General Information

Serial #

N/A

Part Number

1

Total Parts

1

AKA

N/A

Patents

N/A

General Description

Metal tape splicer.

Dimensions

Note: These reflect the general size for storage and are not necessarily representative of the object's true dimensions.

Length

21.0 cm

Width

11.5 cm

Height

6.5 cm

Thickness

N/A

Weight

N/A

Diameter

N/A

Volume

N/A

Lexicon

Group

Communications

Category

Sound

Sub-Category

N/A

Manufacturer

AKA

Cinetrim

Country

Canada

State/Province

Quebec

City

Dorval

Context

Country

Canada

State/Province

Unknown

Period

Unknown

Canada

For decades after its founding in 1941 the National Film Board was Canada’s largest centre for the production of films, the training of filmmakers, and the development of new film technology. Unlike the CBC, much of whose production was broadcast live, recorded on video tape, purchased from other sources, or limited to ephemeral news films, the NFB was dedicated to the production of original films for exhibition largely in the film medium. Due to its freedom from commercial pressures, its large permanent staff and its possession of its own studios and laboratories, the NFB was able to maintain high technical standards and encourage technical and stylistic innovation by its staff. From the early 1950s through the early 1960s, the National Film Board enjoyed a "golden age" with a string of award-winning documentaries and innovative animated films. Expo 67 and the NFB's showcase Labyrinth pavilion marked the apogee of the institution's political and financial fortunes. By the end of the 1960s, however, there was growing public and political disenchantment with the NFB over unsuccessful forays into feature films, a number of controversial documentaries and a decline in its output of educational and sponsored factual films. Over the next two decades, the federal government promoted the development of a commercial film industry by taking away the NFB's lucrative sponsored work (done for government departments) and providing grants and tax incentives for privately produced feature films. Henceforth the Board would increasingly limit itself to research and experimentation, the training of young filmmakers, and provision of technical and distribution services for independent producers. Board staff produced a steady supply of award-winning documentaries, dramas and animated films through the 1970s and 1980s, yet its role within the Canadian film landscape was steadily diminishing. In the last two decades, it has sharpened its focus on “social issue documentaries, auteur animation and alternative dramas” and has brought its distribution system into the digital age. Increasingly, its films are realized through a diverse range of community-based projects, programs for emerging filmmakers, and joint productions with independent producers and directors.

Function

Device used to trim, prepare and clamp audio tape or film for tape splice.

Technical

This unit is for cutting and splicing 35mm film. It is specifically designed for magnetic audio film, a medium onto which original tapes are generally transferred prior to editing and synchronization. This splicer is able to make right angle and diagonal cuts. On monophonic recordings the diagonal cut creates a fade/dissolve effect, eliminating any audible click in the final audio output. Diagonal cuts are not possible on stereo tracks, for which the right angle cut is the only option. This splicer was designed by Fritz Lewertoff and made in Montreal by Cinetrim Inc. Further research will be required to determine if it embodies the principles outlined in Lewertoff’s 1990 Canadian patent application, PA 2010259.

Area Notes

Unknown

Details

Markings

Printed on proper front: "CINETRIM TM"/ Printed on bottom: "CINETRIM INC./ 513 GRAHAM BLVD./ DORVAL, QUEBEC/ CANADA H9P 2B2/ TEL. (514) 631-1267/ FAX (514) 631-9866/ MODEL SP35MM-/ SERIAL No./ PAT. PENDING"

Missing

Appears complete

Finish

Predominantly black splicer with white markings and top and silver-coloured metal knobs.

Decoration

N/A