MEETINGS IN 2012
The best of Times ...
Of course, the 'Christmas Do' was the best of times ... a really pleasant evening. No matter that there were no films shown - and that therefore our Noble John P could rest from his labours and relax into food, merriment, music and fun.
... For food there was indeed in plenty, and laughter in the preparation of it all (led, I think, by Penny & Christine and other worthies). John F seemed to be playing something of a butler's role at times ... but then, he has the class for it, doesn't he!
... For food there was indeed in plenty, and laughter in the preparation of it all (led, I think, by Penny & Christine and other worthies). John F seemed to be playing something of a butler's role at times ... but then, he has the class for it, doesn't he!
We were welcomed by Edward to the evening itself and then (if I remember it correctly) we were let loose on the food. It was, frankly, of an excellent standard - plenty and more for all, so seconds and thirds if you felt so inclined! The non-alcoholic punch proved extremely popular, though Edward was also delighted to find that the bottle of vodka had been frequently raided by the party-goers too!
Christine arranged the playing of a game called 'One-Armed Bandit' which several members were brave enough to attempt. Since we had only three fruit in our bags (instead of the usual five) it was over pretty quickly - but much enjoyed! This year, the quiz took the form of a high-speed music quiz, kindly provided by Brian. We had to recognise film/TV themes as they flashed past our hearing in batches of four or five. It seemed to our table something of a miracle that we won the competition by one point over John A's table! The reward from Brian ... a bag of lollipops ... so it was certainly all worthwhile! At the close of the evening we were to sing some Christmas Carols and it was nice to be given the opportunity to sing duet versions of 'Mary's Boy Child' and 'Holy Night' with my twin sister, Paula - who is not a member of the club, but has attended our Open Days. (Many thanks to Brian for rescuing us when our CD player started to jump! His was a wonderful machine!) We closed with a carol sung by all. Many thanks to all those who put so much work into the evening ... especially to Marie & Ron for running their last raffle (they have been fantastic in all they have done for this!) and also to John F & Margaret who organised the wonderful post-system for Christmas cards. It did reveal how we knew each other's Christian names a lot better than surnames! SH |
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The AGM 2012
29th November
The AGM! ... what every member of every club & society looks forward to! But since this is a public forum, I am very pleased to say that it is not my job to take minutes and publish them here!
Suffice to say (for those members who couldn't attend) ... that virtually every officer was re-elected (even the Webmaster!) ... and that Penny shyly recorded in the minutes (at our insistence) that she had been the Hon Sec for THIRTY YEARS!! We thank her for her wonderful work ... and encourage her to carry on! (She must have been a mere girl when she started!)
To those thinking of joining us ... that's the sort of loyalty the club creates!!
SH
Suffice to say (for those members who couldn't attend) ... that virtually every officer was re-elected (even the Webmaster!) ... and that Penny shyly recorded in the minutes (at our insistence) that she had been the Hon Sec for THIRTY YEARS!! We thank her for her wonderful work ... and encourage her to carry on! (She must have been a mere girl when she started!)
To those thinking of joining us ... that's the sort of loyalty the club creates!!
SH
An Open Day
and two Open Evenings
On Sunday October 28th, from 2pm to 6pm Potters Bar FilmMakers opened their doors to anyone who wished to find out anything about their camcorder - from how to turn it on & which buttons to press ... to how to use a computer editing programme to create attractive films, the use of microphones and the adding of sound effects and music tracks. It was also to be possible to talk to lighting experts and find out how to use green-screening etc etc ... !
We also welcomed visitors from 7pm on the two evenings of November 1st & 15th for a further chance to meet club members and sample an evening at the club. We were very pleased meet a small number of people on these evenings too ... and we hope to have a few new members soon!
We also welcomed visitors from 7pm on the two evenings of November 1st & 15th for a further chance to meet club members and sample an evening at the club. We were very pleased meet a small number of people on these evenings too ... and we hope to have a few new members soon!
Documentary Evening
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Some stills provided by EdAt my request, Ed has sent the stills below from his film, two of Penny (sticking of course!) and two of 'seamy Potters Bar'!
(I think that a bit of tumbleweed blowing across the set would've been a great idea ... but there we are... we can't all be geniuses!) |
More Pictures from the Open Day!
An Evening for Group Films
18th October 2012
We made our first 'group films' last year - the ones about The Telephone ... and they were, I thought, a great success and much enjoyed by all, both in the making & in the viewing. This year, three groups were able to complete films and there was no fixed theme. (Again, John A was to be our 'judge', our commentator on the films.)
The first group, Christine, Penny, John P, John F & Angela, were behind the scenes for a cast of Kim, Gill, Margaret and visiting young actor Ryan. The film was called 'Moving On', lasted about thirteen minutes and was a beautifully produced story about a love lost and found. The script was very well paced (never allowing itself to be rushed, but nothing wasted), the acting, I thought, almost faultless ... the characters well established and convincing, the end touching and sensitive. Camera-work & editing were also most impressive - unobtrusive, yet finely balanced to show both speakers and listeners ... and their reactions to all that was in their minds. I loved it and look forward to seeing it again! The work of the second group, Edward, Lyn, Ian & me (Stephen) was really an experiment, an attempt to make a film for the web, encouraging people to join PBFM ... then this developed into creating also a 30 second recruiting ad which might be shown in the cinema. For our 'cast' we used our long-suffering & patient actors, Jo & Tim! The two short films generated quite a lot of discussion, comments & ideas ... and we go away to consider how we may make the web version one a little 'punchier' - & including in its final shots even more examples of the club bonhomie & joie de vivre! The third group, included Marie as its main actress, then Bob, Jacques, Heather and Brian as a supporting cast - with Brian and Geoff behind the scenes. Titled 'The Ascent', it was a comedy of delays ... poor Marie needed desperately to take the stair-lift to a little room at the top of the stairs and was constantly delayed by calls at the front door or on the telephone! Marie, always so delightful, can also be delightfully cross ... and delightfully relieved too! (although Private Godfrey of 'Dad's Army' may have thought that to be "rather near"!). It was fun ... and I particularly enjoyed seeing the serene and so-civilised figures of Heather and Jacques having the door slammed in their faces! Thanks go to John for his very detailed comments on the films of all three groups - and for leading a discussion with the rest of the members too. It was another great evening! SH |
'Moving On'The Ad & Promo films'The Ascent' |
The Festival of Films
6th October 2012
Our Public Show, called 'A Festival of Films' this year, was indeed, just that. The pictures on the right (from Kim) show something of the preparations which took place beforehand, when a good number of us turned up to 'get things ready'. Amid a welter of banter & teasing, the hall was gradually transformed into a very presentable looking Film Theatre.
John P was, of course, at the centre of everything ... and I think that it would be unfair to attribute in any way to him the collapse of one of the new screen supports at about 1.20pm! It was those too-short screws! Anyway, it gave Brian & Heather a chance to show their high-speed driving skills (Heather!) and their abilities in the DIY area ... all was put right in plenty of time ... and at the end Heather still didn't have hair out of place! Edward (so it was said) supplied some yellow tape - that was fine at its job of protecting the public from tripping over wires, but refused to come off a very long HTML lead afterwards! Several hours of patient work for good ol' JP I suspect! It was the ladies, I think, who put the finishing touches to the stage, while Penny was busy everywhere, but especially in the Food Department. Both the afternoon and the evening shows were well attended and the audience seemed to much enjoy the variety of films shown. It was a special pleasure to see Councillor John and Barbara Donne with us yet again ... the 13th year running I think it was said! The films shown were: "Canada 2011" by Edward "Composed on Westminster Bridge" by Lyn "Musket, Pike & Drum" by John A "Eye Spy" by Christine "The Pink Phone" by Team C! "Made in Britain, Dreams of the Best Toys" by Stephen "Moment to Shine" by John A "Creatures, Crafts & Lunch" by Penny "Getting Warm, Getting Cold" by Ed "The Corsican Problem" by John A "Burying My Dad" by Edward & the group ... a hitherto unseen film! John, as our President, was resplendent and at his sartorial best to run the proceedings both afternoon and evening. It was a great occasion and the club's thanks go to all those who worked so hard to make it happen, especially Christine and John P! SH |
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A Practical Filming Evening
20th September
A practical evening - and a good number of us brought our camcorders along to have a go at the three activities which had been set up for us by Christine, Penny and Edward. And I brought mine along to film the filming!
I seem to have developed a dreadful habit, however, of making errors which can act as a cautionary tale to other members! I have mislaid the SDHC card I used! Yes, they are tiny little things (miracles in their own right!) but they can be dropped anywhere if they are unwisely kept in a pocket, even if 'just to get them home'! I'm hoping that it will turn up, otherwise the pictures will have to come from elsewhere!
Activity 1: Penny was making Christmas cards in order that she might be filmed engaged in that festive activity from all angles and distances. Ed was the first customer and seemed to take the whole matter very seriously ... an example of good practice to us all!
Activity 2: Then Edward, in the same room, had set up a table dolly, best described without pictures (as yet!) as a super-smooth roller skate for cameras! Taking minutes to set up, it can be used to film the smoothest of moving shots with very little experience, whether in straight lines or circles. It caused great interest ... in fact one of our members purchased one a few days later merely from hearing it described!
Activity 3: In the bar area a camera boom was available for experimentation. Now I suspect that these are really quite difficult to use well, especially at anything like the close rage that we were using it at ... but I'm sure that the model owl enjoyed all the attention!
STOP PRESS: I found my SDHC card a week later ... so a small selection of pictures of the evening are displayed below!
I seem to have developed a dreadful habit, however, of making errors which can act as a cautionary tale to other members! I have mislaid the SDHC card I used! Yes, they are tiny little things (miracles in their own right!) but they can be dropped anywhere if they are unwisely kept in a pocket, even if 'just to get them home'! I'm hoping that it will turn up, otherwise the pictures will have to come from elsewhere!
Activity 1: Penny was making Christmas cards in order that she might be filmed engaged in that festive activity from all angles and distances. Ed was the first customer and seemed to take the whole matter very seriously ... an example of good practice to us all!
Activity 2: Then Edward, in the same room, had set up a table dolly, best described without pictures (as yet!) as a super-smooth roller skate for cameras! Taking minutes to set up, it can be used to film the smoothest of moving shots with very little experience, whether in straight lines or circles. It caused great interest ... in fact one of our members purchased one a few days later merely from hearing it described!
Activity 3: In the bar area a camera boom was available for experimentation. Now I suspect that these are really quite difficult to use well, especially at anything like the close rage that we were using it at ... but I'm sure that the model owl enjoyed all the attention!
STOP PRESS: I found my SDHC card a week later ... so a small selection of pictures of the evening are displayed below!
An Evening with John Boxhall
6th September Meeting
It must have been that I was just much too excited about it being the PBFM first meeting since 19th July ... that I omitted to take my camera to this gathering ....
However ... most of we film-makers have gone through a time (probably a very long time) when we were stills -photography enthusiasts. And although the modern digital camcorder may have divided our loyalties, we are probably still proud owners of favourite stills-cameras too! (I'd certainly not normally be without my Canon S3 or my Ixus 40, even when we are 'out filming'!)
John Boxhall came to tell us about 'AV' (audio-visual for those, like me, who were not sure!). It was his second visit and we were treated to a feast of beautiful photographs (mostly of stunning gardens and landscapes) which were presented within a skilfully structured show, set to appropriate music. John feels that our two hobbies are 'quite close to each other', now that such computer programmes as 'Picture to Exe' are on the market ... although we are aware that many of our own modern film-editing programmes can perform a similar task. (It's certainly worth using that facility if you wish to create, as John does, a really attractive show from your still pictures!)
John took us through the history of AV from the 1970s, when the excitement for slide-enthusiasts of using two linked projectors made the pleasure of watching slides much more attractive ... and then came sound ... and then into the digital world that embraced us all!
For me, the highlight of the evening was John's presentation on a chilly November London to Brighton Run for Veteran Cars. If any cars deserve to be photographed by an expert, those do! They are, frankly, beautiful; and, in the chill of November, the smoke and steam add even more piquancy to the scenes!
Since I could not record John's own pictures of this show, I will close this report with a few taken by others to provide the sort of colour which John Boxhall brought into our evening. We thank you John!
However ... most of we film-makers have gone through a time (probably a very long time) when we were stills -photography enthusiasts. And although the modern digital camcorder may have divided our loyalties, we are probably still proud owners of favourite stills-cameras too! (I'd certainly not normally be without my Canon S3 or my Ixus 40, even when we are 'out filming'!)
John Boxhall came to tell us about 'AV' (audio-visual for those, like me, who were not sure!). It was his second visit and we were treated to a feast of beautiful photographs (mostly of stunning gardens and landscapes) which were presented within a skilfully structured show, set to appropriate music. John feels that our two hobbies are 'quite close to each other', now that such computer programmes as 'Picture to Exe' are on the market ... although we are aware that many of our own modern film-editing programmes can perform a similar task. (It's certainly worth using that facility if you wish to create, as John does, a really attractive show from your still pictures!)
John took us through the history of AV from the 1970s, when the excitement for slide-enthusiasts of using two linked projectors made the pleasure of watching slides much more attractive ... and then came sound ... and then into the digital world that embraced us all!
For me, the highlight of the evening was John's presentation on a chilly November London to Brighton Run for Veteran Cars. If any cars deserve to be photographed by an expert, those do! They are, frankly, beautiful; and, in the chill of November, the smoke and steam add even more piquancy to the scenes!
Since I could not record John's own pictures of this show, I will close this report with a few taken by others to provide the sort of colour which John Boxhall brought into our evening. We thank you John!
19th July Meeting: 'Film to a Record or Poem'
Last Gathering before the Summer Break!
'Film to a Poem' was more the order of the day than 'Film to a Record' (a song of piece of music) this year - and we had a healthy five films in John P's hand to show during the evening. Unfortunately one of them fell by the wayside of failed technology ... but more of that later!
Later, John A was to show us two films which he had made, recording an Olympic torch-runner's experience and U3A walk. So there we were, eagerly anticipating a run of five films. They were to be (if I've got all the titles right):
'Composed on Westminster Bridge' Wordsworth's poem, filmed by Lyn Orr 'Lasting Glass' a film to music, filmed by Christine Collins 'Creatures, Crafts & Lunch' a poem & film, both by Penny Love 'Getting Warm, Getting Cold' a poem by Cecil Day Lewis, filmed by Ed Kinge 'London at Dawn' (also based on filming around Westminster) a poem & film, both by Stephen Healing (me!) Lyn's film was based on films taken by Edward (and one clip by me!) when we visited Westminster Bridge & the area around it the Sunday before ... very early ... we started filming at 6 o'clock! Wordsworth's famous poem was spoken by Lyn to modern early morning scenes from St Pauls to Westminster .... often in the sun (we were exceptionally lucky with the weather!). Of course, William & Dorothy Wordsworth's views in 1802 would have been very different to those to which we were treated, but the poem lends itself very well to this modern approach. As this was the only Graduate film, Lyn took the award - well deserved. Christine took some wonderful shots, skilfully edited of course, in a small glass-works which specialises in embedding the ashes of a passed loved one in glass (anything from a beautiful ornament, to a ring for the finger!). For me, it was all over too quickly, the surprising element of the ashes coming only at the end (perhaps I wasn't paying enough attention!) ... and the music being very incidental. This sort of subject, many thought later, would be more suited to documentary rather than Film to a Record ... but very worthy of being a subject of film! Penny is known for her verse ... and after visiting a Craft Fair - and determined to provide a film for this evening! - Penny put the whole experience into verse, so she could produce a Film to a Poem. It must have taken ages because there was a lot of it there ... it had comedy, charm, humour, interest and observation. Ed's film ('Getting Hot, Gettting Cold', the poem by Day Lewis) was filmed with his grandchildren, in particular two charming little girls. It was about a small child looking round a room for her hidden present, egged on by her sister. The filming was immaculate, the acting excellent ... and, though the film was in standard definition, it looked like blu-ray! What a wonderful player & projector we have! (Well ... more of that in the next paragraph!) And so to my film! Now, a Lesson for us All! I only brought a blu-ray version - not a back-up DVD - and I paid the price! For some reason, our 'wonderful player' couldn't 'read' the opening 20 seconds, nor any of the sound! So we had to scrub my offering! It had worked on my computer blu-ray burner; it worked for sound on Edward's blu-ray after the evening, but still jumped the first 20 seconds. The moral is: always take a DVD version as a reserve, as well as your blu-ray disc, to any club or public showing. DVDs seem to be more reliable! So we only had four films for the competition. But, after a long & very sociable & chatty break, John showed his two films. Made to his usual very high standard, they sparked an interesting discussion on our 'duty' to record local events of our time ... and also the frequent need to make two versions of such a film - one fully detailed & personal for the people who were there & involved, and one less detailed for the general public. |
Thanks to the film-makers, who sent me stills from their films (above right) or lent me the disc itself. It's hard to find the best in so many thousands of frames, but we hope that these remind those who attended - & give an idea of what they missed to those few who couldn't attend!
It was another most enjoyable evening. The competition marking for the Advanced Group was extremely close ... but was awarded to Penny for the incredible hard work, energy & humour in her colourful presentation!
It was another most enjoyable evening. The competition marking for the Advanced Group was extremely close ... but was awarded to Penny for the incredible hard work, energy & humour in her colourful presentation!
Christine & Kim's Editing Evening! July 5th 2012
Well ... that was how it was billed - "Kim & Christine's Editing Evening" ... but, let's be truthful, Kim was really just the technician on this particular night (despite his picture being above this spot to represent us all!) ... It was Christine herself who dominated the proceedings and took us through their thoughts on how her series of clips on Sheringham might be edited into a film ...
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It is far from easy to give a talk on editing ... but, of course, editing is at the very heart of our film-making - and we need to discuss its ins and outs, and its ups and downs!
Christine started by showing some of the clips of Sheringham, then she talked about the importance of sound & its quality in a film - and then how to copy sound- tracks to paste them elsewhere in order to cover silences. So far there was no argument, no raised voices ... well, there never are in our club! It was the use of music in films which led to the expression of strongly differing views ... exactly where might it start? ... why? ... was it necessary at all?! Bob led a very spirited defence of less music and more 'natural' sound. However, many members (of those who spoke) felt that music (if wisely used) can give the film unity, spirit ... can act as a sort of mortar between the bricks of the film. I personally liked the idea of the music starting as the black & white opening shot burst into colour ... but it's all a matter of opinion & judgement - & personal creativity. John A talked with some experience & authority on how the use of either music or of 'natural' traffic noise in a film on London (for example) would have very different effects - depending on the film-maker's aim. So we talked on animatedly - about jump-cuts, moving from one piece of music to another (Ron had strong views here) ... until finally Christine showed us her final edit ... & it was really very good ... and its qualities illustrated well the exact points that she had been making ... The 'personal touch' to the evening, which kept us even more attentive and sometimes giggling, was Christine's addressing of Kim himself. He was called variously: "My Glamorous Assistant ... G.A. ... Glam ... Glum ... Glamorous ... and [lastly] Dear! " Being Kim, he accepted it all with the natural grace & dignity which we have come to associate with him! Thank you both very much for a lively & informative evening! |
The Night that Superman Came ... the 21st of June 2012
It seemed like an ordinary Thursday evening in mid-July ... you know the sort of thing ... sunny to start with, then clouding over ... but it was going to be OK - because it was a FilmMakers' night you see, at old PB. So it was bound to be good.
Edward, they said, our Chairman, they said, speaking on Greenscreen & filters. Could be thrilling ... might be a bit boring ... But it wasn't Edward at all! Oh no ... it was his mate-from-the-office - a big man, sort of impressive in a weird way ... just had to hold out his hand and Things Happened ... on screens ... behind him. As I say, an impressive sort of man ... I guess I mustn't try to keep up that Micky Spillane style (above) right through the report ... (that's what it was meant to be ... I think!)
The thing was, it was meant to be Edward speaking to us on that evening, talking about Greenscreen & filters ... but his friend Simon (alias Superman - who used blue screen a great deal we were all disappointed to hear!) knew all about the subject - and then he started gathering material - and once you do that, you're hooked! And not only that, it turned out that Simon's grandfather had been in the Potter's Bar Cine Club forty years ago ... when, I think, only Christine of the present members was around ... so, again, that was something to grab the imagination too! Now I'm no expert on Greenscreening (though I did make my own little low-tech-by-comparison green-screen film contribution in the middle of the evening) so I hesitate to try to describe the events of the evening using technical language. But to cut a long story short, Simon and Edward brought in a whole heap of hi-tech equipment & a big blue-screen. Before firing it up, Simon showed us some stunning footage of how the BBC and other professional film-makers have used the greenscreen technique - and it was fascinating and stunning! And then Simon put Christine in front of the screen (to read the news), myself & Angela (to show some further effects) ... and then Edward was placed there so that Simon could run some pretty extraordinary clips behind him ... all shown through the projector and using a "keyer" too. Edward seemed to be close to being eaten by a lion, or knocked over by a giraffe! Our profound thanks go to Simon for all the work done in preparation for this evening - and then for his energy, knowledge and humour in delivering it. And many thanks to Edward for his information on the important subject of the use of filters ... and for persuading Simon to become involved! Nice work, Supermen! S.H. |
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Club News 9th June 2012
Following the Jubilee Weekend, which, it seems, most members really enjoyed (and, hopefully, did some filming!) we met on June 7th for Film Makers' Question Time. Twenty members attended and sat in a circle. Edward started the proceedings off at about 7.50pm and we didn't stop talking - except for a break in the middle for even more animated chat - until 10.15!
It was a very lively evening ... for the first half somewhat technical for some
(on computers used for editing) ... and for the second half on filming itself.
I thought that both halves were of great value. Read an account of what was discussed on the News Page! (And yes, everything is in red, white & blue!)
It was a very lively evening ... for the first half somewhat technical for some
(on computers used for editing) ... and for the second half on filming itself.
I thought that both halves were of great value. Read an account of what was discussed on the News Page! (And yes, everything is in red, white & blue!)
Film Makers' Question Time
7th June 2012
Our chairman opened the evening by announcing that he intended, in the near future, switching his editing from a very impressive Mac he owns, to a PC. This follows a long struggle to edit and burn AVCHD files within the latest (as well as earlier versions) of Final Cut. Loss of quality/resolution of files that he could not replace was the last straw!
This news was of particular significance to another member who was just contemplating a new powerful Mac for his editing! Already the evening had proved its value! There then followed a long exchange of views on the possible problems of 'going HD'. As has been pointed out before, it is essential that new or would-be HD film-makers should understand that a powerful (quad-core) computer is highly preferable for the smooth display of clips in the editing stage ... and this would cost a minimum of £1000 - probably about £1500 from a bespoke company. This, of course would be on top of the cost of a good HD camera, now about £300 - £600. Having said that, it was pointed out that it is possible to edit HD on an older machine. Two of our number (including myself!) are using £500 dual-core PCs -together with Cyberlink and Magix editors ... though Cyberlink of the two is better at making 'shadow files' for the editing process. These shadow files make the editing clips run smoothly and then the programme automatically upgrades to full HD for the burning process. So it is possible not to spend out on all the equipment at once! (It was also pointed out that the upgrading of any PC can result in some older equipment and programmes no longer working - for example, going to a Windows 7 machine, or, in the near future, Windows 8 - but this is by no means always true. Often updated drives are available free on the internet.) |
After a break, which was filled with even more discussion, the group returned to the meeting room and moved on to issues concerning the making of films themselves. Commentaries were our first subject, how and when they might be written ... which brought us on to how much planning preceded the making of a film. Most of us confessed that we are somewhat chaotic film makers, in the sense that we simply film when we 'go somewhere' and then see what we can do with what we've got afterwards! Only one or two of us are more methodical and plan beforehand! The only exception to this is when we have scripted a story film ... or we are making a film to a record or poem,when the song or the poem dictates a clear structure for us to follow.
... All something for us to bear in mind! And this talk of commentaries took us on to the subject of sound ... and we were reminded how easily this area can be given too little attention. Excellent pictures and poor sound do not make a good film! We also discussed how to film dialogue - whether it is best to use one camera twice, or two simultaneously. It was generally thought that two was best with amateur actors ... though Geoff gave us a very interesting account of how this area is tackled in the feature film world (in which he worked for so long). Here, lighting plays such a vital role in achieving the right look for the atmosphere of the film ... and therefore the use of two cameras simultaneously could mean "shooting up each other's light". (I think that was the expression he used!) One camera was often the answer there! We talked at some length of the Jubilee River Pageant filming & of its somewhat lack-lustre & under-researched 'commentaries' ... and then of Prince Charles' programme on the Royal Family's amateur films. The latter programme was generally much enjoyed and admired. |
Editor's Note! I took no pictures during this discussion evening, but I make no apology for brightening up our website with Jubilee flags ... and even some pictures of that special weekend! After all, it was discussed at some length during the evening ... and no doubt will lead to many films being seen in clubs all over the country in the next few months. It was certainly a weekend worth recording - full of colour, action, energy and good will ... and historical interest! (I loved it!) SH
The 'Earlier Meetings' Page
The Unclassified Film Competition
May 24th 2012
The Unclassified Film Competition (or, as some like to call it, The Open Evening) when members can enter any type of film they wish to. This time there were four entries - which were on a very wide variety of subjects ... in fact, when we come to try to define the subject of Ed's film, the 'wide variety' stretches almost to infinity! What was it really about? I suspect that people (including Ed!) will be asking this question for years to come!
Entitled "The Key, The Secret" ...
We'll come to Ed's film in due course! First, details of the four films entered:
Graduate:
1. "Rocky Comes Home" by Kim Harrald
2. "Aldenham School Remembers, 2011" by Ian Luetchford
Advanced:
3. "The Corsican Problem" by John Astin
4. "The Key, The Secret" by Ed Kinge
"Rocky Comes Home" ... We have seen a small number of films recently which can only really be described as 'private' films, that is to say, films made for close family or friends ... but which individual members have been happy and confident to show on our film evenings. I think that this reflects the close and friendly nature of our club ... and it is a real privilege to be allowed to view such films. "Rocky Comes Home" was a true record of the bringing of a beautiful cat (Rocky) into the lives of a real family, and in particular to a young girl who so clearly deserved the enrichment of her life by the addition of this attractive creature. The film was, above all, extremely poignant and touching ... and very moving in its portrayal of the deep affections and understandings which existed within the fabric of the family's life. As I have said - a real privilege.
"Aldenham School Remembers" ... This film was made by Ian for his old school, to record the trip that present and past pupils made to France to commemorate the fallen of World War 1. The club had been shown the version that was presented to the school several weeks ago, a version which contained within it a greater number of shots of those attending and more of the church service itself. Tonight's version, then, was a shorter and less private version of this very moving occasion. Comments were made in particular on the standard of the singing within the church, the dignity of the participants, the use of the sunflower stills and the closing art work which reminded us of the horrors and quiet heroism of that time. Again, it was something of a privilege to see this.
Entitled "The Key, The Secret" ...
We'll come to Ed's film in due course! First, details of the four films entered:
Graduate:
1. "Rocky Comes Home" by Kim Harrald
2. "Aldenham School Remembers, 2011" by Ian Luetchford
Advanced:
3. "The Corsican Problem" by John Astin
4. "The Key, The Secret" by Ed Kinge
"Rocky Comes Home" ... We have seen a small number of films recently which can only really be described as 'private' films, that is to say, films made for close family or friends ... but which individual members have been happy and confident to show on our film evenings. I think that this reflects the close and friendly nature of our club ... and it is a real privilege to be allowed to view such films. "Rocky Comes Home" was a true record of the bringing of a beautiful cat (Rocky) into the lives of a real family, and in particular to a young girl who so clearly deserved the enrichment of her life by the addition of this attractive creature. The film was, above all, extremely poignant and touching ... and very moving in its portrayal of the deep affections and understandings which existed within the fabric of the family's life. As I have said - a real privilege.
"Aldenham School Remembers" ... This film was made by Ian for his old school, to record the trip that present and past pupils made to France to commemorate the fallen of World War 1. The club had been shown the version that was presented to the school several weeks ago, a version which contained within it a greater number of shots of those attending and more of the church service itself. Tonight's version, then, was a shorter and less private version of this very moving occasion. Comments were made in particular on the standard of the singing within the church, the dignity of the participants, the use of the sunflower stills and the closing art work which reminded us of the horrors and quiet heroism of that time. Again, it was something of a privilege to see this.
"The Corsican Problem"
ITMA! (for those who remember what that means!) John A can always be trusted to wow the audience with the standard of his photography & editing. This film was John's first to be filmed in full HD, 1920x1080, and, on the big screen, the Corsican scenery looked absolutely stunning! You could almost feel the heat coming off both the landscape - and the poor unfortunates who were crammed into the infrequently running Corsican trains! The thing that fascinates me about John's films is that his editing (& forethought I assume!) always gives the impression that there is a small team of cameramen on the job! I suppose it's the bewildering variety of shots too ... from ultra-realistic extreme close-ups of people passing the camera, to beautifully framed land- and sea-scapes. There was some discussion as to whether this film was a holiday film, a travelogue or a documentary. For me, it was the second or the third. It was a really interesting account of the problems of the Corsican railways! For those who missed it (as well as those who didn't!) I have included a few stills which I managed to prise out of the film! |
"The Key, The Secret"
Well, here we are again! The pictures tell it all ... or perhaps they don't ... Ed said that this was a rainy afternoon film (I think I recall) and that he was experimenting and 'pushing the boundaries' of what constitutes an amateur film. I must admit that I like that idea. The sparseness and 'simplicity' - or was it complexity? - gave it its semi-comic and enigmatic appeal. If it's under 60 seconds (or could be made to be) it could go far! As a post-script space-filler ... I was able to take stills from this film by simply using the PrintScreen button as I played the DVD full-screen on the computer's Cyberlink PowerDVD player. But to extract stills from John's HD film was a whole new learning curve, involving dragging the film onto my hard drive, taking it into an editor (Cyberlink - Magix wouldn't accept it!) taking 'snapshots', clicking on them ... and then using PrintScreen! (Taking single frames from films is a very useful tool for writing a report or making a DVD sleeve ... or, more important, preserving a magic moment in time! Perhaps we should cover it some time in one of our evenings. Even when you think that you've found a way, it may not quite do what you want it to!) SH |
The Annual Dinner & Film of the Year Awards
May 10th 2012
As you can see from the two photographs taken in the restaurant below, the party was very content even before the meal began. As far as I know, everyone was very happy with the meal which The Old Manor provided for us ... although it was rumoured that Penny had ordered - and enjoyed - shredded wheat for her main course! In any case, a couple of hours later we repaired to the other building, where we were supplied with hot drinks as we waited for the results of The Film of the Year Competition.
The Results!
Film of the Year Christine Collins for 'Eye Spy'
1st Runner-up John Astin for 'Musket, Pike and Drum' 2nd Runner-up John Astin for 'London Prepares Graduate Film of the Year Ed Kinge for 'Rainy Day' Best use of Sound John Astin for 'Musket, Pike and Drum' Best Editing Christine Collins for 'Eye Spy' Best Documentary John Astin for 'Cliff Hangers' Best Titles & Graphics Stephen Healing for 'The Magical World of 3-D Photography' Best Camera-work Kim Harrold for 'Bermuda Wood Mystery' Best Dialogue John Astin for 'Memories' Best Actress Marie Jones for 'Memories' Best Creativity Ed Kinge for 'A Christmas Outing' Best Story The 'A' Team for 'Bermuda Wood Mystery' The Film-Maker of the Year Ed Kinge Congratulations to all! The only oddity was that The Best Travel and Holiday Film title was not awarded this year. I would have thought that either Edward's film on Canada or John's film which revisited his continental railways would have both been absolutely prime candidates! However ... who'd want to be a judge?! Many thanks are due to John Parkes, of course, for all his very hard work in connection with these awards ... not to mention his incredible performance throughout the whole year in carrying around and making ready the equipment which is vital to virtually every one of our meetings. And Penny too deserves front-page treatment for all she did in arranging the evening with The Old Manor & Wyllyotts ... let alone chasing us up for our money and food choices. No wonder she eats Shredded Wheat! |