Developments in Time-Saving Process Projection Equipment

The projection of a motion picture on a translucent screen for background purposes has become increasingly important in studio operations during the past ten years. Many shots now made through the use of this process would have been extremely costly and perhaps impossible if attempted by direct filming of the complete action. — The sharp rise in production costs during the past few years, coupled with the curtailment of foreign markets, demanded that every effort be expended to simplify production methods. — With this in view, Paramount Pictures embarked upon a complete modernization program of the Transparency department production equipment early in 1940. New compact projection units, bases for the projectors, rewind tables, screen frames, screen handling equipment, and light-bridges were designed and built. This equipment has immeasurably simplified operations as well as improved quality beyond levels heretofore achieved. — Descriptions of this equipment are presented, with emphasis upon a comparison of the new with the old. The success of the equipment can be attributed largely to standardization of component parts. Complete interchangeability of essential units, coupled with easy access to critical points, has gone far toward eliminating lost time and motion in meeting unexpected emergencies.

Print ISSN

0097-5834

Published

1942-10

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J14304