British ingenuity and invention has produced a further revolution in
film production, reducing cost and minimizing fire risks. The inventor
of this innovation in paper photoplay is Mr. Martin Harper, of London,
who also has the credit to his name of producing the “Extralite”
flickerless shutter. The commercial samples have been described as
“everything the inventor claims for them.”
These paper films will not blacken or singe, which claim has been
proved by subjecting them to the excessive heat generated by the
projector, and they are absolutely non-inflammable. There is also an
additional value to these films, when shown on the screen: they produce
wonderful pictures, soft in tone, with more body than the celluloid
films. These films will withstand wear and tear, the “jumping” of the
film caused by vibration due to a well-worn film will be eliminated.
Other advantages derived from the appearance of the paper film are that
the cost of production is claimed to be only one-tenth of the celluloid
film. Lighting cost of projection is reduced by one-third, and the
price of the projector, which is simple in construction in comparison
with the complicated lens system, costs considerably less.
The outcome is obvious, and there is every possibility of the film
and the projector being introduced into the home for amusement and
entertainment during family gatherings at a Christmas treat, etc. Some
people have actually had films prepared of the gambols of their own
children, which in later years will be shown to them as “what they used
to be in childhood.” This idea will undoubtedly grow now that the paper
film has appeared and proved its durability.
Paper films will affect a whole number of concerns. Cinema-operating
rooms need not be asbestos-lined to conform with fire-insurance
policies; cost of construction will be easier and cheaper, and
insurance rates will be lower. The operator also will be relieved of
that ceaseless vigilance so necessary with a celluloid film.
The existing bye-laws now governing film exhibitions under the
Cinematograph Act will be questioned. This Act only covers celluloid
films; these printed paper slips are neither films nor celluloid.
All this reduced cost of purchase and maintenance will commend
itself to private enterprises and manufacturers generally. Greater
possibilities are foreshadowed in being able to demonstrate the
efficiency of their finished articles.
The general use of the cinema in the schools has been “tabooed” in some
quarters on account of the fire possibilities. This difficulty has now
been overcome, so that one may see in the near future this voiceless
teacher working and instructing the scholars.
Much more could have been said dealing with technicalities--such as
the construction of the camera, editing, acting, trick photography and
supposed realities; spirit photographs, cartoons becoming animated with
life, and moving sculpture--but these must be left to the imaginative
mind of the critic.