Film Production Research Articles

Spectator as worker: the production film of Soviet Georgia in Mikhail Kalatozov’s Salt for Svaneti and A Nail in the Boot

ABSTRACT In this article, I argue that Mikhail Kalatozov’s Salt for Svaneti and A Nail in the Boot serve as examples of the production film and chart the evolving relationship of early Georgian cinema to Soviet (film) production. The term ‘production film’ here delineates a category of early Soviet films that focus predominantly on the production process. I provide a framework for reading Kalatozov’s films as production films within the history of the Georgian Film Studio, tracing the influence of Sergei Tret’iakov and his writings on the production screenplay, as well as within contemporary research on industrial film as a genre, which has tended to overlook Soviet cinema. On a formal level, I interpret scenes of the production process as organised according to the worker’s gaze in the discussed films. The worker’s gaze functions as a device to entice the spectator, imagined as a worker, to participate in and reflect on socialist construction. Reading Kalatozov’s Salt for Svaneti and A Nail in the Boot as production films complicates the centre-periphery model and the standpoint of national cinema in the context of Georgian cinema’s emergence as a significant force in Soviet film production.

Use of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Incorporated in Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate for Food Packaging. A Focus on the Impact in Functional and Physic‐Mechanical Properties and on Migration Thereof

ABSTRACTPolybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) are among the most studied when it comes to address biodegradability and antimicrobial properties of materials for food packaging. This work presents a critical review of recent scientific literature with a focus on the impact in functional, physic‐mechanical properties, compostability and on safety. The properties of the nanoparticles, such as morphology and size reported are reviewed together with the range of concentrations and methods of incorporation in the PBAT matrix. The effect on antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, thermostability, tensile and optical properties, as well as on mass transfer properties (barrier to moisture and gases and migration into foods) is discussed. The properties of PBAT/ZnO depend on particle size, shape and concentration of the ZnO NP. Particles with higher surface area and smallest size are reported to have the best performance (usually the spherical shaped). However, information on the morphology/size of the nanoparticle is often not provided. The typical concentration of NP incorporation ranges from 0.5 to 5%, but the interpretation of results regarding the effect of concentration is highly limited due to poor information on the statistical significance of the results, particularly for low concentrations of incorporation. Another limitation found regards the film production method, because most of the studies are based in films prepared by solvent‐casting and not by extrusion. Antimicrobial activity is directly linked with the concentration of ZnO NP. Most studies applied in vitro experiments and not tests in real foods (in situ). Zinc migration can occur as the whole nanoparticle or in the ionic form. Studies indicate that migration of ZnO in the nano form is not expected if the nanoparticle is completely embedded in a polymeric matrix, which can be confirmed by some well‐established techniques. However, studies focusing on migration from other matrices are lacking. Further investigations are needed to achieve a balanced incorporation of ZnO NP considering the particle activity and zinc migration and to evaluate the impact on safety when used in food packaging.

The Soret-Dufour Effects on Three-Dimensional Magnetohydrodynamics Newtonian Fluid Flow over an Inclined Plane

The three-dimensional (3D) model of the fluid flow model with length, breadth, and height or depth is the advanced and precise version from the two-dimensional (2D) model which just lies on a flat surface. The heat transfer in the boundary layer flow have numerous applications in the production of polymer, plastic films, and paper production. Therefore, this paper solves 3D magnetohydrodynamics Newtonian fluid flow model with the effect of Soret-Dufour parameters. Compared with the previous report where the 3D model is without the inclination angle (all the axes are located at their fixed position), this paper considers the boundary xy-plane being projected by a certain angle from the z-axis. The initial partial differential equations (PDEs) are subsequently reduced to ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The MATLAB bvp4c program is chosen to solve the ODEs and the results velocity profile, temperature profile, concentration profile, skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, and local Sherwood number. It can be inferred that the magnetic parameter is responsible to the decrement of the velocity profile and skin frictions coefficient. The enhancement of the temperature and the local Sherwood number are caused by the Dufour number. Besides, concentration and the local Nusselt number are enhancing due to the increasing Soret number.

Study on the properties and microstructure of polymer modified waste printed circuit board cement-based materials

Waste printed circuit boards (WPCB) are solid waste, and the current disposal of WPCB in landfills has raised environmental concern. Existing studies used ground WPCB as a replacement of fine aggregate in cement-based materials, but the performances of those materials were notably decreased. This paper aims to improve the performance of WPCB-bearing cementitious materials using styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) latex and chloroprene rubber (CR) latex. For this purpose, cement-based materials with ground WPCB as fine aggregates were prepared, and the effects of SBR latex and CR latex on the mechanical properties of WPCB-bearing samples with varying dosages were studied. The influence mechanism was studied using SEM, hydration heat, XRD, and FTIR tests. The results showed that the incorporation of ground WPCB tends to significantly reduce the compressive strength of cement-based materials, while the addition of SBR and CR latex can prevent the strength loss. For instance, with the optimal dosage of 5 % for SBR latex or 7.5 % for CR, the 28-d compressive strength of the latex-modified sample was 42.6 MPa and 45.3 MPa, which was 26.78 % and 34.82 % higher than that of the unmodified samples. Through microstructure analysis, it was found that the incorporation of WPCB had a negative impact on the densification of cement-based materials. SBR latex and CR latex promoted the hydration reaction and formed continuous film products inside the structure, which improved the bonding performance of WPCB cement-based materials.

Investigation of microbiologically influenced corrosion of low alloy steels with different Cr contents in simulated oilfield produced water

Abstract Microbiologically influenced corrosion has become a predominant cause of pipeline and equipment failure in oil and gas fields. This research examines the corrosion behavior of steels with varying chromium contents in simulated shale gas formation water environments. Weight loss testing, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Focused Ion Beam (FIB), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) were employed. The findings suggest that an elevated Cr content in steel results in a gradual reduction in its uniform corrosion rate in a CO2-SRB coexistence environment. This can be primarily attributed to the significant distribution of Cr content throughout the entire product film, including both biofilm and corrosion products, thereby enhancing the product film's protectiveness. Additionally, the competitive corrosion between CO2 and SRB, as well as the influence mechanism of Cr on corrosion, were discussed.

Gaya Komunikasi Sutradara dalam Mengarahkan Pemain dalam Film Turah

The director's communication style is an important element in the process of directing players according to the script and storyline of a film. This paper aims to describe the director's communication style in the pre-production and production stages. This paper uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques by interviewing the director and Turah's cast. The results of the study found that the director of the Turah film, Wicaksono Wisnu Legowo, used a communication style that dynamic which means that at each stage of film production, the director uses a different style. In the pre-production stage the director uses a reciprocal communication style in the preparatory sessions with the actors and a freelance communication style in the rehearsal sessions while in the production stage of the mise en scene sessions and directing the actors, the director uses a structured communication style and a dynamic communication style in the pre-take preparation sessions.

Effect of Keratin Waste on Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Films: Structural Characterization, Thermal Properties, and Keratinocytes Viability and Proliferation Studies

Keratin extracted (KE) from chicken feathers was used for the production of composite films comprising poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and keratin (PCL/KE films). The process involved the extraction of keratin from chicken feathers using a 0.1 M NaOH solution, followed by characterization via sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The PCL was synthesized through the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ԑ-CL) with Sn(Oct)2 as a catalyst. Films were prepared via solvent casting, including pure PCL films and those enriched with different weight percentages of KE (10%, 15%, 25%, and 30%). The films were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis revealed a more uniform incorporation of KE within the PCL matrix in the case of the 15% keratin-enriched film (PCL/KE15) as compared to other keratin percentages. The thermal analysis showed a positive influence of keratin on the thermal stability of the films. Keratinocytes viability and proliferation tests on the PCL/KE15 film demonstrated compatibility with cells. Collectively, these results hold relevance for potential biomedical applications of PCL/KE films.

Synthesis and characterization of fluorescent and thermochromic bifunctional composites: Polydiacetylene/zinc oxide quantum dots

Composites of polydiacetylenes (PDA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) find diverse applications in thermochromic inks, colorimetric sensors, and anticounterfeiting, albeit often with complex preparation methods, single functionality, and high color-changing temperature ranges. This study presents environmentally friendly aqueous composites exhibiting dual thermochromic and fluorescent properties, achieved by integrating ZnO quantum dots (QDs) with particle sizes below 10 nm with PDA. By varying the concentration ratio of ZnO QDs to PDA, the effects on fluorescence and thermochromic properties were systematically explored. The interaction between ZnO QDs and PDA interfaces causes alterations to the energy states in the conjugated π-orbital array within PDA molecules. In contrast to pure PDA solutions, the composite materials not only exhibit thermochromism but also fluorescence. Demonstratively, the composite was applied as functional ink or paste for writing, film production, and inkjet printing, maintaining robust thermochromic sensitivity and fluorescence properties in the resulting specimens. This methodology imparts excellent multifunctionality to composite materials, enhancing and broadening their application potential.

A “Creating God” Experience of Chinese Film Industry and Aesthetics: Conversation with Wuershan, Director of Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms

Abstract Wuershan is a well-known Chinese film director, screenwriter, and producer, who is known for his directorial blockbusters The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordman (Daojianxiao, 2011); Painted Skin: The Resurrection (HuapiⅡ, 2012); Mojin: The Lost Legend (Guichuideng Zhi Xunlongjue, 2015); and Creation of the Gods Ⅰ: Kingdom of Storms (Feng shen: zhao ge feng yun, 2023). This interview was conducted between Wuershan and Xuguang Chen on October 12th, 2023 in Wuershan’s Director Studio, Beijing. In this in-depth interview, they focused on the experience of the Chinese film industry and the aesthetics of Creation of the Gods Ⅰ: Kingdom of Storms. First, they discussed industrialized operations of filmmaking in terms of film creativity, screenwriting, production, and casting. Second, they emphasized the classical aesthetic elements involved in the movie, including selection criteria and their creative transformation, and the inheritance and innovation of traditional values. They also analyzed the characters and stories of the movie in the third part, which are derived from Chinese historical texts, and rewritten to meet the requirements of both a mythological movie framework and the contemporary times. And then they explored the role of technology in cinema, the place of authorship within the system, and the consumption of imaginative films. In the end, they discussed the issue of cross-media operations and the international communication of Chinese films.

Ozone-activated lignocellulose films blended with chitosan for edible film production

This work focuses on the influence of ozone pretreatment on the fractionation and solubilization of sugarcane bagasse and soda bagasse pulp fibers in sodium hydroxide/urea solution, as well as the application of regenerated cellulose for producing edible films. The methodology involved pretreating lignocelluloses with ozone for 20 to 120 min before dissolving in sodium hydroxide/urea solution. The influence of the pretreatment conditions on cellulose dissolution yield was investigated. Regenerated cellulose films were then formed, with and without the addition of 2 % chitosan. Mechanical, physical, structural, thermal, and antimicrobial attributes were determined as a function of ozonation conditions of raw materials and chitosan content. The findings exhibited positive effects of short ozonation on enhancing mechanical strength, cohesion, and hydrophobicity. The prolonged ozonation of 120 min demonstrated optimal improvements in continuity, swelling, and antibacterial resistance of obtained films. Incorporating chitosan enhanced tensile performance, stiffness, and vapor barriers but increased moisture absorption. Tailoring the activation of biomass through ozone pretreatment and chitosan addition resulted in renewable films with adjustable properties to meet diverse packaging requirements, particularly for fruit protective coatings, ensuring the preservation of post-harvest quality.

Censorship of Family Violence in Cinema in Iran

Prevention and control of family violence require an accurate understanding of its causes and effects. Iranian filmmakers try to fulfil their mission to raise awareness about family violence by showing hidden and unpleasant social issues in the family and presenting an accurate picture of family violence. However, to do so is taboo and goes against the Islamization policy of the Iranian regime against portraying family violence. Breaking the taboo leads to the seizure and censorship of films that show negative perspectives of family relationships. This article analyzes the Iranian regime’s approach to film productions based on Islamization policies and investigates the films that have been censored and seized. An interpretive analysis takes a critical look at Iran’s politicized cinema with a focus on paternalism. The article looks at the banned films Friday Evening, The Paternal House, and Girl’s House. The filmmakers’ goal is to remove the barriers to raising awareness in the area of victimization of girls. The depoliticization of Iranian cinema will support the process of breaking cultural taboos and thus support women’s protection from family violence.

A Historical-Analytic Perspective on Islam and Cinematic Culture in Northern Nigeria

This article reviewed the intricate relationship between film/cinematic culture and Islam in northern Nigeria and more importantly, the  reception of film as a culture in Hausa Muslim societies. Various media ethnographical studies have revealed that since the introduction  of cinema, the acceptance and consumption of film and other cinematic products are to a large extent influenced by the Sharia (Holy/ Islamic Law), which serves as a guide for northern filmmakers and a corrective measure for the media representations of the happenings  in their societies. The belief of northern Muslims is that films and cinema are harbingers of immorality and should be  eschewed. Indeed, and arguably so, this is the general disposition of the northern Muslims to western ways. The overwhelming exertions  of the Kano State Film and Video Censors Board (KSCB) make this claim evident. This study considered the mobility and survival of  cinematic culture in the heart of Nigeria’s most Islamic centre, Kano, otherwise known as Kannywood. It adopted a historical-analytic approach to the study of the development of cinema in northern Nigeria and examined the cinematic culture vis-à-vis Islam in northern  Nigeria. The paper contended that globalisation and the advent of advanced technology are yet to influence film contents from the  region or mass acceptance and consumption of modern films by its populace. It concluded that the Sharia and the involvement of Islamic  scholars/clerics have inhibited the growth of Kannywood. 

Comparison of the Film Properties of Lemon and Sour Cherry Seed Essential Oil-Added Glycerol and/or Sorbitol-Plasticized Corn, Potato, Rice, Tapioca, and Wheat Starch-Based Edible Films

In this study, lemon, and sour cherry seed essential oil-added glycerol and/or sorbitol-plasticized corn, potato, rice, tapioca, and wheat starch-based edible films were produced using the casting method. Starch, essential oil type and glycerol and/or sorbitol effects on the thickness, moisture content, water solubility, swelling index, and water vapor transmission rate of the films have been studied. The interaction of the film components was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was seen that wheat starch-based control films give the lowest thickness value (0.010 mm). Wheat starch-based control films (15.50%), sour cherry seed essential oil-added corn starch (17.80%), and lemon essential oil-added rice starch-based composite films (17.70%) have high moisture content. The lowest solubility values were obtained from wheat starch control (22%) and sour cherry seed essential oil-added corn starch composite (16.40%) films. The highest swelling index values were obtained from wheat starch-based control (210.90-289.0%), sour cherry seed essential oil-added tapioca starch (388.80%), and lemon essential oil-added potato starch-based (433.20%) composite films. Rice starch-based control films have the lowest water vapor transmission rate (3.30×10−8−5.70×10−8). FTIR spectra of edible composite films proved that there is no chemical interaction between the film component and that they kept their structure. The main difference of this study from previous studies was the use of sour cherry seed essential oil for the first time in edible film production and the comparison of the film properties of corn, potato, rice, tapioca, and wheat starch-based edible films plasticized with glycerol or sorbitol.

The Question of Language in Contemporary Ukrainian Cinema

Abstract Since the 2000s, various laws have sought to impose Ukrainian in film production. If until 2014, due to decades of Russification, it was not uncommon to see a Ukrainian film shot in Russian, the Ukrainian language has become increasingly dominant in national cinema. The law of 2017 demanding Ukrainian directors to shoot in the official state language has aroused questions and different positions among the film community: while some have tried to resist it, arguing a lack of realism and an artificial use of a standardized Ukrainian language in the context of a predominantly bilingual society, most filmmakers have been able to find creative solutions, by getting in tune with a society that is becoming more and more Ukrainian-speaking, or by resorting to surzhyk, a vernacular mixing Ukrainian and Russian. Apart from Slavic languages, minority languages such as Crimean Tatar have also found their place in contemporary Ukrainian cinema.

Sorghum starch: Extraction, characterization and film development

Sorghum starch was extracted from sorghum grain (24.27 % average yield) and had a high carbohydrate content (86.66 %), indicating its high purity. This starch was used for the production of films with different concentrations of sorghum starch (2, 3 and 4 %) and glycerol (20, 30 and 40 g/100 g of starch). Most films were homogeneous and practically amorphous; however, the micrographs revealed the presence of some starch granules. These films also had relevant barrier properties to ultraviolet light, with infrared spectrum characteristic of sorghum starch, high lightness (L* = 87.77–90.19) and a tendency of color for the pink, but with low intensity of hue (h° = 297.06–315.20; chroma = 7.00–9.47). Thickness varied from 0.048 to 0.081 mm and the water solubility from 27 % to 48 %. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed the existence of three thermal events, correspondents to the elimination of water, decomposition of glycerol and starch, respectively. The glass transition temperature decreased with increasing glycerol content, keeping in range of 9–15°C. The film with the best mechanical performance was the one composed of 4 % starch and 30 g/100 g glycerol, as it presented a tensile strength of 3.63 MPa and elongation of 44.10 %. Water vapor permeability varied from 5.504 a 14.234 g.mm.m−2.dia−1.kPa−1, due to the increase in the concentrations of starch and glycerol. The characterization directed the usage of such films to pack vegetables and, therefore, proved that the sorghum starch is a promising source for the production of biodegradable films.

Visual Design of Chinese Animated Films Infused with Oriental Punk Aesthetics

In recent years, China's movie industry has been advancing, and movies based on ancient myths, which can combine cultural expression with technical expression, have become a hot topic for creation. Especially the ancient mythological novels such as "The Legend of Deification" and "Journey to the West" have become the source of creative ideas for movie adaptations, and Light Chaser Animation, as one of the most important forces in Chinese film production, has been exploring new possibilities for animation movies, inheriting and innovating traditional Chinese cultural elements. Light Chaser Animation, as one of the most important forces in Chinese film production, has been exploring new possibilities for animation films, inheriting and innovating traditional Chinese cultural elements, and has produced the famous "New Gods" series of films, which combines oriental elements and cultural characteristics, blends modernity and tradition, and forms an Oriental Punk style with Chinese characteristics. Oriental Punk not only shows the construction of modernity of Chinese traditional culture, but also the embodiment of cultural self-confidence, and at the same time presents the unique style and aesthetic value of Chinese culture to the world. This article analyzes the visual symbols, color design and action vocabulary of the film New Gods: Yang Jian, and points out a new direction for Chinese films to integrate traditional cultural elements and modern art technology in the creation of new mythological themes.

Direct growth of highly oriented GaN thin films on silicon by remote plasma CVD

Abstract We report on low-temperature (500°C) and low-pressure (0.3 mbar) direct growth of GaN thin films on silicon (100) substrates using Remote Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (RP-CVD). In the custom-designed reactor, an RF Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) is generated remotely from the substrate's area to facilitate the decomposition of group-V precursor, N2 with added H2, while group-III precursor Trimethylgallium (TMGa), is directly injected into the growth chamber mixed with H2 carrier gas. Growth parameters such as RF power, process pressure and gas flow rates have been optimized to achieve a film growth rate of about 0.6 µm/h. Several characterization techniques were used to investigate the plasma and the properties of the grown thin films in terms of their crystallinity, morphology, topography, and composition. The films are highly textured with a preferential orientation along the c-axis of the wurtzite structure. They present a small roughness in the nanometer range and a columnar microstructure with a grain size of one hundred nanometers, and a gallium polarity (+c plane oriented). RBS and NRA analysis show that the chemical composition is homogeneous through the depth of the layer, with a III/V ratio close to 1, a very low content of oxygen (below the detection limit ~1%) and a carbon content up to 11%. It was shown that that the increase of plasma power helps to reduce this carbon contamination down to 8%. This research paves the way for a growth method compatible with cost reduction of III-V thin film production achieved through reduced gas consumption facilitated by RP-CVD operation at low pressure.

Fabrication of a scalable slippery surface via novel sprayable breath figure technique for sustainable drag reduction and anti-biofouling in marine environments

The maritime industry has been seeking efficient solutions to combat hydrodynamic friction and biofouling, which increase operational costs and environmental issues. To address these concerns, we developed a novel sprayable breath figure (sBF) method to create a scalable and cost-effective lubricant-infused surface (LIS) for reducing frictional drag forces on marine vehicles. The proposed sBF method facilitated the rapid production of multilayered porous polymer films with micron-scale spherical cavities. It can be applied to large and curved surfaces, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional breath figure methods. Further surface treatment of oxygen plasma etching followed by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brush grafting was employed to optimize the interfacial slip and lubricant retention of the slippery surface coating. The PDMS brush-grafted slippery surfaces demonstrated significant drag reduction under turbulent flow conditions. This was confirmed by direct velocity field measurements, showing nonzero slip velocity unlike conventional no-slip surfaces. The same surfaces also exhibited remarkable anti-biofouling performance, severely resisting marine biofouling in real-sea field tests over 50 days. The proposed sBF method was successfully applied to large-area and curved submerged bodies, and achieved a noticeable drag reduction under high-speed turbulent flows. This study is a critical step toward the practical implementation of this technology in the marine industry.

Is the Sky the Limit for Menteen Studios?*

ABSTRACTThis case exposes students to an intriguing industry: film production and distribution. The focus on relevant costing allows students to make recommendations about keeping, dropping, or expanding a distribution channel and about venturing into a new technology for film distribution. The analysis requires critical thinking. Because students are provided with relatively sparse financial information, they are less likely to be fixated on data and more likely to think critically about how to structure analyses to address strategic and operational issues being weighed by the studio. In addition, the case requires students to communicate their recommendations and the underlying assumptions effectively. This case is suitable for use in undergraduate and graduate managerial and cost accounting courses, introductory MBA courses in managerial accounting or strategic thinking, or undergraduate or graduate courses that are specific to the entertainment industry.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ДОБАВОК ВТОРИЧНОГО СЫРЬЯ НА СВОЙСТВА ПОЛИМЕРНЫХ ПЛЕНОК

The possibility of using recycled polymer raw materials for the production of polymer films was ex-amined in this paper. It has been shown that films obtained with the addition of secondary raw materi-als comply with GOST in their properties