Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1949)

381 BREAK IT UP! SIDNEY MORITZ, ACL THIS is, the sociologists tell us, the age of specialization. No longer can one man hope to be fully informed lor perhaps even interested) in every activity which goes on around him in our complex world. He specializes in his work, and in his training for that work. Perhaps somewhat the same thing is taking place even in our hobby of amateur movies. Certain it is that such a specialization of interest is to be found today among the members of any urban amateur movie club. Some want to see pictures, others want to hear lectures. A few may wish to film together, the many wish to work free-lance. The alert amateur movie club, acting through its program committee, must keep these divergent preferences in mind. It must, as far as is possible, provide something for everybody. INTERESTS DETERMINE DEMANDS To estimate intelligently the needs of movie club members, it is well to consider the reasons which prompted them to join a club. Briefly, and not necessarily in order, they may be enumerated as follows: 1. To learn the fundamentals of movie making. 2. To improve their techniques. 3. To screen their films for constructive criticism. 4. To present their pictures publicly in the club and elsewhere. 5. To observe the results other beginners are getting. 6. To see the very best in non-theatrical filming. 7. To keep abreast of new techniques and of new equipment. 8. To enjoy social contacts in the pursuit of their hobby. NOT ONE FOR ALL It is obvious that only a few members are likely to be interested in all of the phases of membership activity. It is also recognized that some of them make movies, others find pleasure only in viewing them, while still others are primarily gadgeteers or technicians. It is likewise apparent that the reading of minutes, the passing of resolutions and parliamentary discussions in general are invariably most unpopular. DIVIDE AND CONQUER The Metropolitan Motion Picture Club, in New York City, with which I have been associated for nearly twenty years, has solved this problem by providing for a high degree of departmentalizing of its various functions. Its board of directors determines policies and sets up a plan of operation for the coming season or seasons. The gatherings of this group are informal. Parliamentary procedure is followed only where absolutely necessary to assure legality of the actions taken. The meetings are brief but conducted so capably that much is accomplished by quiet discussion within a short space of time. J. C Vogel, ACL INFORMAL GATHERINGS, held alternately with a club's regular meetings, are ideal for demonstrations of varied techniques. PARTIES AND PICTURES During the year an occasional party, as at Christmas, or a special dinner at the end of the club season, serves to bring the members together for a wholly social function. Once a year at the club's Gala Night, a special presentation of local, national and international award winning films takes place. This screening (in a 700 seat theatre) is often hailed as the year's outstanding show in the world of amateur movie making. The house is invariably .sold out well in advance of the performance. MEETINGS-REGULAR AND SPECIAL The club's principal meetings (which most of the several hundred members attend) are held once a month. Programs at these gatherings consist solely of screenings of the very best films produced either by members of the club or by guests invited because of the excellence of their films. There are no discussions, demonstrations or lectures at these get-togethers. The programs, which begin on time, are well balanced and must measure up to the very exacting standards of showmanship set up by the board of directors. But the activities thus far outlined do not answer all of the interests previously mentioned. To meet this need, supplementary meetings (held in bi-weeklv alternation with regular meetings) are scheduled once a month from October through May. These are informal gatherings, attended only by those specifically interested in the subject up for discussion or demonstration. These subjects (during a season) are aimed to cover all phases of movie making — such as care and use of cameras and equipment, editing, titling, scoring, writing narration, continuity, family and wedding pictures, documentaries, scenics, travelogs, film stories and other topics which may be suggested or requested. Competent [Continued on page 390] Specialization, says this experienced movie club executive, provides the secret of program success — something for everybody