Information, Education and Communication: Motion Pictures


Definition:

A motion picture (also called a movie or film) is a series of still pictures taken in rapid succession usually on 8mm or 16mm film stock, which, when projected through a motion picture projector, give the viewers an illusion of motion.

Characteristics:

Sound 16 mm films are projected at the rate of. 24 frames per second, and silent 16mm films are usually projected at 16 frames per second. Sound films use either a magnetic or more typically an optical sound track or one edge of the film while the opposite edge contains sprocked holes which permit sprocket wheels on the projector to move the film through the machine.

Most 16 mm films are stored on reels. The films vary in length from one minute or less (about 40 feet of film), to 50 minutes (about 2000 feet of stored on two or more reels). Both silent and sound 8 mm films are stored on reels or self-contained cartridges which simplify the trending of the projectors. 8 mm cartridge films are exceedingly simple to use, since no threading is required as is the case when films on feels are projected.

Optical sound tracks are printed on the film stock when the picture is processed. Magnetic sound tracks are very similar to audiotapes. The sound is recorded after the processing of the film; it can be erased easily and as in the case of magnetic tape recordings, new sound can be recorded in place of the old.

There are two types of motion picture projectors: 8 mm and 16 mm: no projector handles both sizes of film. Silent films can usually be shown on a sound projector (With the amplifier turned off) but 16mm sound films cannot be shown on a silent projector. Although one motion picture projector is basically the same as another in design, threading patterns vary greatly from one manufacturer to another and sometimes from one model to another. Operating instructions come wit the projector and there is often a threading diagram permanently mounted on the projector case. Some projectors are self-threading the motion picture is simply inserted at the beginning of the threading channel and it comes out at the take-up rest. Many of the 8 mm projectors are of the cartridge type. Most projectors require focusing of the le.

For many years the 16 mm film size was virtually the only one used for educational motion pictures. Since 1960, however, more and more educational motion pictures are being produced on 8 mm film. Most 8 mm mot ion pictures are permanently stared in cartridge concept for cleaning or repair. When the teacher or student uses the cartridge film, he merely inserts the cartridge into the projector. He does not touch the film itself; he does not thread the film. Cartridge films are much easier to use than reel-stored films since even a first grade child can learn to operate the projector in as little as five seconds.

Advantages:

  1. Certain meanings involving motion can best be presented by motion pictures. This facilitates explanation of certain on-going process as viewing, growth of plants, functioning of a body system etc. '
  2. The mot ion picture compels attention." A darkened room creates an absorbing atmosphere in which you view the moving pictures.
  3. The motion picture heightens realities."
  4. The motion picture can control the time fact or in any operation or series of events." By the slow-down technique certain events like the analysis of muscular activities in dividing, various athletic performances, growth of any embryo, etc., can be shown.
  5. The motion picture can bring distant past and the present into the class-room''. All historical films capture the past form the present.
  6. "The motion picture can provide an easily reproduced record of an event or an operation."
  7. "The motion pictures can enlarge or reduce the actual size of objects."
  8. "The motion picture can be used to present a process that cannot be seen by the human eye." The technique of animated drawings can show us the working of a human heart, the physiological processes in an eye, the working of an engine, etc.
  9. "The motion picture builds a common denominator of experiences in the group. The basic details of films are received by all, slight variations may exist in the clarity and quality of interpretation.
  10. "The mot ion picture can influence certain attitudes for the quality of emotionalisation.
  11. "The motion picture can promote an understanding of abstract relationship." Motion picture has a wide variety of visual and auditory devices like charts, diagrams, sound effect, back-ground music, etc. in analysing a point.
  12. The motion picture is often a satisfying aesthetic experience ." By utilising various film techniques of photography action, colour, or sound an harmony of intellectual and emotional experiences is generally created. Anything, that is aesthetic is personal and hence is easily learnt and permanently retained. .
  13. Motion picture can record events as they happen and make the events available again.
  14. They combine sight and sound, thus acting on two sensesat one time.
  15. Films overcome the barrier of illiteracy.
  16. Through the process of. photomicrography, motion pictures can extend the limits of human vision by combining the characteristic of the microscope with the motion picture camera.
  17. By using the one-frame-at-a-time concept an artist can prepare drawings Which are photographed by a motion picture camera to create an animated film. This procedure permits the conceptualization of ideas which do not exist, in concrete form, such. as visual explanations of jet propulsion or the theory of flight.


Disadvantages:

  1. Since motion pictures are somewhat expensive, it is necessary to purchase prints and place them in libraries which serve a large number of teachers. Since copies are limited, teachers have to request them far in advance. This type of limited access has prevented optimal use of film. Lower costs have made 8 mm films more available, thus helping to alleviate this problem. .
  2. The cumbersome and confusing machine which often faces teachers who try to use films has been a major deterrent to extensive use of the film. The fact that one projector usually has to be shared by many teachers has also limited film use. Again, simpler projectors, such as the cartridge loading or self-threading unite, help to over-some this limitation.
  3. We often complain that the available motion pictures are simply not suitable for their topic and audience. Educators have to depend upon the products of film producers. These materials are not usually made for highly specific purposes. As more films become available, this problem decreases.
  4. Films and projectors must be transported and maintained.
  5. Films are regarded as an entertainment device rather than an aid to teaching.
  6. The projector depends on a power source either mains or from a mobile generator.
  7. The audience has to be informed previously about the time and place of the film-show.


How to use films:

  1. SELECTION MOTION PICTURES:

    Because films are expensive: to produce, they are intended for wide "Markets as many different kinds of audiences as possible. You must therefore give special consideration to the quality and appropriateness of films you select.

    Educational films should be selected and used with specific purposes in mind. Films should not be used primarily from the point of view of entertainment . Obtain catalogue of film libraries Governmental and non-Governmental and select the best film available for the topic.

  2. USING MOTION PICTURES:

    Good usage of educational films require planning in preparation and follow-up activities .

  3. PREPARATION:

    After receiving the film, you should arrange to preview the film to preview the film to assure yourself that the film is suitable for the intended audience. Read the teaching guide, if any that comes with the film. You should note the main teaching points, important sequences and any difficult words that the audience might not understand. Compose three or four questions which are answered in the film.

    Ensure proper physical environment and correct projection set up. Before the film is shown to the audience make sure that the projector is in good working order and that the room can be properly darkened if the film is to be shown during the day. The film should be threaded in the projector, read to go, before the audience arrives.

  4. PRESENTATION:

    Your audience will learn a great deal more from the film if they are properly motivated and prepared. Hence the basic guiding principle should be the provision of motivation and maintenance of the intensity of interest. You should tell your audience the title of the film and generally what the film is about. You should explain why the material is important-relate the lesson to their own self interest. Ask them to notice certain key scenes in the film. Define any difficult words. Pose questions and explain that these questions will be answered in the film. They should understand that they are seeing a teaching film, and that they will be expected to learn from it. As far as possible, the film should be shown without breaks - in a quiet area - without distractions.

  5. FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES:

    Immediately after the film showing the instructor should encourage audience discussion. Questions should be asked of the audience. You can soon tell whether the material in the film was fully understood. After a short discussion you may wish to show the film again. If appropriate, practice skills demonstrated in the film. Allow the audience to criticize freely-in-fact, encourage criticism of the film. If the film necessitates the use of other audio visual aids like models, mock-ups, charts, recordings, they may be incorporated. Follow-up can be through home-visits, small group meeting.


REMEMBERS:

  1. Motion pictures have special educational advantages.
  2. Three are many sources loaning films, free of charge.
  3. Motion pictures should be carefully selected and used for specific purpose.
  4. Using films properly requires planning and preparation.
  5. Choose the best teaching aid, not necessarily a film for specific points to be explained,
  6. Do not use film when other equally effective but less expensive teaching devices can be used.
  7. Be sure that audience dont get wrong time notion and wrong size notions.
  8. Films should not be a substitute for the teacher.
  9. A film should not be used in isolation. It should be a part of the total communication programme. It should be integrated with other activities and media.


EVALUATING THE FILM :

Is it teaching the intended audience?

  1. Where is the film being shown?
  2. What size of the audience are seeing the film?
  3. What was the make up of the audience men ,women, young ,old, rich, poor.


Is the film having the intended effect:

  1. Is the message being interpreted correctly by the audience.
  2. What is the specific reaction of men, women ,young, old, rich, poor etc.
  3. Are there any unintended side effects.


ARRANGEMENTS:

  1. Is the distribution system effective?
  2. Does the film relate to the field-work programme successfully.
  3. Do the publicity materials help the film.