The educational screen (c1922-c1956])

September, 1943 Page 235 Promoting Best Use of Films Those who were distributing war information films played a major role in promoting and developing the best use of the films they were distributing. Through announcements, pamphlets, and bulletins, prepared and printed at their own expense, they saw to it that groups they regularly served and groups that had never before thought of using motion pictures knew of the war information films that had been made available. Through nersonal contacts and through their normal channels for helping film users to plan programs they continu- ouslv and svstematically widened the audience for OW'l films. ' Supplementing the activities of the distributors were those carried on by the Washington office, the Bureau's two Field Advisors, and the OWI regional and branch officers. OWI Information Officers, in fifty-two re- gional and branch offices, all became a source of in- A still from the OWI film, "It's Everybody's War." formation about film availability. Many took the initia- tive in setting up special community preview showings of OWI films to key leaders in the larger cities thus providing an opportunity for them to see the kinds of films available and to discuss ways to make best use of these materials. Originally plans had been made for four regional Field Advisors directly assigned to the Educational Division of the Bureau of Motion Pictures. Appro- priation limitations permitted the appointment of only two. The activities of these two advisors, working out of Chicago and Dallas. Texas, were supplemented by field trips of tiie Head of the Division and other members of the Bureau's stafT. Field activities were carried on in thirty-four states —from Washington to Florida and from Massachu- setts to California. Field activities provided direct con- tacts with film distributors, and leaders of organiza- tions and citizen groups using the films, resulting in better organization and a more systematic use of war information films and a greater understanding of the program. It also provided the Washington office with a direct and reliable source of information about the effectiveness of the program and with criticisms and constructive suggestions based upon actual experience which provided a guide for constant improvement of methods and procedures. More specifically, the.se were some of the activities and accomplishments of the field program: More than ISO OWI film distributors were called upon one or more times during the year and assistance given to bring about most eflfective film distribution. More than thirty preview showings of OWI films for com- munity leaders were planned and carried out in the larger cities. Many calls and investigations were made of potential film distributing organizations. These resulted in some cases in the appointment of new distributors. Conferences were held in a number of larger cities with OWI distributors, civilian defense leaders, and others to bring about better coordination of services and film use. Such con- ferences were especially fruitful in Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Providence, Hartford, Cleveland, Chicago, Los Angeles, Birmingham, and Atlanta. Of perhaps greatest significance in the war film program were the conferences, consultations, and plans which resulted in systematic organizations at the state level for systematic state- wide distribution and use of war films. In many states the organization was set up under a State War Film Coordinator appointed by state authorities. Excellent state plans, designed to fit the particular needs of the state involved were developed in Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Conneticut, New York, Indiana, Iowa, Oregon, and California. Also of help in developing a wider and better use of war information films was the prompt and thorough attention given to replying to all correspondence and inquiries received in Washington. Information about films from all sources was kept up-to-date and accurate, and all requests for general or specific information about films relating to the war efifort were answered completely. The qitarterly publication "A List of U. S. War Information Films" filled a real need as a source {Continued on page 268) This scene appears in the OWI film on "Paratroops."