It was a very busy day as we had the biggest entry into the competition that I can remember.

The Speaker during the morning was Andrew Vale - BBC Producer, Director and Trainer - returning for the second time to continue his talk from last year. I think it’s true to say he enthralled us yet again!

Using a computer and extracts from BBC programmes, we were encouraged not just to look at the clips but also to analyse them. This being part of the training he provides to video journalists.

An old news report clip was used by way of example. It began with a “VO” – a ‘voice over’ sequence. This was followed by John Birt - then Director General - speaking to camera, this
being a “Sync” ie: a lip- synchronised sequence. Following on through the report it was broken down into a pattern of sequences: VO- Sync- VO- Sync- VO- Sync- VO. A recent news clip from Sky was also broken down into a similar pattern despite being from a different broadcaster.

Andrew described the next step, as an “Architecture of factuals” – meaning each sequence should be identified and have a start, middle and end. The first “VO” was the ‘Introduction’. The “Sync.” (John Birt) was called ‘Pioneer’ as he talked about the BBC pioneering television development. The next was called “Receivers” as it covered how the public would receive digital
broadcasts etc. and so on until the final sequence: ‘End- closure’.

This discipline ensured the story was told succinctly and clearly, including all the relevant detail. In some cases we were told “Sync” pieces were typed out and the words timed and reviewed so that only the right pieces were included. Very good advice. How many times have you sat through a film thinking this is going on a bit?

Community Television

Andrew also told us about a new development: Community Television, being rolled out over the country and suggested we keep an eye on the BBC web site for details.

They are looking for short pieces up to about 3 minutes long. This would usually be put together by a video journalist but Andrew suggested there was no reason why we should not do it ourselves. They will even supply a camera if needed. Copyright apparently isn’t a problem as the BBC will either clear it or supply music if necessary!

(Editor) The BBC web site reveals this initiative is being piloted and is currently only available in six locations within the WM (West Midlands) area on Satellite and Broadband. It is quite separate from the Community T. V. channel available on Freeview, satellite and cable which is something different.

A. G. M.

The A. G. M. was convened at noon as usual. Kay Bamford- Burnell was installed as our new Chairman. Richard Phipps - a long- standing member of Council, - did not stand for re-
election and so he now steps down. Three new members were elected to Council: Bill & Dorothy Every of Wyre Forest Camcorder Club and Colin Stannard of Derby Movie Makers.

Movie Festival

And so to the Competition. 23 entries were screened and that was after 4 had been dropped!

There were some shiny new glass trophies for the winners to keep. Once again Andrew Vale was our Judge and this year projection was expertly carried out by Chris Hazlewood and Terry Fullwood, both members of Wulfrun Camcorder Club.

As you might expect, entries covered many diverse subjects. How do you decide between a Viking battle re-enactment and say the construction of a model railway? There were journeys to various holiday destinations all interesting and well made. Dramas included visitors landing from another planet and a monster reeking violence and murder in the woods! There were many excellent documentaries as well as some brilliant animation pieces.

I’m glad I wasn’t the judge. It must have been a very difficult job but Andrew managed it with aplomb and rather quicker than expected allowing the event to finish a little earlier than shown in the programme.

The Results

1st. “A Quiet Country Lane” - Paul Chater
2nd. “Heroes of the Gondoro La” - David Newman
3rd. “Tell me about it” - Nottingham Movie Makers

“At a Snail’s Pace” - Geof Caudwell Editing trophy
“Riding High” - Alan Moore Sound Trophy
“Squashed” - Kevin Woodhead - Young Filmmakers Trophy
“Highlights of a Voyage to the Arctic” - Alan Lodge - First Time Winner award

Congratulations to all concerned.

- Rob Day    April 2006

First published in the CEMRIAC regional magazine

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