392 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



number would be regarded as specialized. In other words, better 

 results were undoubtedly secured than if the films had been shown 

 to general audiences. 



The figures as compiled from the records of the division and from 

 reports made by users, not including an estimate on films for which 

 no reports were made, follow : 



Film shipments from laboratory during the year 2, 066 



Reels included in the shipments 5,559 



People who saw the tilms. as reported by the users , 1, 937, 570 



The number of subjects in distribution at the end of the year was 

 148, and the number of reels available for distribution from our 

 laboratory was 1,078. 



On many films, including the thoiisand or more that have been 

 purchased by cooperating and outside agencies, the department has 

 no check. It is known that many of these films are being used 

 regularly. If figures were available, undoubtedl}^ the year's audi- 

 ence would reach far above the numbers given above. 



Another method of distribution from which no figures are avail- 

 able is provided b}^ the commercial film weeklies or reviews. Several 

 film productions of this nature included scenes from department 

 pictures during the year, and it is probable that through this means 

 several million people were made acquainted with the meaning of 

 some of the work being conducted by the department. 



♦A most encouraging feature of the distribution records is that 

 the State agricultural colleges and extension divisions are beginning 

 to recognize the wisdom of installing film-distribution centers as 

 part of their working equipment. Through this system should come 

 much wider and more efficient use of department films. A number 

 of the State agricultural colleges are included in the list of pur- 

 chasers of prints of our pictures. This list indicates a number of 

 other interesting facts. During the year 66 purchasers bought 226 

 prints of 77 separate pictures. Representatives of foreign govern- 

 ments continue to be regular purchasers. Commercial institutions 

 in this country recognize the advantage of cooperating with the 

 department by the use of its films, and are spending money in 

 order to do so. 



BETTER SCENARIOS AND DIRECTION. 



A primary .essential in the production of a creditable motion 

 picture is a well-consti'ucted scenario, which in most cases can be 

 produced only by a man or woman with literary training and knowl- 

 edge of motion-picture technique. Another essential is intelligent 

 direction, for which are required the same qualifications and in 

 addition executive ability and understanding of human nature. 



Progress has been made during the year in these particulars by 

 the development of the workers and by additions to the staff. 



NEEDS OF THE WORK. 



One of the greatest needs — an adequate, well arranged, and health- 

 ful laboratory — may soon be filled. If "the present hopes for the 



