Kinematograph year book (1944)

182 The Kinematograph Year Book. Neon will give way to an artistic floodlit effect and that those ornate auditoria units will be superseded by a fluorescent glow, the source of which will be invisible and will not interfere with the clean, streamlined effect to which many architects aspire. It will give the interior decorator a fascinating new medium with which to develop the trend towards decorative lighting, which had become so popular before the war. There are hints, too, that gaseous discharge units may be employed for directional stage lighting. These and other applications of the principle are the subject of experiments by numerous research workers whose work, primarily directed to the war effort, has resulted in considerable development, particularly in increasing the range of powders and materials. The use of ultra-violet or " black " light in conjunction with variable fluorescent surfaces is another matter which is being experimented with, especially in Amercia where carpets and theatre draperies, previously treated with fluorescent pigments, have been made to contribute to the changing atmosphere of a picture house. Apart, however, from such novelty applications, ultra-violet may be usefully employed in directional signs and in gangway indicators, etc. These developments, however, are largely conjectural. At the moment the exhibitor is concerned with making the most of existing opportunities in the provision of a bright and cheery atmosphere of the auditorium — he can do little with the exterior and the vestibule owing to black-out regulations. It must, however, be admitted that even without replacing glass removed during the blitz period, more might be done to brighten up some of the fittings which for years have displayed a bare and often dirty lamp. There is little excuse for this neglect especially as many firms can still supply a restricted maintenance service. It would also be well to overhaul those larger lighting fittings which were taken down and stored for safety, so they may resume their pristine attractiveness when the lights go up again. Notwithstanding the architectural possibilities possessed by the discharge lamp and the permanent use of cove concealed illumination, there will always be room for the pendant and wall units which have been supplied in so many fascinating designs and contribute so considerably to the gaiety and attractiveness of the foyer and vestibule. Even though they may be regarded purely as ornamental adjuncts to the main illumination system, their showmanship attributes cannot be overlooked. Recent developments in glass and translucent plastic and the adoption of the new colour filter mediums will materially intensify the appeal of these attractive lighting units. On the whole the restrictions imposed by the Fuel Control have caused little difficulty to the exhibitor, whose war-time patronage is more easily pleased both as regards the entertainment and the circumstances in which it is presented, than the peace time kinema habitue. Black-out regulations and the need for the most stringent economy in fuel have made a sensible reduction in overheads while keeping intact a valuable capital investment ; for this reason every effort should be made to keep the installation at as high a degree of efficiency as possible. Cleaning and occasional overhaul must not be neglected particularly of reflectors. Replacements are still practically unobtainable so that it is essential to effect adequate maintenance of existing installations. No branch of the industry has co-operated more loyally in the fuel-saving campaign than the kinema which even before compulsion, had voluntarily effected economies which reduced their light consumption almost by the 25 per cent, demanded by the authorities. By drastic action they have solved the problem of how to manage adequate lighting of a kinema while observing the Government requirements regarding wattage per square foot in the auditorium, and, hardly less important locally, those of the licensing authority who still demand the usual intensity of lighting during performances. By the use of lower wattage lamps they have not sacrificed the general