The stock of negative film consisted of Orthochromatic film that was unsuitable for the red part of the spectrum. The actors required pale yellow makeup applied with a heavy hand. Cameramen were reluctant to use the newly introduced Panchromatic film by Kodak, but soon realized its advantages. The superior tonal separation and the inherent ability to photograph reds and blacks differently convinced them.

Cameras themselves were of the hand-cranked kind, and the cameraman could therefore adjust the speed of the camera according to the action. Motorized cameras arrived with the introduction of sound.

Developing and drying of the film was a laborious task - a rack frame with the film wrapped round it was placed in a large developing tray. The tray contained developing solution. Large wooden drums - again, hand-turned - were used to dry the film!

In the Thirties, sound films required sound-proof studios, sound-recording equipment, artificial lighting became common-place and the total led to specialization in practically every area.

So Many Cinemas
Author - B.D. Garga
Publishers - Eminence Designs Private Limited.

Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema.
Author -Ashish Rajadhyaksha and Paul Willemen
Publishers -Oxford University Press.

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