Slide films are so simple to produce and have so many advantages over motion pictures for training purposes it is surprising that there has not been more discussion of them. Considering the number of naval officers now engaged in the training of naval personnel, an explanation of the simple elements of the production and use of one slide film may be helpful.
For example, a slide film on “Man Overboard Drill” was produced at the Reserve Midshipmen’s School on board the U.S.S. Prairie State. Lack of available instruction time prevented giving adequate instruction in this drill to the 500 reserve midshipmen by the usual method of conducting the actual drill a sufficient number of times to gain reasonable proficiency. Every drill was a “beginner’s” drill.
A slide film was produced which showed, in its first part, how the correct drill should proceed; in its second part, why each operation was performed as had been shown; and in its third part, gave a rapid quiz covering situations which young deck officers would be likely to encounter. The film contained 183 frames and required 35 minutes to run through.
By showing the film to two sections of midshipmen just prior to the actual conduct of the drill on the training ship U.S.S. Sylph, a considerable improvement was made in the smartness of the drill and in the amount of seamanship learned from the drill. Also a definite reduction was made in the time assigned to this subject.
The speed of production possible for slide films is shown by the fact that this film was put into use approximately six weeks after the decision was made to produce it.
It should be noted that professional artistry in production is not at all necessary for educational work. Extremely satisfactory slide films can be made from snapshots, rough sketches, pencil diagrams, hand-lettered titles, etc.
In producing a slide film, the first and most important step is the preparation of the material. Whether the film covers a number of pictures which are described in the talk, or a lecture on some subject which is being illustrated by the addition of a series of pictures, the basic problem is the same, i.e., that of organizing a sequence of pictures plus accompanying voice. To facilitate this, a number of 3"X5' cards were numbered in sequence, a “rough” of each desired picture was sketched, and the accompanying text added. All discussion and approval of the film took place at this stage.
With the pictures decided upon and the lecture approved, production was comparatively easy. In taking the photographs no “acting” was necessary. The midshipmen were merely stopped, momentarily, in the conduct of the drill, posed in the correct positions, and the pictures snapped. The negatives were enlarged to a standard size. All unwanted background was removed by trimming or brushing out. Even corrections and improvements were made on these prints. In final form, the photographs were assembled in proper sequence with the necessary title frames, and then re-photographed upon a single strip of film from which the strips of projection film were made.
The talk which accompanied the pictures was recorded on ordinary phonograph discs. The third part of the film, covering the quiz, had no recording but instead had a number of frames of lettering. A frame with a question (or with a problem picture) would be followed by a frame with the correct answer. This type of quiz promoted discussion and permitted the class to visualize their own reactions to probable situations.
Compared with motion pictures, slide films offer a number of advantages:
In their preparation—
(а) Lower cost for the production of the films.
(b) Lower cost for projection equipment.
(c) Models do not have to “act,” merely pose.
(d) Complete production may be reviewed before putting on film.
(e) Unwanted parts of pictures may be eliminated by trimming. Avoids retaking.
(f) Important features may be emphasized by arrows or by enlargement.
(g) Pictures may be readily altered by retouching.
(h) Avoidance of expensive “animation” often required to make movies “move.”
(i) Can be put together quickly and requires no “movie direction.”
(j) Treatment of the subject can be both elementary and advanced, where movies are usually elementary or over-simplified.
(k) Sound effects, if required, can be included on a record disc.
(l) Important action or movement can be shown by a sequence of still pictures quite as effectively as by movies.
(m) Voice recording can carry the action or narrative, where this is needed, quite as readily as is now done on the radio.
In their use—
(a) May be projected in ordinary room light.
(b) The lecture may be readily adapted to the particular audience.
(c) No entertainment feature is necessary, as often required for the movies.
(d) Permits stopping for study and further explanation.
(e) Owing to low cost of projection equipment, a number of small groups may be shown the same film in different section rooms.
(f) Instructor is not tied to the particular sequence but may use all or any parts in any order.
(g) The slide film is readily adapted to class participation in the instruction.
In general—
(a) The slide film is more readily kept up to date than movies.
(b) The slide film provides uniform instruction for all sections.
(c) The slide film can be used to incorporate the experience of older officers who are not usually available as instructors.
(d) The slide film can cover an amazing amount of material in a very short allowance of time.
(e) The extended use of slide films can materially raise the standards of instruction.
* To those unfamiliar with this equipment, slide films are strips of film containing a sequence of still pictures which are projected on some convenient wall or bulkhead by means of a small portable projector. Photographs, drawings, lettering, or any other material may be put on these films for projection. Cost of making the projection strip from a series of pictures is about $.50 per picture. A good projector costs about $40. Lectures, to accompany the film, may be read by the instructor or may be recorded at small expense and reproduced on portable phonograph equipment.