Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

January 19, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 107 Seek Solution of Film Shipping Problems PICTURE INTERESTS WOULD CHANGE REGULATIONS GOVERNING TRANSPORTATION PROPOSED revision of the regulations governing the shipment of films is contained in a letter written to F. H. Elliott of the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry by W. S. Topping, assistant chief inspector of the federal bureau of explosives. The transportation committee of the association for several months has heen seeking relief from the present regulations so as to protect films in transit and to safeguard the public. Owing to the scarcity of tin and sheetiron occasioned by war requirements, it has been found necessary to make radical changes in the specifications. The sub-committee of the transportation committee which has had this matter in charge is composed of the following: A. E. Siegel, chairman, Greater Vitagraph; J. C. Clark, Wm. L. Sherry, Feature Film Company; Herbert S. Clark, Paramount Pictures; A. E. Rousseau, Pathe Exchange, Inc.; Allan Rock, Paramount Pictures Corporation ; H. H. Stilson, Paramount Pictures Corporation; W. E. Atkinson, Metro Pictures Corporation, and G. J. Schaefer, World Film Corporation. Letter Outlines Changes Mr. Topping's letter to Mr. Elliott follows: "The experience of the bureau of explosives in connection with the enforcement of the Interstate Commerce Commission regulations covering the transportation of dangerous articles other than explosives by express, and the experience of the express companies indicates the necessity of revising the present regulations covering the packing of moving picture films. As a result of various conferences with sub-committees of your association I have prepared a draft of a proposed amendment to paragraph 43 of the express regulations and I have included a specification for a motion picture film container and beg to submit the same herewith. "The records of the bureau show that there has been a tendency on the part of shippers of motion picture films to use. cases too long, that is, they have been used beyond the time when they afford the protection required by the regulations. Too Many Reels in Case "In connection with the use of a telescope case there has been a tendency on the part of both exchanges and exhibitors to crowd too many reels of films in these cases, and coupled with the fact that many reels of film are shipped without inside cases to protect them, hazardous conditions have thus been created. "In the use of telescope cases, although they may have originally been provided with web or leather straps, reports of our inspectors show that in the majority of instances these straps have outlived their usefulness and instead of being replaced by new straps have been permitted to continue in use, or have been replaced by the use of rope or string, thereby providing an insecure package for transportation purposes. My information indicates that the exhibitors are the principal offenders in this respect, and that although cases may be in good shape when originally shipped by exchanges, on return movements by exhibitors they are not in the same shipping condition when presented for transportation. Metal Cans Are Scarce "In preparing the proposed amended regulations due consideration was given to the fact that the present condition of the metal market makes it extremely difficult for exhibitors to secure at reasonable cost a proper supply of metal cans with which to enclose individual reels of films. It is our belief that each reel of film should be properly protected by a tightly closed metal or fiber can, but at the present time we do not believe it would be reasonable to include this requirement (except when packed in outside wooden containers). It should be borne in mind, however, that when the conditions in the metal market ease up, it is the intention of the Bureau of Explosives to recommend the adoption of this additional safeguard. "It will be noted that in the proposed revised regulations we have made provision for the use of wooden packing cases complying with I. C. C. Shipping Container Specification No. 19, of which I am also enclosing a copy; provided, that each individual reel is placed in a tightly closed inside metal container, it being the intention to make proper provision for the transportation of bulk shipments of motion picture films and also for individual reels that it may be desired to pack in outside wooden boxes. It is understood that some exhibitors now use wooden boxes lined with metal and they may desire to continue the use of these packages. If so, full description as to the character of the box, etc., should be submitted to the bureau of explosives for further consideration. "It will also be noted that we are providing for the ordinary shipments of moving picture films from exchanges to exhibitors in a metal case that is lined with hard fiberboard at least one-eighth of an inch thick or with some other equivalent insulating material which must be approved for this purpose by the bureau of explosives. In view of the various kinds of insulating material outside of hard fiberboard, it has been -deemed desirable to afford sufficient latitude to enable manufacturers to provide satisfactory cases. "It will be further noted that hinged metal cases are provided for, but the method of fastening must be by a strong metal hasp fitting over a staple or eye bolt and provided with a permanent nondetachable catch. Changes Effective February 1 "With respect to the telescope case which may be either round, square or rectangular, it will be noted that the use of a web or leather strap is to be prohibited, and the method of fastening is by the use of a strong positive mechanical device made of metal, and this device must be approved by the bureau of explosives, both as to design and construction. "It will be still further noted that it is not contemplated that these revised regulations will take effect until February 1, 1918, which means that all containers purchased subsequent to that date must comply with the new requirements, and that the present supply of shipping containers may be used until September 1, 1918, provided they are in good shipping condition and are securely closed, and that telescope cases are provided with leather or web straps; the use of rope or cord is absolutely forbidden. "It is respectfully suggested that this matter be given as wide publicity as possible and that any criticisms or objections to the proposed rule be filed at the office of the Bureau of Explosives, 30 Vesey Street, New York City, not later than January 15, 1918. Due consideration will be given to all protests and we shall also be glad to receive suggestions." Changes Are Suggested The following explains in detail the proposed amended paragraph 43 of the present film shipment rules: (a) "Motion picture films must be packed in spark proof metal boxes or cans complying with Specification No. 32. Not more than eight reels (approximately 1,000 feet each) may be packed in one such outside container. (L) "Motion picture films may also be packed in outside wooden boxes com