To Formulate a Plan for Better Living: Paul Rotha and the Definition of Scientific Documentary. (360G-Wellcome-078700_Z_05_Z)

My goal is to complete the research and to write up for publication as a book, under the working title To Formulate a Plan For Better Living: Paul Rotha and the Definition of Scientific Documentary, which draws on my work on the scientific documentary form that flourished in the mid 20th century with a stress on public health measures as the epitome of a socially engaged model of science. Key new research includes: Research from primary sources on the origins of scientific filmmaking in Britain up to 1939. Research the model of technological modernism conveyed especially in the films of the GPO Film Unit. Finalise research on the representation of nutrition from late 1936 through to 1939 and, via personal papers, study of relations between scientists in the 'social relations of science' movement and documentary filmmakers. Research the evolution of debates about planning, reconstruction, nutrition and their representation, May 1943 to May 1945. Survey scientific and medical documentary films 1945-1951 to confirm my working assumptions; pursue the relations of the broader groups of participants. Research Rotha's period at the BBC and the relevant films made there.