This film “The Unique 65th”, tells the story of how special effects are made for U.S. Air Force training films by the 1365th Photographic Squadron. The film opens with a title over a rotating image of Earth (:11). A director calls cut and adjust’s the planets rotation (:30) as he is able to control the elements for space and on Earth, for motion picture purposes of course. With Solarama studio effects (:47) the director is able to create realistic qualities and depth. Another technique to be utilized is the blue screen projection (1:13) in which someone can be shot infront of and then the background will be blacked out creating a matte effect in black in white. From here any type of terrain or environment can be duplicated (1:27). The mission of this film’s time period was to cover endeavors in South East Asia (2:05). Due to the number of cameramen sent overseas, there was a shortage of experienced technicians left behind (2:15) and the power squadron sought to pick up the slack and hosted a basic motion picture training program (2:24). One trainee from the program, the 1365 Photo Squadron in Orlando, will narrate his experience (2:32). He is one of 250 assigned to the squadron and from here they may go into a few different fields of study (2:47). They may learn processing, printing and be introduced to modern equipment in the laboratory (2:50). An example of such equipment is the electronic device used to achieve the best color balance (2:57). Trainees may learn proper assembly and editing procedures for complete motion pictures in the editorial branch (3:01). Others may learn sound production such as for recording the human voice, music or effects as well as the basics of sound projection (3:17). The Moviola, film laboratory, dubbing stage, and other facilities are shown. Trainees will also learn to operate console controls (3:20) and there will be four hours of classroom lessons daily (3:36). Experienced technicians will teach students how to utilize various camera techniques on equipment that may cost up to $30,000 (3:42). Instructors will supervise as trainees take classroom theory and put it to practical use for two hours each afternoon (3:53). After the twelve week course, graduates will soon be sent to join other 1365th camera men in Vietnam (4:11) and before long will be utilizing official television units in support of Vietnam and other 1365 projects (4:26). Men are seen using Bell & Howell camera equipment in the field. The operational shakedown of equipment will take place in the Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado (4:53). Production schedules for training films must be sent to Training Command within the next six months (4:57). One of the features of the 1365th Division is the United States Air Force News Review (5:07) which included footage of the latest news of Air Force interest (5:20). Prints would then be processed, packaged, and shipped to various installments around the world (5:36). Another feature will be coverage of high level commanders in air force activities (5:52). They will also cover the annual posture report such as “A Report on the 89th Congress of 1966” (6:06) and which supplies military and government officials with a complete report on the Air Force’s ability to meet any threat anywhere in the world (6:27). In summary the photographic mission includes television, reports and briefs, news and reviews, and specialized training (6:36).

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com