CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13622, 5 January 1910, Page 3

CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS.

HOW PICTURES ARE OBTAINED. In a conversation with Mr Franklyn Barrett, who is representing Pathe Frerc. in New Zealand, a member of the staff of "The Press" obtained some interesting information. There are in connection with tho head establishment of Pathe Freres in Paris thirty-one collecting branches, which have been established in those parts of the world where special scenic or nature pictures aro available. Before locating an Australasian branch, a pioneer expedition was sent out via the Phillippine Islands, the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, etc., and on to Sydney, taking cinematograph pictures of all likely scenic bits en route. This was in charge of M. Suttro, now head of the Australasian branch, in whose 'sphere of operations the Islands are included. A number of Australian pictures were secured, and then M. Suttro returned to Paris to report progress. On 'his report the Australasian branch was established. This will give an idea of the system upon which different countries are covered for cinematograph purposes. The managers of the different branches arrange for their operators to proceed to certain portions of the country, in which they are to procure pictures at the season which is best suited for the work. The selection of the-exact subjects is left to the discretion of the operator, the only condition being that they must bo scenic or reproductions of native customs, dances, etc. The operators for the firm aro, therefore, scattered all over the world, their exact location being known at tho head office at Paris. In case of any great outbreak or calamity, such as a terrible earthquake- happening anywhere in the world, the operator nearest the scene of action has "to make his way there as speediiv as oossible, on receipt of cable instructions" even going as far as to hire a snecial steamer, if necessary. With reference to the Australasian branch, any films taken, say, in New Zealand, which can reach Melbourne within two weeks of the time of being taken, are sent there for development, test slips of each being kept by the operator. If the operator is more than two weeks' distance from headquarters, he uses his own developing plant. The negatives, after being passed by the Melbourne manager, are forwarded to Paris at the earliest opportunity. On arriving in Paris another examination is made by M. Charles Path., head of the firm, who finally decides what portion shall be used, and in what manner the pictures shall be compassed for exhibition. After passing M. Charles Pathe, tho negatives again go into the hands of an examiner, who gives instructions a3 to the fir.ishirj processes. Tho employees of tho firm number 6000, of whom 3000 are located in Paris, where there is really a Pathe village. for subjects of pictures are invited, and lumbers of dramatists and others make sketches and playlets which are afterward- enacted by specially selected actors and actresses, either indoors in the immense glass theatre of the firm or outside at some spot selected .«o as to be in accord with the .--tory. "The cinematograph," said Mr Barrett, "besides remaining one of the most popular sources of entertainment, wiU, in my opinion, find its greatest utility in the future in assisting science. A series of films shewing the microbe of sleeping sickness greatly magnified have been secured, and films of some of the microbes in the blood. These are now on their way to Melbourne, to the chairman of the Public Board of Health. Then the cinematojrraplt has a _;reat mission in the direction of education, and I look forward to seeing every school equipped with an apparatus, because it i.s possible to teach children by means of cinematography more than any other way. In surgery, too. we have taken a number of pictures showing the methods of- different operations, which are highly educative to students of surgery."