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A: Public performance rights are necessary for multiple screenings, public screenings or screenings for combined class groups or libraries. Admission may not be charged for public performance. All Weston Woods DVDs featured in this website include full public performance rights for school and library use.
Q: If a DVD is labeled "FOR HOME USE ONLY", can they be used in the classroom?
A: DVDs which are annotated for home use may only be used in classroom settings consistent with U.S. copyright laws. These laws require use of the program in face-to-face instruction in conjunction with a curriculum lesson plan and may not be used for recreation, recess or reward. Home use only DVDs may not be used in public library STORY HOUR screenings, but may be used in home circulation collections. All Weston Woods DVDs featured in this website include full public performance rights for school and library use.
Q: Are your DVDs closed-captioned?
A: Over 160 of our existing DVDs are now closed-captioned. Since 2000, all new titles produced have been closed-captioned. Look for the CC icon in each product listing for the availability of a closed-captioned version of that particular title. Research has shown that captioned DVDs not only benefit students who are hearing impaired, but also help improve literacy at the early elementary school level, most notably in helping to improve comprehension and vocabulary. A select number of our titles are also available in the open-captioned format. Please call customer service at 800-243-5020 for a complete list.
Q: what is READ-ALONG?
A: The read-along feature allows children to follow each word as it is simultaneously narrated and highlighted on the screen, strengthening vocabulary, comprehension and fluency. All of our new DVDs offer three viewing options: Read-along, closed-captioned subtitles or no text at all.
Q: Is LIBRARY PROCESSING available on Weston Woods titles?
A: Full library processing is available for all Weston Woods titles. Complete cataloguing and processing is based on the Dewey Classification System, Sears Subject Headings and AACR2 and USMARC Bibliographic Standards.
Catalog card kits and MARC records are available for $2.00 per kit/per title, with a minimum order of $15.00 per order. Catalog card kits and MARC records are mailed separately from the rest of an order. Please allow an extra six to eight weeks for custom processing.
Q: What is a READ-ALONG CD?
A: A Read-Along CD is a word-for-word recording of a favorite story from the Weston Woods' collection. Track One has page-turning signals for beginning readers. The story is repeated on Track Two without signals; this can be used for listening only or as a read-along for more advanced readers. A read-along CD package consists of one read-along CD with either a paperback or hardcover book. Extra paperback books are available for purchase for $6.50 each as well as packages of one CD and 5 paperback books for $41.95 per multiple book package. Please call customer service at 800-243-5020 for a complete list.
Q: What is PLAYAWAY® Audio?
A: Playaway® Audio is the simplest way to listen to a book on the go. It comes with the audio content already on it and a battery to make it play. Simply plug in earphones and enjoy. NO CASSETTES, NO CDs, NO DOWNLOADS, JUST PLAY!
Each Playaway® Audio weighs only two ounces and is now offered in High-Definition audio. The packaging is user friendly, easy to shelve and comes with a one-time locking system. Playaway® Audio has a universal headphone jack that works with almost any type of headphone or mobility accessory.
Each Weston Woods/Playaway® edition consists of several award-winning Weston Woods audio titles.
Q: What are the differences in the various styles of adaptation used?
A: ICONOGRAPHIC: When Weston Woods founder, Morton Schindel, first started making motion pictures, he realized that it would take a special filming technique to faithfully transfer the artwork in picture books from page to screen. Since there was not a suitable method, he developed one. In the ICONOGRAPHIC technique the camera creates an "illusion of movement" by carefully panning and zooming over the actual illustrations from the book. Whenever possible the artist's original illustrations are used, although in most instances the illustrations must be adapted from copies of the book. This technique, first developed at Weston Woods, is now used by film producers everywhere. Among the better-known productions that have used this technique are the Ken Burns PBS series on THE CIVIL WAR, BASEBALL and JAZZ.
ANIMATED: In an animated film, the characters actually move on screen. The film itself is composed of a series of drawings, each one showing a different phase of movement, which are photographed one at a time. The original book illustrations are used only as a guide to the animator who creates the drawings for the film. Since an animated film requires twelve separate drawings for each second of screen time, the animator must be able to replicate the exact style of the original artist for practically thousands of drawings!
Today, with the availability of advanced computer technology, we have begun to animate some titles using computer animation, and in many cases, use limited animation imparting some movement to an otherwise iconographic rendition. As technologies continue to evolve, we anticipate increased convergence of these methods of production.
LIVE ACTION: With the success of our films based on picture books, Weston Woods experimented in comparable films for older children and produced several live action films: THE DOUGHNUTS (the first short live-action dramatic film based on a children's book ever to be produced in the United States), the CASE OF THE COSMIC COMIC and ZLATEH THE GOAT. In 1984 Weston Woods co-produced CORDUROY with Evergreen/Firehouse Productions to great critical acclaim.
Q: Why don't you animate all your titles?
A: Picture books, which meet the rigorous standards set by Weston Woods, are adapted in a variety of media using several production techniques. The graphic style and the medium used by the artist in the original book illustrations will usually determine which production technique will be more effective in turning that book into a film. Generally speaking, simpler, "cartoony" art styles, with distinct outlines and minimal texture in the coloring (pen and ink, watercolors, gouaches, flat paints such as cel vinyl, etc.) are easier to replicate for the thousands of drawings required for full animation. In contrast, illustrations with the rich detail and texture of fine art would have to be simplified in order to become manageable for animation, to the point where the visuals in a film simply wouldn't look like the original book illustrations; in these cases the iconographic technique is used.
Q: What are the criteria for deciding if a book will make a good film?
A: The relationship between illustrations and text is the real key to whether a picture book can be successfully translated into the audiovisual medium. The illustrations and text must fully support each other; any important character, action, mood or object described in the text should be represented somewhere in the illustrations, and vice versa. In terms of balance, there should generally be at least one illustration for every 25-60 words of text. Ideally, there should be enough detail within each illustration to accommodate two or three separate "shots" on each illustration. In some cases where there are too few illustrations to support the text, a picture book can still be translated into film if the original illustrator is available and agrees to create additional pictures for the film adaptation.
Ultimately, a good picture book will not necessarily make a good film (and, conversely, some books come across better in the film medium than they do on the printed page!). The question of how an audience will perceive the film as a separate entity must always be kept in mind. A child cannot turn back a film the way he or she can turn back the pages of a book, so every moment must be entertaining, visually stimulating and instantly comprehensible.
Q: In what languages can I find Weston Woods titles?
A: A large number of titles have been translated into foreign languages. Our largest collection consists of SPANISH language titles, additionally we have titles available in MANDARIN CHINESE and FRENCH. Use the SEARCH feature to find titles in the language you are interested in, or find a complete list of foreign language titles in our Resources Section under product guides. Call customer service at 800-243-5020 for more information.
Q: How can I place an order?
A: PDF Order Form or Excel Order Form (XLSX)
You may call, fax or mail in an order.
FOR FASTEST SERVICE:
Place your order online here at www.scholastic.com/westonwoods or
Email your order to: westonwoodsquestions@scholastic.com
CALL: 1-800-243-5020 or 1-203-797-3535
or print out an order form from this web site and:
FAX: 1-203-797-3541
MAIL: Weston Woods, 149 Water St, Suite 202 Norwalk, CT 06854
Q: Can I have a sales representative contact me?
A: If you do not know your current sales representative, please reach out to Weston Woods Customer Service and we will be happy to introduce you to the representative for your territory:
Email Us: westonwoodsquestions@scholastic.com, call us: 1-800-243-5020 or visit our Find a Rep page
Q: How do I setup an account?
A: Your account will automatically be set upon placing your first order with Customer Service. Please make sure to include all information on your Purchase Order Form.
Mail to:
Weston Woods Studios
149 Water St, Suite 202 Norwalk, CT 06854
Fax to: 203-797-3541
Call with any questions, 1-800-243-5020.
Q: What is Weston Woods Federal Tax ID?
A: 06-0716595
Q: Once I receive my invoice, where do I mail payments?
A: To pay by credit card please call Accounts Receivable at 1-800-225-1761.
Payments, including checks made payable to WESTON WOODS, should be mailed to:
Scholastic Inc. Trade
PO BOX 639851
Cincinnati, OH 45263-9851
