Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

1159 February i 8 , 1922 NEW THEATRE Construction & Equipment P R O J E CT ION Department CAMERA P. M. ABBOTT TECHNICAL EDITOR Supplementing the General Theatre Illumination with Special Effects Few Exhibitors Realize Their Opportunities for Striking Original Features We treated last week the subject of general illumination of the theatre and also suggested that the general lighting could be made much more effective by special local lighting. How can we obtain these special effects which have been mentioned for supplementing the general lighting? There is no limit to the possibilities in this direction and the fact that these effects are original makes them so especially appealing. It is quite apparent that one could not attempt to cover the question in the space available. A few hints along this line should serve to indicate the scope of our field. There are two forms of light, direct and reflected. When we look at a lamp or light source the direct light strikes our eyes. If we look at a book, statue, wall or picture it is the light which is reflected that we perceive To all intents and purposes the object becomes the light source. Both of these actions can be utilized to produce decorative effects. Suppose there are a number of translucent vases as part of the lounge decoration. Under ordinary conditions, they are simply an item of the general scheme, dull and lifeless. Now imagine the room is By A. L. POWELL, Edison Lamp Works Distinction Very few exhibitors realize the splendid opportunities they have for securing various distinguishing effects through special lighting. How many artistic vases, statues, architectural designs and the like are totally unnoticed throughout your theatre? Special lighting will not only bring the object to attention, but additional stress and beauty may be secured. Just read carefully this article by Mr Powell and then make a tour of your house. Undoubtedly you will be able to secure some extremely striking lighting effects at almost no expense. Try a few experiments and be original. illuminated to a fairly low intensity, say from one to two foot-candles with a warm pinkish amber light. One vase has a purple lamp inside of it, another green, another blue, and so on. They will then stand in relief against the general warm tone, spots of colors, of life. Beauties hitherto unappreciated become high spots of the decoration Pure colors rather than tints are best for such effects as these. The filament should not be visible through the glass and the surface, while appreciably brighter than the background, not brilliant enough to be glaring. Art glass inserts can be similarly treated. Silk shaded table and floor lamps and even well units are among the devices to which pure colors can be applied for essentially decorative effect (that is, no dependence put upon them for general illumination) the object of course being to obtain contrast and touches of high light. In some foyers a miniature waterfall or fountain is installed. Colored lamps in suitable moisture-proof fittings can be concealed behind the falling water and in the pool itself A motor-driven flasher is used to change the color of light continuously. The combinations are limitless and the fascination of watching the constantly varying play of color in the particles of water is indeed great. Prequently clusters or bouquets of hothouse flowers are purchased to be used for decoration. They represent an appreciable expenditure and unless something striking is brought into play, they are scarcely noticed by the patrons. They fade into the background. How much more attractive the interior would appear if these flowers were spotlighted. A small automobile headlight reflector with concentrated filament lamp fed by a storage ( Continued from page 1160) B Figure 1