Description
Object description
British NCO served as cameraman with Army Kinematograph Service in GB, 1942-1946 and with 220 Military Mission in Far East, 1943-1944
Content description
REEL 1: Background in GB, 1916-1942: summary of work as assistant cameraman at Ealing Studios including propaganda films; story of enlisting in RAF and deferment, 1939. Aspects of period as cameraman with Army Kinematograph Service in GB, 1942-1943: induction at Wembley Park Studios, London; professional background of AKS personnel; organisation of AKS; description of studio and facilities; relations between military and civilian personnel and discipline; staff; transfer of naval personnel; location filming; story of making film about tanks; military advisers; comparison of training and educational films; use of actors and military personnel; description of making typical film; budget.
REEL 2 Continues: production deadlines and workload; post-production; editing and processing; question of secrecy for training films; distribution of films; military ranks in AKS; story of making training film at Barnard Castle; relations with other film units; description of camera equipment used in studio and on location; transport; film stock and changing bags; use of sound; reputation of AKS; uniforms; opinion of Peter Ustinov.
REEL 3 Continues: attitude to military discipline at Wembley Park; description of duties as cameraman and director. Aspects of operations as cameraman with 220 Military Mission in Far East, 1943-1944: purpose of Military Mission and preparations in GB; uniform and kit; question of secrecy; sailed aboard troopship Queen Elizabeth to US; cameras and equipment; summary of filming in Pacific Islands, Australia, New Guinea, India and Burma; returned to Wembley Park, 1944. Aspects of period with Army Kinematograph Service in GB, 1944-1945: post-production work on film shot in Far East and presentation to General Staff; amusing story of customs; types of subject; use of still and cine cameras.
REEL 4 Continues: commissioned and summary of postings in GB, 1945-1946; film stock and processing; use of colour film; sound department; lighting; amusing stories of about obtaining chocolate and seafood; recreational activities; accommodation and transport to Wembley Park; problem of malaria. Reflections on wartime service with AKS: attitude to role of Military Mission and opinion of Japanese military.