Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1949)

38 JANUARY 1949 GOOD RESOLUTIONS ELSEWHERE in this issue (in an article entitled That Christinas Camera!) there is a discussion addressed to the beginning filmer — specifically, to that lucky man who has just received a movie camera for Christmas. The article is, in a sense, a resume of good resolutions, presumably a widely distributed product at this season of the year. The new filmer, for example, is asked to adhere to the following picture making practices: ( 1 ) to take his time; (2) to read — and believe in — his camera instruction manual; (3) to practice the simple procedures of camera handling and operation; (4) to keep, for a time at least, written records of each picture setup for study and correction; (5) to master thoroughly one item of equipment before he goes on to another, perhaps more advanced; (6) to realize that expense does not necessarily make excellence, and to admit, candidly, that the man behind the camera counts as well; (7) to meet, if possible, with other movie makers, to see their work and to compare it honestly with his own, until, almost without knowing it, he begins to develop sound standards of cinematic judgment. These are, we believe, reasonable and good resolutions for the new filmer at the dawn of his New Year with his new hobby. They are not, however, the only resolutions which might be made at this season. Nor are new filmers the only amateurs who might, with pictorial profit to all hands, say "I resolve . . ." For the old filmer as well, perhaps a stocktaking of his cinematic conscience may be rewarding. Of him we might ask the following resolutions: (1) I will abandon random filming and will make no more pictures without a plan; (2) I will edit all of my footage immediately, trying to do it creatively as well as mechanically; (3) I will, in this editing, seek to cut for pace, retaining no longer dramatically excess footage simply because it is technically competent; (4) I will avoid the obvious and seek out the imaginative in my title writing, and I will screen no film publicly until it is titled ; ( 5 ) I will, above all else, be on guard against freezing my movie methods into a single pattern. I will be eager for new approaches and alert to the accomplishments of others, so that, to the ultimate of my ability, my films shall be a true and vital expression of my own spirit. THE AMATEUR CINEMA LEAGUE, inc. Founded in 1926 by Hiram Percy Maxim DIRECTORS John V. Hansen, President Ethelbert Warfield, Treasurer C. R. Dooley, Vice President Roy W. Winton, Managing Director Mrs. L. S. Galvin H. Earl Hoover Harold E. B. Speight Philip N. Thevenet Stephen F. Voorhees The Amateur Cinema League, Inc., sole owner and publisher of MOVIE MAKERS, is an international organization of filmers. The League offers its members help in planning and making movies. It aids movie clubs and maintains for them a film exchange. It has various special services and publications for members. Your membership is invited. Five dollars a year. AMATEUR CINEMA LEAGUE, Inc.. 420 LEXINGTON AVE., NEW YORK 17, N. Y., U. S. A. retail buildings. Absence of smoke, fog or dust accounts for the clean appearance of streets and buildings. MIAMI BEACH Travel east over any of the three causeways from Miami to reach Miami Beach. -Although a separate city with its own municipal government, it is also a part of Greater Miami. Miles of fabulous resort hotels with the most luxurious appointments, private beaches, swimming pools and every convenience for the snow-weary visitor will tempt your color-loaded camera. Ocean front estates stagger the imagination with their lavish appointments — and each with the Atlantic Ocean right at its front door. Other estates located on the Bay Islands can best be seen from the little sightseeing boats, since their front yards overlook the water. Guides are always willing to assist the movie maker with Miggestions and special maneuvering of the boat to make unusual -hot possible. Lincoln Road on Miami Beach is the Fifth Avenue of the resort South and a favorite of the visiting photographer. Here lines of smart shops display the same fashions as one finds in the stores of the same name in New York or Chicago. CORAL GABLES The Gables is an example of a planned city and joins Miami on the southwest. It was developed as a unit in 1926, and its beautiful streets, homes, commercial buildings and parks all seem to belong in this setting. Even the colors of awnings at one time were regulated by the city to guard against a discordant note in the city plan. Venetian Pool is world famous and a favorite of movie makers. In keeping with the planning program, it, too, keeps the natural beauty of the coral rock from which it was carved. The University of Miami campus is in Coral Gables and is one of the most unique in the world; for it, too, was carefully planned as a unit. Its functional design features classrooms with walls of glass, a student union building built over a lagoon, the waters of which are a bright cobalt blue. Decorators have taken a tip from the riotous color of the surrounding landscape, and you will just have to let your film budget be your guide when you get your first glimpse of it. The opportunities for the cameracarrying visitor in Miami are limited only by the imagination and the physical endurance of the movie maker. Whether you shoot action or scenery, whether you go adventuring among the romantic islands of Biscayne Bay or just relax on a lazy sun-drenched beach, you'll find a warm, warm welcome to Miami this year. THE MOVIE CLUBS On the second Monday of each month, the Miami Movie Makers will welcome you to their meetings. The location of our meeting place varies, so call the Miami Chamber of Commerce and they will direct you. We hope to see you there— and to help you further with your Miami filming.