Journal of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (1950-1954)

Book Review Writing for Television By Gilbert Seldes. Published (1952) by Doubleday & Co., Garden City NY 254 pp. 5f X 8i in. $3.00. Readers who know Mr. Seldes' previous work — plays, motion picture, radio and television scripts and some 10 books — will know, especially from The Seven Lively Arts and The Great Audience, a little of what to expect in this new volume. This is a practical book but it is by no means solely a quick how-to-do-it manual. Although the author's experience and activities have been pragmatical, and his book reflects this, there is also a good deal about the science of writing, something which used to be called a philosophy of writing. For one small sample, we quote: "The writer of an educational program on anthropology does not have to be an anthropologist nor the writer on chemistry a chemist. He has to know television and he has to know how to write. Beyond that the basic requirement is that he must have intelligence enough to understand what the anthropologist or chemist wants to convey on the program." Although the author calls his book one of craftsmanship, not of inspiration, it is perhaps better to call it thoroughly educational. In the first section the reader will find orientation for television writing; then come sections on conditions the writer must meet, general rule* of dramatic wntmg, types of drama, nondramatic programs, and, finally, professional problems. Examples of content and physical arrangements of scripts arc given, as well as many references, examples or data about the technical aspects which the writer cannot ignore. There are books which present the techniques of television writing more simplv and such books may be more quirklv useful. Mr. Seldes' book will be most rewarding if it is read straight through, to provide a writer with an overall rcvihis profession, then referred to in detail for pointers to sharpen his craft. — V.A. Exposure Meters and Practical Exposure Control By J. F. Dunn. Published (1952) by The Fountain Press, 46-47 Chancery Lane, London WC2, England. 252 pp. (incl. 10 pp. index) + 8 pp. adv. Numerous tables; 97 illus. and plates. 612 X 812 in. Price 35 shillings. To the above bibliographical data, as given in the February 1 953 Journal, should be added: Distributed in U.S.A. at $7.75 by Publication Dept., Rayelle Foreign Trade Sr: 5700 Oxford St., Philadelphia 31, Pa. New Members The following members have been added to the Society's rolls since those last published. The designations of grades are the same as those used in the 1952 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY. Honorary (H) Fellow (F) Active (M) Associate (A) Student (S) Abe, Mikishi, Consulting Engineer and Architect, 10 Azabu-Miyamura St., Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. (A) Allen, Robert E. G., Free-lance Motion-Picture Sound Engineer. Mail: c/o New Zealand House, 415 The Strand, London, W. 1, England. (A) Allen, W. Bryan, Motion-Picture Laboratory Technician, Lakeside Laboratory. Mail: 812 Vermillion St., Gary, Ind. (A) Althouse, Charles S., Sound Production and Music Mixer, Hal Roach Studios. Mail: 1540 North Sierra Bonita Ave., Hollywood 46, Calif. (A) Asher, John E., President, Lab TV, 1733 Broadway, New York 19, N.Y. (M) Bach, B. J., Director, Treasurer, Cinesound Ltd., 553 Rogers Rd., Toronto 9, Ontario, Canada. (A) Badler, Mitchell M., University of California at Los Angeles. Mail: 6109 Del Valle Dr., Los Angeles 48, Calif. (S) Baker, Friend F., Camera Engineer, Mark Armistead, Inc. Mail: 1037 North Orange Grove Ave., Hollywood, Calif. (M) 743