Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1943)

263 Roll film developing drum can be adapted for developing cine titles be moved forward or backward or turned down out of the way. This device can be made at any good machine shop at a nominal cost if you do not have the tools or skill to make it. Since chrome is not available at this time, I had the mount silver plated." Be Careful One of the favorite tricks that used to be included in films of automobile travel was to place the camera on the ground between the car's wheels, push the trigger release and then run the car over the camera, after which the camera was stopped. In former days, this trick could be done very handily, since most of the cameras were rather flat, and most cars were built so that their bodies were high off the ground, thus leaving plenty of room beneath. Times have changed, however, and the newer types of cars are built with bodies near the ground. In fact, so low are some of them that they could very easily smash a camera to pieces when they run over it. If you plan to try any "stunt" like this, it would be wise to hold the camera upright beneath the car and to sight along the top of the camera, to see that no part of the car extends down far enough to cause damage. Short lengths From Jesse G Dean comes a suggestion for those movie makers who make their titles on positive film and process the title strips at home. Various makeshift methods have been employed to hold the film in place while it is in the developer, and there were a few kinds of apparatus on the market for this purpose. Since present conditions have made it more difficult to obtain metal containers, the "gadget" shown above may prove to be welcome to some readers. As can be seen in the illustration, the basis for the idea is a bakelite roll film home developing drum, which comes with a small tank or cylinder in which to pour the developer and in which to immerse the drum when the film has been adjusted on it. Since 16mm. movie film is narrower in width than is any common still camera roll film, the top disc, which fits on the center post, will not slide down far enough to fit the film snugly. Hence, it is necessary to use a file, to extend the groove on the center post to the required degree. It is also necessary to cut off the flange on the under side of the upper disc and to file the resultant rough edge smooth. This work is all that needs to be done to prepare the roll film developing unit for 16mm. The capacity of the reel will be found to be satisfactory for single titles or longer lengths of film, depending upon the diameter of the developing reel that you may obtain. Reels are available in a number of sizes. "Gadget" holder 0n a filming expedition, one generally keeps film supply, extra filters and lenses in the camera carrying case, which, for safety's sake or for some reason of convenience, may be placed at a distance from the camera setup. Then it is necessary for the movie maker to walk to the case whenever he wants to change filters or to get a new supply of film. To avoid wasting time, some movie makers carry extra rolls of film and accessories in their trouser pockets, but it is not a very wise practice, for there is always the danger that a valuable lens or filter might be scratched by a loose coin or key in a pocket. A special "movie maker's vest," with appropriate pockets, has been suggested to solve the problem, but a simpler solution has recently been made available. Since the war, a number of special utility belts, designed for soldiers, have been placed on the market. They are equipped with pockets for toilet articles and personal effects. They are ideal for the movie maker who wants to carry accessories with him, for the pockets are of several sizes, so that various items of equipment can be fitted into them. The belts are inexpensive, but they are made of durable cloth, and the pockets of some are equipped with buttoned flaps. Minor accessories could be permanently stored in such a belt, which could be rolled up and packed away when it is not in use. Misty mornings We have heard so much about the need for direct sunlight to get good color results that we have sometimes been led to believe that glaring brightness is the only desirable type of light. But, for real atmospheric beauty of line as well as of color, we commend to you some of the misty mornings that are characteristic of summer days. Near wooded glens or still pools of water, this drifting mist will provide you with some of your most interesting footage. The colors of the scenes will be subdued, and you will find the entire effect a welcome relief from the brilliance of most color shots. If you have somebody along with you who might be shown coming toward the camera through the fog or mist, you will be able to add tremendously to the mysterious effect, for the figure will seem to come from nowhere. Storage space A clothes closet will generally suffice as the storage place for a camera; but, when one acquires splicers, titlers, lights and a film supply, some orderly storage arrangement is helpful. Marjean Headapohl, ACL, has found that there are kitchen utility broom cabinets which are remarkably useful as cine storage cabinets. In fact, one might think that the broom cabinets were designed especially for cine equipment. If you cannot find one for sale, but know a friend who possesses one, you might well copy the dimensions and have your local carpenter make a duplicate of plywood. As can be seen in the diagram below, the broom and mop portion of the cabinet serves for the screen and tripod. Next to them is a place for the projector, and the shelves will hold the rest of the equipment in the manner illustrated. Film index Edward E. Doane, ACL, writes, "A few years ago, one of your correspondents described a method that he had developed to prevent him from showing the [Continued on page 272] Kitchen broom cabinet is adapted for storage of all cine equipment