Continental Drift
Geophysics goes modern; the earth's shifting crust
explained through entertainment
In the late 1960's, a bold new theory, claiming that continents
and oceans are in constant movement, revolutionized the scientific
view of the earth's geologic history.
In the mid 1970's, Chris Scotese, a geophysicist at the University
of Chicago, further radicalized scientific research and education
by recreating the "continental drift" with computer
animation. Using Carbon-14 dating and paleomagnetic readings of
earth core samples from around the world, the computer visually
animates the history of the earth's shifting crust.
Continental Drift, produced by a unique collaboration of
geophysicist Scotese, filmmaker Paula Longendyke and the Human
Arts Association, is an entertaining and provocative film created
to introduce intermediate science students and the general public
to the history of crustal evolution. Mr. Scotese's computer animation
shows the actual drift of the continents through 500 million years.
The concise history of continental movement is supplemented with
basic concepts of plate tectonics, cleverly illustrated by actors
in dramatic scenes, complete with sets and costumes. Current evidence
of continental drift is explained by three explorers who go on
a humor-filled search for it. Cut-out continents are guided by
swimmers to form a ballet of global movement. Four Hispanic teenagers
play "There's a Motor Under the Ocean" to explain the
mechanics of the earth's shifting crust.
All-in-all, the creative mixture of entertainment and information
makes Continental Drift a unique learning experience.
30
minutes, color, 16mm, produced by the Human Arts Association
Rental: $50 plus $12 shipping
16mm Sale: $500 plus $12 shipping
1/2" Video Sale (with public performance rights): 129.95
Home Video Sale: $29.95
Used print or 3/4" Video Sale: Please inquire
"It's one of the freshest (that is, refreshing,
vigorous, original) didactic films we've seen in a long time."-Maureen
Gaffney, Media Center for Children, New York
"At last, a captivating film which elicits student discussion
of a difficult subject . . . "-John Ferris, High School
Teacher
"You'd better make a decision soon. The continents are starting
to drift apart."
Cinematographer Jacki Ochs and Director Paula Longendyke yukking
it up after a shoot.
Computer animation showing the drift of the continents over the
last 200 million years.
On the set, as the sportscasters announce the play by play at
the grand continental dance.
The Human Arts Association is a non-profit
collaborative of artists and filmmakers dedicated to the proposition
that difficult subjects can be presented best through dynamic,
and oft-times wacky, entertainment.
Featured Screenings: Natural History Museum, Children Media
Conference; Global Village
For more information contact:
Green Mountain Post Films
PO Box 229, Turners Falls, MA 01376
(413)863-4754 * * * Fax: (413)863-8248
email: info@gmpfilms.com
GMP Production *
* * GMP Home * * * GMP
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