The educational screen (c1922-c1956])

March, 1942 Page 113 SLIDES General Science 11 rolls ns _-_, Principles of Physics 7 rolls ao mm. Principles of Chemistry 8 rolls F I li HI Fundamentals of Biology 8 rolls Write for Folder and Free Sample Strip VISUAL SCIENCES, fi^\ Suffern, New York The written document which accompanied Bruce Fleshnian's fihn is a brief but concise 50-page explana- tion of the techniques and principles involved in the production of his film. It is divided into three main sections: (1) Planning the Film—in this section the author gives a detailed step-by-step description of how the theme or central idea was selected for the film, how the cooperating pupil group was selected, and how the producer, instructors, and class joined efforts to out- line the scenario. It also discusses the technical con- struction of the scenario, showing how the first syn- opsis was finally broken down into a shooting script. (2) Filming—a description of the equipment used, details concerning special problems in technique en- countered in shooting the film, and similar details. (3) Editing and Titling—a description of the tech- nique used in editing the film, and an explanation of how the wording of the titles was arrived at. In addition to these major sections, the written re- port includes an explanation of the way in which the film came to be produced, as well as suggestions for ways in which it can be used in the local community to the best advantage. Also included is the shooting script used in producing the film. Question Box on Production Important note for all camera users: Manufacturers o{ amateur film stock are beginning to feel the pinch of metals restriction, and are calling for the return of all 100-foot spools on which the processing laboratory re- turns your film. Instead of throwing these away as you used to do, return them to your camera store and help to insure a continued supply of movie film. 1. Are any of the national amateur film contests open to school-made films? Yes, all of the annual competitions for 8mm and 16mm films welcome school-made films on an equal basis with other amateur entries. One of these. The Annual Amateur Home Movies Contest, created a special division in its 1941 com- petition for school-produced films. It is expected that this special class will continue as a part of the 1942 contest. 2. What word allowance should be used in writing a nar- rator's script for a sound film? Most of the studios recommend a word allowance of approximately 144 words per minute of screen time, or 4 words per foot, for 16mm. film projected at sound speed (24 frames). This figure, quite naturally, will vary accord- ing to the type of film you are producing and the type of narration that will accompany it. The figure should be regarded only as a starting point from which to make revisions to suit your particular film. 3. Why are all discussions of school production in terms of 16mm? Why can't we use 8mm? The 8mm. camera has been used successfully by a number of schools in producing films, but only where the school definitely understands the limitations imposed by 8mm. production. Briefly, the more important of those limita- tions are: (1) There is less variety of film emulsions avail- PATRIOTIC Film Programs A series of nine programs in 16 mm. sound, averaging 4 reels each. Rental $6.00 per pro- gram or $5.50 per program if series is boolced. Here are some of the Programs: PROGRAM No. 1 Our Declaration of Independence 2 Reels Washington in Virginia I Reel Mt. Vernon | Reel PROGRAM No. 2 Our Constitution _ 2 Reels Jefferson & Monroe I Reel Color PROGRAM No. 3 Our Bill of Rights 2 Reels Territorial Expansion of U. S. 2 Reels PROGRAM No. 6 Our National Government I Reel American Way | Reel Story of Our Flag | Reel Presidents of U. S | Reel Streamlined Prices for MAJOR FEATURES Outstanding pictures are now available for rental at graduated rates commensurate with school requirements. SPOT CONTRACT ENROLLMENT RENTAL RENTAL Under 251 $12.50 SIO.OO 251-500 15.00 12.50 Over 500 17.50 15.00 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE SAVINGS! Send for Catalog of 2200 Enfertalnment and Educational Subjeets. SZmXZIEEBaQ SOUND ^JYJ^ SLENT QZ^IlBrDS 25 W. 45th St. Dept. E-3 New York able in 8mm, and virtually no high-speed emulsions to compare with Super-XX or Triple-S Super Pan in 16mm ; (2) The final product is not satisfactory for projection before audiences larger than 50-75 persons; (3) It is not yet possible to add a sound track to 8mm. Only when these limitations are known and appreciated should a school ever attempt production in 8mm. 4. Please give us some suggestions about starting work on our first public relations film. To the school starting out to produce its first public relations film, I say, in all sincerity: "Look around you and see what others are doing." Too many persons think they have discovered something new in their first film on "A Day In Podunk Schools". It is impossible for the inexperi- enced school to do too much investigating and planning before spending money on production. Borrow a few films from schools more experienced in production; study them for the applications they provide to your own situation. Plan a film that will limit itself to one area or one phase of the school program, then treat that intelligently. Plan a film that has a definite and worthwhile purpose. Good competent advice on the technical aspects of production can be found in book and magazine references.