The motion picture projectionist (Nov 1931-Jan 1933)

April, 1932 Motion Picture Projectionist 21 moisture placed in the metal film box will prove advantageous. Oftentimes oil of eucalyptus is used in this same way. A few drops on blotters in the bottom of a shipping case will serve very well. Humidor cans are for sale by dealers. A solution of eucalyptus oil, camphor, menthol and glycerine is reputed to soften even the most brittle and least pliable film. Extreme care must be exercised in any case so that the moisture does not come in direct contact with the emulsion. When films lose their original pliability it is difficult to bring that quality back, permanently, by any artificial means. For that reason film should be kept in a humid atmosphere at all times or inside tightly closed metal containers. No film should be left exposed at any time. The small pieces which accumulate during repair operations should never be permitted to remain on the bench or on the floor. They should be deposited in a tight metal box and removed to some safe place outside of the building where they may be destroyed. Precautions in Handling If handled with the same precautions as are necessary for safe handling of gasoline, kerosene, oil, ether, celluloid toilet articles or even the rolls of film used in a camera or Kodak, the danger involved with motion picture film is small. A bucket full of sand, wet sawdust, a chemical fire extinguisher or even a wet woolen blanket should be kept handy to be used in case of an emergency. Following the exhibition, film should be replaced on exchange reels, the film retained by securely fastened reel bands, and each reel immediately placed in the metal film container. It is commonly observed that the first and last twenty-five feet of film are in poorest physical condition, due partially, at least, to the improper manner in which reel bands are attached by indifferent operators. The reel bands come off, the loose ends unwind from the reels and become jostled during transit. The exchanges prefer to have film Fig. 4. Method of Applying Film Cement reach them just as the reels come out of the projector, and reel bands usually bear the words "Do not rewind after showing." This request is made to save time at the exchanges. When films are on circuit the operator should repair all breaks and make all patches before he ships the program to the next destination. This is particularly necessary because film on circuit reach the film exchanges at more or less irregular intervals. If the repairs are left to accumulate, by the time the program reaches the last town on circuit the film may be in unusable condition. The circuit plan of distribution is very satisfactory if each member on the circuit has the proper "circuit conscience." A greater number of exhibitions can be scheduled for a given period, transportation charges reduced more than half and the overhead reduced materially. The operators using circuit programs are naturally expected to give every reel careful attention. b Fig. 5. Poor Splice and What Happened All former addresses, labels, tags and stamps should be removed from the outside of the film case before the shipment is sent on. Each case must cai-ry a new yellow caution label bearing the name of the shipper. Labels on express shipments must also carry the date when the shipment was made. The case must bear the words "Motion Picture Film." Methods of Shipment As a general rule, within the first and second zones, parcel post rates are less than express. Postal regulations do not permit written material to be enclosed with a package shipped by parcel post. Messages should be placed in an envelope bearing a two-cent stamp. This stamped envelope may be attached to the shipping case. The express company permits writing to be placed in any container without extra charge. Exchanges require the exhibitors to pay both incoming as well as outgoing transportation charges. Express or postal receipts should always be preserved for future reference, should any occasion demand their presentation. The consignor may recover damages only upon surrender of these receipts. The shipping label should indicate the name of the consignor as well as the consignee. Library paste is not recommended for affixing labels. Use a good glue for this. Shippers should fasten tags on the container by heavy cord or wire. The express company guarantees safe arrival of a package, and insurance against loss up to $50.00.