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PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers is now a well-established organization. During the three years of its existence, notwithstanding the hard struggle which we have experienced during an exceedingly trying period, we have, at all times shown the spirit of progress which has resulted in a successful organization. The success with which we have met has not been due to individual efforts, but rather to the united efforts of our members.
I had hoped to be able to present some statistics of the Motion Picture Industry, in order that I could more strongly impress upon you the magnitude of the industry which your considerations and standardizations will ultimately affect. While no exact figures are available on films now produced in the United States, an estimate has been made that the production exceeds 1,000,000.000 feet, with a valuation of approximately $40,000,000.00, of which three-quarters covers photoplays, the other one-quarter being divided among travelogue, news service, comedy and industrial films. These figures cover only the films produced and do not cover the investment in studios, laboratories, factories, exchanges or theatres. Were we able to get an approximate financial estimate involving the Motion Picture Industry as a whole, we would be able to more thoroughly realize the burden we are called upon to assume.
The Society is the technical clearing house of the Motion Picture Industry. Our membership is composed of men who are each and every one expert in his own line and, because of this, we meet periodically for the purpose of discussing the various problems peculiar to the industry.
Motion pictures have rightfully been called the universal language. In the past, their use has been confined largely to entertainment, but at the present time there is a healthy natural tendency towards their use for educational and research purposes.
In view of the work which we are called upon to do, I do not believe that our Society is receiving the proper recognition from the industry. Just how this recognition can be acquired and what form it should take, I shall not now even venture specific suggestions, but I do realize that we should be in closer relationship with the leaders of the industry who mainly are responsible for its advancement because we are all aiming towards the same objective — that of producing better pictures by the most effective methods.
I again wish to impress upon you that our Committees are not sufficiently active. There does not seem to be sufficient co-operation and exchange of ideas. To take care of this situation, beginning with this meeting, we are going to set aside a definite period during our sessions when the chairman of each committee can get together with the members of his committee to prepare a report for presentation to the Society. This is indicated in the program of the meeting, copies of which you have, and to further assist, a list of the personnel of the various committees will be posted in the rear of this room.
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