British Kinematography (1953)

June, 1953 THE MAKING OF EDUCATIONAL FILMS 181 a motion picture. Many educational films show signs of having been over-supervised to meet the lowest common measure of agreement among the parties concerned. This is fatal to the making of teaching films ; but the claim which this paper makes for the freedom of the film technician presupposes that he justifies such confidence. He must keep abreast of the developing techniques of teaching ; he should see for himself how his films are being used by teachers and how the class responds to them. He must be recep tive to suggestion and advice while not necessarily always accepting the latter ; in which event he must display great diplomacy and tact. The most effective educational films are those made by the team work of skilled craftsmen inspired by a sense of the worthwhileness of their task and of its value in training the next generation to live full and satisfying lives. Excerpts were screened from a number of films to illustrate points made in the paper. NEW EQUIPMENT As in the case of technical papers, the Society is not responsible for manufacturers' statements, and publication of news items does not constitute an endorsement. CINEMA EMERGENCY LIGHTING Pritchett & Gold & E.P.S. Co. Ltd., famous for their emergency lighting systems in hospitals and scientific establishments, are probably less well-known for their similar installations in the entertainment world. The P. & G. glass-box, sealed top battery is a superb example of craftsmanship and certainly the easiest type to service. The company's catalogue of maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting will be of great interest to all Theatre Division members. Pritchett & Gold and E.P.S. Co. Ltd., 137 Victoria Street, London, S.W.I. MONITOR CATHODE-RAY TUBE The manufacturers of Emitron valves announce a small cathode-ray tube for incorporation into electronic circuits for wave-shape monitoring. In appearance not unlike a normal lock-in valve, it has a 1-inch diameter screen. The tube, known as ICPI, retails at only £1 17s. 6d., and will find many users in the sound recording field. Electronic Tubes, Ltd. Kingsmead Works, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. MAGNETIC RECORDING TAPES AND STRIPING SERVICE The Minnisota Mining & Manufacturing Co. Ltd., makers of " Scotch Boy " tape, now supply 35mm., 17.5mm., and 16mm. cellulose-acetate film with full width magnetic coatings inside the perforations. The company is also about to introduce a 16mm. Film Striping Service. A full width (0.10 ins.) coating, together with a balancing stripe will first be offered although a half-stripe service will be announced later. The charge is l^d. per foot, with a minimum charge of £2 per reel. Splice-free copies are advised. The Minnisota Mining & Manufacturing Co. Ltd. 167 Strand, London, W.C.2. POWER FACTOR AND WATTAGE UNIT A power factor and wattage unit has been designed for use with commercial A.C. supplies from below lOOv. to 450v. From readings taken with an AvoMeter used in association with the unit, power factor and A.C. power can be determined in single phase and balanced or unbalanced two or three phase circuits. One very great advantage of the unit is its ability to produce very low power readings unobtainable with the usual dynamometer wattmeter. Automatic Coil Winder & Electrical Equipment Co. Ltd. Winder House, Douglas Street, London, S.W.I.