71st Semiannual
Convention Excerpted
below are the convention introductory remarks by President Peter Mole, who
also introduced the principal speaker, Dr. W. R. G. Baker, General Electric
Vice-President and General Manager of its Electronics Div., Syracuse, N.Y.
Mr. Mole noted that Dr. Baker, known for his pioneering in radio and television,
has, among his numerous contributions to American industry, service as a
key President
Mole also welcomed Jimmy Frank as one who needs no introduction to old timers
of the Society. He spoke as Deputy Director of the Motion Picture and Photographic
Products Div. of the National Production Authority and his speech is excerpted
below. A lighter
part of the luncheon program was the appearance of Leon Ames, motion picture
actor then starring in Chicago's long-run stage performance of The Moon
Is Blue. He came to the luncheon through the kindly offices of George Colburn
to assure engineers in a whimsical fashion that even actors and engineers
can get along more and more agreeably as they increase their appreciation
of the other fellows' side of the business. Get-Together Luncheon Remarks by President Mole
The motion
picture industry need not wait r the institution of an extensive research
program, however, before further Progress can be made along technical lines.
A great deal can be done on a small scale. Each manufacturer of equipment,
each producer of motion pictures, and each exhibitor who possesses an engineering
or technical department can conduct his own development program. Young
engineers can be hired to bring new blood into an old organization, and
promising students can be employed during summer vacations. Many students
would be glad to take temporary jobs on a trial Other steps
which can be taken toward the same goal include the placing of development
contracts with commercial research organizations. Our Society serves to
coordinate those activities of the industry that relate directly to technical
standardization and interchangeability. it also conducts studies designed
to assist entire branches of the industry in learning more about their technical
operations. Through the Journal, published twelve times each year, it provides
a valuable source of technical data that helps in the orientation of engineers
just entering the field. These
are the means for steady substantial technical growth, and they are available
at nominal cost. By working
in concert with each other and with the men who manage the business of making
and using motion pictures for various purposes, our members provide an effective
and valuable service. For that reason the Society deserves the continued
active support of all related commercial interests, as well as its members.
Given
such backing, the Society will continue to function as a fountainhead of
the technical progress which underlies both service and profitable operation
in all branches of the motion picture and television industries.