Business screen magazine (1944)

f the many reproducible media of ommunication. the motion picture, jiything less than a full exploitation f motion in training film work is a isser\ice to the iiutructional motion iciure screen. This is not to say that II motion should be gross, violent or ontinuous. It is not to say, either, that lotion should be exploited at the ex , cnse of all other considerations but I ather that its nature be understood in i rder that it may be used adroitly. Its I Linction in the instructional picture is mphasized because the training film oes not always pro\ide the opportu ' it\' for surcharging the screen with ' Iramatic, psychological implications hai also keep a viewers attention on he screen. In the theatrical film, psyhological preoccupation with the un I olding drama often takes the place of ivert \i5ible motion. However, the intructional screen must rely more heavly on visible motion. Since it is the ubsiancc of the motion picture, it nust be serv'ed by the camera, by the rtiiten, and subsequently spoken word, ind by sound and graphics. A training film script or scenario is iic first tangible expression of the raining ideology and film technolog\' EC be employed in the construction of i i training film. Writing for the train | ing film art is not a casual task for this s the stage which determines the baac excellence of the completed film. Proficiencv' in this t>-pe of wTiting prenipposes a thorough grounding in the psychology' of learning as well as a thorough, competent knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of the medium. Scripting is the stage in which both the ideolog\ and the technology of the art are committed; the stage in which the conception of the finished film takes place. The legitimacy or illegitimacy of the resulting issue will def>end lo a sreat degree upon the pedigree of the ideolog\ and technolog>' brought together in and gi\en direction by the script. However, the midwives — camera, sound and graphics — must be competent if a still-film is lo be avoided. .\ training film becomes an example of the training film art at its best when the blendine of the art of instruction and the art of the screen has been competent and skillful. The primary power of the screen lies in its ability to maintain attention and interest visually. The logic of the training film an is simply that the burden of instruction lies on the eye rather than the ear. Kp^t'ial .\d\ nni.'iu<'<* *»( >avy Training FilniN ♦ Training filin> < an hrini; many experiences to the men in Xaiy classrooms ... in countless subjects, the film re-enacts movement; anaU-zcs functions; adds natural sound lo the action or object; appeals lo the emotions; and portrays lifelike situations. These characteristics enable cvcrj.' man lo have a front seal in NavT experience. — More Learning tn Less Time CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UNITED STATES NAVY! Congratulations to the U.S. Navy on the fine success of its Training Film Programl We are grateful that we have been privileged to make available to this program our facilities and 32 years' experience in Educational and Training Film production. It has been our good fortune, also, to produce a large number of Training Film Units for the U.S. Office of Education's extensive program of Visual Training Aids. We are proud that we were the first producer to complete its quota of these units. We are, also, proud that when the War Department lowered the minimum age limit for enlistment in the flying services to eighteen years, we had ready our own series of Pre-flight Training Films for use. not only by the Navy, but, also, in thousands of High Schools and training stations, saving weeks of vital training time. BRAY STX'DIOS originated the Animated Cartoon Processes, the Animated Technical Drawing, the Film Slide Type Projector and film, and made the first training films used by any Army. VISION, ORIGINALITY', COMPLETE FACILITIES, LONG EXPERIENCE — VITAL REQIIREMENTS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MOTION PICTURES THAT GET RESULT.^. THE BRAY STUDIOS, INC. 729 Seventh Avenne • New York, New York A REPORT ON NAVY TRAINING FILMS lo: