Journal of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers (1930-1949)

Professional Training of Film Technicians By Jean Lods. Published (1951) by UNESCO, Paris. Distributed in U.S.A. by: Columbia Univ. Press, 2960 Broadway, New York 27, N.Y. 155 pp. 8f X 5i in. Price $1.00. A valuable addition to the Press, Film and Radio Series of studies sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, this brochure surveys a field whose importance has only recently been recognized in this country. Its author is a distinguished French film director, cofounder and Deputy Director-General of the Institut des Hautes Etudes Cinematographiques, a Governmentsubsidized postgraduate school devoted to the teaching of film aesthetics and crafts. In the ten countries investigated, states Mr. Lods, "professional training is directly conditioned ... by the situation, organization and tendencies of the national film industry." The latter, he finds, is divided into three main types, depending on the degree of government control. This control may vary considerably, but the author points out the universally admitted fact that "the quality of national film production is a matter of concern to the entire country." Therefore, national prestige is closely related to the competence of film technicians and their professional training. In this respect, the high standards of the French Institut can be judged by the following question asked at the competitive entrance examination for art directors: "Voltaire's 'smile' is often mentioned. Define and analyze this smile on the basis of Candide. Relate it to a frame of mind generally characteristic of the 18th century."— George L. George, Screen Directors Guild, 133 E. 40 St., New York 16, N.Y. Fluorescent Lighting By W. Elenbaas, J. Funke, Th. Hehenkamp, L. C. Kalff, A. A. Kruithof, J. L. Ouweltjes, L. M. C. Touw, D. Vermeulen and R. Van Der Veen. Edited by C. Zwikker. Published (1952) by N. V. Philips' Gloeilampenfabrieken, Eind hoven, Netherlands. Distributed in U.S.A. by Elsevier Press, Inc., 402 Lovett Blvd., Houston 6, Tex. i-x + 244 pp. + 4 pp. index. 180 illus. + 23 photos. 6X9 in. Price $6.25. The book reviews the scientific fundamentals of the design and operations of fluorescent lamps and accessory equipment, in terms of types and sizes used in Europe. Chapters on fixtures and fluorescent lighting applications are likewise a report of European practice. The section on color and color renditions is a good summary of the fundamental technology involved. The spectral data on fluorescent sources, however, are based on lamps manufactured in the Netherlands. Motion picture and television engineers will find the book a convenient way to compare European practice with U.S. practice as reported in books and periodicals published in this country. — C. L. Amick, Lamp Div., General Electric Co., Nela Park, Cleveland 12, Ohio. The Recording and Reproduction of Sound (2d ed.) By Oliver Read. Published (1952) by Howard W. Sams & Co., Indianapolis 1, Ind. i-xv + 708 pp. + 70 pp. appendix + 10 pp. index. 708 illus. 6 X 9 in. Price $7.95. This volume contains a large amount of information which should be of interest to audio hobbyists and engineers in audio and related fields. The sections on disc recording and reproducing systems are quite complete and magnetic recording is also covered in considerable detail, although no mention is made of recording on "stripe" tracks on 8mm or 16mm films. Photographic recording is barely mentioned. Public address amplifiers and sound systems are treated at some length, as are microphones and loudspeakers. Much space is given to reprints of manufacturer's bulletins, which may be of interest to those using the particular equipment described. The NARTB Disc and Magnetic Recording Standards are reproduced in full and numerous tables and glossaries add to the usefulness of this enlarged edition. — Clyde R. Keith, 5 North Ter., Maple wood, N.J. 78