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The Glasgow School of Art Kinecraft Society
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Dates of existence
c1920s-1930s
History
The Kinecraft Society at the Glasgow School of Art (GSAKS) was formed in 1933. They were very inventive with their films due to low budgets. Some of their inventive stylistic choices included superimpositions, dissolves, and bisected frames. The Glasgow School of Art Film Group or Kinecraft Group would often meet in Willie MacLean’s room while experimenting in cinematography and discussing recent politics news. This was during the time of silent films where special music and sounds were often later recorded over top.
Both Norman McLaren and Helen Biggar were members of GSAKS. The two individuals had shared interests in left wing politics and worked together on various films. Once Norman had met Mr. Brodie at Collet’s Bookstore in Glasgow who was an agent for the distribution of left-wing films, he and Helen joined the Kino Film Group shortly after. Helen was elected the president of the Kino Group in May of 1937. Norman’s first film was in 1933 at age 19 where he made a film titled “Seven till Five,” which depicts any average day for a GSA student in 1933. It showcases various different arts such as screen printing, pottery, drawing, sewing, dying, modelling, calligraphy, metalwork, and carving. Norman’s second film and the first that Helen worked on came out in 1935 and was titled “Camera Makes Whoopee.” Helen made most of the decor and costumes herself. It took nine months to make.
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Sources
• National Library of Scotland: https://movingimage.nls.uk/search?personality=10055
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_McLaren
• Shepherd, Anna, Helen Unlimited: A Little Biggar