateur Kinematography and Documentary. The subject of standardising equipment has engaged the B.F.I., whose official conception of the D.I.N. 16 mm. standard, recommended by the B.K.S., led to considerable controversy in the Trade. In its future activities the B.F.I, refers to an interest in " Certification of Films," and the suggestion was made that films of cultural and instructional value should not be subject to the B.B.F.C. certification. THE TRADE EXHIBITION. The Trade Exhibition held in connection with the C.E.A. Summer Conference maintains its importance, although the absence from this year's show at Blackpool of some of the more important projector firms was noticeable, the range of the exhibition otherwise affords a microcosm of the technical progress of the film presentation which is not available elsewhere. The suggestion has been made by Isy Graham and Sheffield exhibitors that the Trade Exhibition should be permanently located in London, and should be held earlier in the year. It is contended that the new arrangement Ask MAJOR for illuminating facts on STAGE LIGHTING. THE MAJOR EQUIPMENT CO., LTD., 162, MILLBANK, LONDON, S.W.I Telephone : Victoria 3148.