World Film and Television Progress (1937-1938)

(Club Neivs — continued) METEOR FILM PRODUCING SOCIETY: Membership Secretary, Miss Peggy L. Clark, 1 5 North Gardner Street, Glasgow, W.l. Programme Secretary, Ian S. Ross, Esq., 80 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, C.l. The Society is producing a film at the request of the Scottish Church Film Guild. The scenario has been specially written for the Guild by the Scots author, Angus MacVicar. The Society has been corresponding over a considerable period with H.M. Customs and Excise, who have been demanding payment of entertainment duty on shows held in the studio since the inception of the Society. As these shows were purely for the instruction of members, and generally consisted of shots from films which members had in production, or of films made by the Society, the Council of the Meteor Society considers that the question is of importance to the whole amateur cine movement. After much discussion, H.M. Customs and Excise completely abandoned their claims — a matter which should be of interest to everyone engaged in amateur production. WEST MIDDLESEX AMATEUR CINE CLUB: Hon. Secretary, Eric H. Whittleton, Esq., 39 Derwentwater Road, Acton, W.3. The Club is now preparing its 1937-38 programme. A 9.5 mm. film will be produced when the present production, It Cant Happen Here, is completed. The latter film has resulted in some excellent shots, which will repay the energy spent in erecting various indoor sets, including a night club, snack bar and book shop. Holiday time finds members departing to all parts of Great Britain and Europe. They will, needless to say, spend some considerable time shooting whilst on tour, and judging by the discussions that have taken place, some original ideas on "holiday scripts" will be forthcoming. A visit to a film studio is being arranged, when special attention will be paid to the sound recording outfits used. The last Club film Fame (16 mm.), has been shown to many amateur societies, and generally commended. WIMBLEDON CINE CLUB: Hon. Secretary, C. W. Watkins, Esq., 79 Mostyn Road, Merton Park, S.W.19. A most successful two days showing of the film of local Coronation festivities was given in the Wimbledon Town Hall on June 30th and July 1st. The film was shown continuously from 8 p.m. on both evenings, and proceeds are being given to the Mayor's Benevolent Fund. The Mayor, at a private presentation of the film, expressed his great pleasure at the result, and has decided to present a copy to the John Evelyn Club for historical purposes. Members of the Wimbledon Club visited the Royal Photographic Society recently, when the first meeting of the newly-formed Federation of Cinematograph Societies was held. The meeting was well attended — an excellent sign of the support this new movement is likely to receive. MERSEYSIDE FILM UNIT: The Secretaryship of the Society was erroneously credited to Mr. Cyril Ray in our July issue. Miss Muriel Bird is the Secretary, and her address is 5/6 Bluecoat Chambers, School Lane, Liverpool, 1. FILMING BRITAIN-Article No. 4 Outlines to assist Amateiirs entering the B.AoS.C, Contest rn Spice TO help all Amateurs to have a clear idea of what kind of films are wanted for the Amateur Services Club contests, I shall outline here some suggestions on all four subjects. HOME PLANNING HYGIENE ARCHITECTURE SCOTTISH YOUTH HOSTELS HOME PLANNING Films showing how a family might convert an old-fashioned home into a modern one, with some labour and not too much money; taking any home and showing how it could be made a more pleasant one, a more convenient place for the housewife and a more convenient place for the whole family — including father. OR, films about a housewife, working out for herself how she could plan out her whole week to better advantage, have more leisure time and not get so tired, if certain things were done, etc. There are many points of view from which the film could be shot ; the mother's, perhaps, trying to convince the men of the house that certain changes are necessary or trying to get them to remember that she is only five foot-two and that An Amateur Documentary Film Panel, which will act as intermediary between amateurs and public service organisations who wish 16 mm. films made, has been appointed by the British Film Institute and the Royal Photographic Society. It will work in close association with the Amateur Services Club, and it is hoped that the existence of a body prepared to act as intermediary between those who provide the subject matter and those who produce the film will stimulate the production of films along social service lines. It is planned to circulate and preserve selected films through the medium of the National Film Library, which is associated with the British Film Institute. The cooperation of professional film interests has been secured, and representatives from the Associated Realist Film Producers, the Association of Cine-Technicians, and the British Sub-standard Association have accepted invitations to sit on the panel. Amateur workers or societies who wish to be included in the Panel's register should write to : The Secretary, The Amateur Documentary Film Panel, the British Film Institute, 4 Great Russell Street, London, W.C.I. the shelf must be a little lower than father's chin if she is to reach it with any ease. There could be a good deal of fun worked into the film and it should be a pleasant family affair. These are only suggestions and should not be taken as the beginning and end of subjects. I should like to see some background to the film with locations in a village, town, or city, and the family introduced and set against that background so that the audience really feels they have become acquainted with the people. NOTE. — If anybody wants a few suggestions about things to remember in kitchen planning, etc. I shall be glad to send them along. HYGIENE Main emphasis on cleanliness and proper feeding. Here the film may be set in a home, hospital, creche, district, etc., emphasising the need for wise feeding, balanced meals, preparation of fresh vegetables, etc., serving of meals, and use of plenty of hot water to combat the grime that settles down from city chimneys. Here the film can be either a piece of journalism outlining the story as the film-maker sees it, or a human approach through people who plan improved conditions. ARCHITECTURE The main thing to avoid here is a picture composed entirely of stills, particularly if the film is a silent one. The films might deal with the architects themselves and their work ; the relationship of housing to family life ; the story of modern architecture ; town planning, etc. SCOTTISH YOUTH HOSTELS Here there is the opportunity of showing not only how cheap accommodation permits great freedom of travel for students, but also the strong link with historical times that exists in Scotland to-day. One particular section of country could be dealt with, but here again an intimate knowledge of its history and associations should be acquired before scripting. The Scots student might for example select the exact route of Prince Charlie on his long chase over the hills. But, no doubt, Scots students know more about this than I do and I can only suggest what I, as an outsider, would like to see filmed. Of course, it must be borne in mind that the film subjects are in no way limited to the above examples, for the AMATEUR si ryk is club's main purpose is to discover fresh ideas and points of view. For full details of the Club's Contest write to Miss Evelyn Spice, Oxford House, 9-15 Oxford Street, London, W.l. 45