Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1953)

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MOVIE MAKERS 297 M IN HONOR OF n Is a friend or fellow worker retiring after years of faithful service? Add a movie of him to other honors tendered SHE was a lovable old lady. For years she had been directing the arts and crafts activities of one of New York's well known churches. Now she was to retire. And her colleagues and students had gathered in the church assembly hall to do her honor. There were, first, the customary and well deserved tributes, phrased with sincerity and spoken with affection. Then came the surprise of the evening. A screen was lowered; the lights were dimmed. And, in beautifully exposed color movies, the guest of honor was seen engrossed in the very work through which she had won fame. At last, as the finale showed striking closeups of her, there was a deafening thunder of applause. Old Mrs. G. was as delighted as she was surprised. Little did she dream weeks earlier that the students who were "practicing" with their movie cameras on her were seriously at work producing the very film which was to honor her upon her retirement. This same system can be worked out effectively whenever plans are afoot to honor some individual. Promotions, transfers, the commemoration of outstanding services, all provide opportunities for making the event still more memorable through the screening of a film made especially for the occasion. The production of such a picture can best be illustrated by a hypothetical case. The manager of an office is being transferred to a position of greater responsibility in another city. He is well liked by his associates. His home life is a happy one. He is an enthusiastic golfer and an expert fisherman. His colleagues have learned of this promotion, effective at the end of three months, and they are, unknown to him, planning a farewell dinner in his honor. One of his associates, an avid movie maker, suggests to the dinner committee that a picture be made of the guest of honor for screening at the dinner. The idea meets with unanimous and immediate approval. To be sure, this amateur cinematographer may have to resort to artifice to gain the cooperation of his subject. He might say that he has just acquired a new lens and would like to do some test shooting. He might explain further that the varied interests of Mr. S. (as we shall call him) lend themselves well to movie making possibilities. And. as you know, it is a rare person indeed who does not enjoy his picture taken! SIDNEY MORITZ, ACL The filmer must now get to work in earnest. He must plan the picture, decide upon its length, its theme and how that theme is to be developed. Since there are to be the usual farewell speeches, testimonials and the presentation of a gift, the movie will have to be a short one. The committee has authorized the production of a twelve minute film. So the movie maker decides to divide the picture into four parts of three minutes each. It will depict Mr. S. as the family man, the golfer, the fisherman and, finally, as the man of business. Naturally, in these short sequences, only the highlights can be stressed and liberal use must be made of the closeup. These restrictions, however, are all to the film's benefit. The opening sequence might be a long shot of Mr. S.'s home. His family is enjoying a typical Saturday afternoon of relaxation on the porch. The camera is brought closer to the scene. Mr. S. is playing checkers with his 11 year old son as his wife and 13 year old daughter look on. Reaction shots of son, daughter and mother watching intently should be recorded. Closeups should now dominate, as the hands move the checkers from one position to another. Then Dad studies the board with increased absorption. He finally makes the move which brings him a sweeping victory. This episode fades out on a closeup of Mr. S.'s face beaming with joy. The next sequence finds him on the golf course seeking new laurels, where a long shot establishes the new locale. He and a few friends are in the midst of the game, as the camera moves closer and closer to them. Capture the determined expressions on S.'s face as he puts forth every effort to play a masterly game. Follow the ball as it unfailingly rolls into the hole. Here is a fine opportunity for creative faking at its best. For you will have the ball rolled into the hole by an assistant whose hands do not appear within the camera field. With each successive shot, record in closeup the expressions of amazement of those watching him play. Then end this sequence with Dad receiving his trophy in the midst of his admiring family. The fishing episode is to feature the guest of honor at his favorite sport. The sequencing technique previously outlined should be followed, and more creative faking will be in order. 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