Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1939)

MOVIE MAKERS 241 day best, be sure to use a diffusion screen. You will find that everybody in the scene will look better. When Sister has dressed for an evening party, get out your lights and plan a careful illumination arrangement. Ask her to step in front of the camera and film her through a medium diffusion filter. You will find that you have glamour at home, and Sister will have a new respect for your movie making ability. Practical films [Continued from page 224] ■ Before last November's balloting, an important part of the propaganda circulated by the Citizens' Road Association of Missouri, to secure an increase of one cent in the State gasoline tax, was the 800 foot, 16mm. sound film, Missouri's Highways. The proposition, promoted by the film but defeated by 40,000 votes, called for additional funds in order to construct or reconstruct city and rural roads in the interests of heavier traffic and public safety. Explained by the narrative accompaniment and illustrated symbolically by the motion pictures was a plentitude of statistics compiled to prove the need and efficacy of the increase in gasoline tax. The film was photographed by Edson Burch, ACL. of Jefferson City, Mo., and the commentator was Forrest Lord. It is estimated that, in the few weeks preceding November 8, over 25,000 saw the picture. Submerging a camera [Continued from page 217] bubbles were to be seen in the picture. Due to the difference in density between air and water, the focusing scale on the lenses did not work correctly. All lenses, of course, are calibrated for shooting in air, and, when we film under water, we must set the focusing scale for about two thirds of the actual distance from the camera to the subject. Thus, if the subject is fifteen feet from the camera, a setting of ten feet on the focusing scale is indicated. A range finder would give a correct lens setting, or a ground glass focusing camera could be used. If you shoot underwater swimmers in color, and want brilliant hues, be sure to take care in selecting the bathing suits to be worn by performers. The water gives a greenish cast to the scene, and the suits should be in bright colors other than green. Yellows and bright reds are effective. Flat lighting is especially important in color work, and sunlight is imperative for proper exposure and color contrast. Photographing in sea water presents a more difficult problem than that of filming through clear, fresh water. The camera should be close to the subjects MAKE YOUR "FAIR" PICTURES ^ff^ PICTURES ... be sure to take a WESTON along An album of Fair pictures will be treasured as years go by. Go prepared... properly equipped ...to bring back correctly exposed pictures of every scene worth keeping . . . the crowds, the buildings, the colored exhibits. Take a Weston Cine Exposure Meter with you. Then you can be sure, even if you have but one opportunity to shoot the Fair, that every shot you make will produce a perfect negative — a perfect transparency or print. WESTON'S correct viewing angle plus the accuracy and dependability of the Weston instrument and photo-cell, will insure a perfect picture record of your trip. See Westons at your dealer's, or write immediately for descriptive literature. Weston Electrical Instrument Corporation, 626 Frelinghuysen Avenue, Newark, New Jersey. Weston Cxposure Aleter How often have you said IF I COULD ONLY AFFORD SOUND! PRESTO MODEL M RECORDER Lets you blend voice, sound effects and music to be reproduced with your silent pictures. Two 12" turntables, operating at either 78 or 33 r 3 rpm., enable you to record and play records continuously without interruption. Recorder may also be used to record radio programs, or as a 5-watt public address system. Complete data on request YOU CAN With this new Presto Recorder you can add sound to pictures at remarkably low cost. Put life into silent films with music, sound effects, the voices of family and friends. Presto recording equals the best 16 mm. sound on film — yet it costs far less and the machine can be operated easily by anyone. Ask your dealer to write us and arrange for a free demonstration. PRESTO RECORDING CORP. Midwest: NORMAN-WILLETS SOUND PRODUCTIONS 20 North Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, ILL. 242 W. 55 St., New York, N.Y. Pacific Coast: NORMAN B. NEELY 5334 Hollywood Blvd., HOLLYWOOD, CAL.