Despite being a now well established form, science films can vary hugely in quality. The main reason seems to be that research institutes find it difficult to effectively evaluate their own films and in particular to see them through the eyes of an (often anonymous and internet based) audience.
The Video Crit Room is one answer to this problem. It is a place for producers, scientists or purchasers of science films to get together and show and discuss their films.
Selected films are shown to an audience together with an expert panel who offer their comments and lead the discussion. I was one of the organisers and a member of the panel at the very first session which was part of the 8th Forum of Science Communication in Nuremburg. It’s a very lively format and was a great success . I look forward to further events!
