Motion picture studio directory and trade annual (Oct 1916)

164 MOTION PICTURE NEWS Vol. XIV. No. 16. Section 2 A AL. E. CHRISTIE, PEERLESS PRODUCER OF CHRISTIE LIGHT COMEDIES L. E. CHRISTIE, considered the best producer of light comedies for the screen, is a pioneer of the motion picture industry, and what he knows about making light comedies would fill a number of large books that would be eagerly sought by producers. _ More than seven years ago, Mr. Christie made his first comedy, and he has been making good ones ever since. Almost five years ago he originated the Nestor Brand of comedies, and for more than four years turned out one or more a week. These became a decided feature of the Universal program. In January of this year, Mr. Christie decided that he had worked for other people long enough, and if he could make good comedies for others, he could make them for himself, and everything considered, it would be more pleasant. In association with his brother Charles, a successful Canadian business man, he organized the Christie Film Company, which has recently been incorporated. A studio was leased where Al. made his first picture in California, almost five years before. Mr. Christie was the first Universal director in California, he bringing the first company to Hollywood, arriving there Thanksgiving, 1911. At first it was arranged that Mr. Christie should continue Nestor Comedies which he had made for more than four years, these to be released through the Universal. This arrangement continued until in April, when he made another arrangement whereby the films were to be marketed through another program. Early in the summer, with a number of samples, Mr. Christie went to New York, and there was persuaded by independent exchange men to sell his films by state rights. This was decided upon in August, and he immediately returned and took up the production of additional subjects. The first independent release was made in September, and the management of the Strand Theatre, New York, and other houses of almost equal importance throughout the country, were eager to add these to their programs. The Christie Company now has closed with exchanges in practically every section of the country, Australia, Europe and South America, where their subjects may be rented. The Christie studio in Hollywood is thoroughly equipped. The technical department is complete, there is an excellent laboratory in connection, under the supervision of William Horsley, and the studio is in every way best equipped to make the one, two or even larger comedy subjects of any on the coast. Twice, since organizing the company in January, Mr. Christie has found need of additional space for settings and stage room, and recently he found it to his advantage to purchase the ground on which the studio stands. The Christie studio staff is made up of experts and artists. It is more like a big family in which all are working for the benefit of the father. This co-operation is shown very emphatically in the films. In the following pages will be found detailed biographies of the Christie players. With Al. E. Christie, who has written more than three hundred original scenarios and produced almost five hundred comedies, as its directing genius, the Christie Film Company is sure to succeed. It has frequently been said that Mr. Christie can see comedy in anything, even a hearse, and as a builder of comedy situations, he is without a peer. Illlllllllllllll Be sure to mention " MOTION PICTURE NEWS " when writing to advertisers