Abstract
A MEMORANDUM on “The Classification, Appraisal and Grading of Scientific Films” issued by the Scientific Film Association, 34 Soho Square, London, W.I, has been drawn up by the Association after consultation and discussion with interested bodies in Britain and in other countries. It is primarily concerned with films of scientific interest for adult audiences ; but the method of appraising and grading recommended should be applicable to all types of documentary films. A specimen card on which it is recommended the content and lay-out of the data concerning each film should be standardized is appended, together with a definition of terms commonly used in a special sense by the film industry and film critics. Notes are included on the synopsis of the content of each film, which should be brief and objective, as well as on the determination of accuracy and comprehensiveness within the terms of reference laid down by the producer and with reference to the purpose of the film, while the grading of the film in relation to the types of audience likely to see it is considered separately. The organisation of the viewing panel, the appraisal group meetings, the appraisal standing committee and the records to be kept are dealt with in the next section, which includes a specimen viewers' report form. The Association hopes that the principles suggested here will be applied wherever films are appraised. It has earned the gratitude of scientific workers who may need to use such films, as a step towards a standard procedure for film documentation which, if accepted internationally, would be of immense value to all who make or use educational films.
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Grading of Scientific Films. Nature 159, 736 (1947). https://doi.org/10.1038/159736a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/159736a0