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Film and Video Institute

The world of non-commercial film and A-V


 

What We Do

CONTACT

Membership puts you in contact with thousands of other enthusiasts in the UK and overseas. Hundreds of affiliated clubs offer one-to-one advice, an audience for your movies and the opportunity to join larger film-making groups. In addition to national and international events, our regions run their own movie festivals.

EXPERT ADVICE & TRAINING

Advice on all movie and A-V matters, technical and creative, simple or complicated. Learn to make better movies. Members can access our Internet forum, where you will usually find someone with the answer to any problem.

YOUR OWN MAGAZINE

Keep in touch with other members, and with new developments in movie making through Film & Video Maker, our magazine.

COPYRIGHT CLEARANCE

Our unique copyright clearance scheme covers music used in non-commercial movies and AV sequences. Most music is covered by strict copyright laws, with stiff penalties for infringement, but we can provide members with inexpensive licences.

COMPETITIONS

Our British International Amateur Film Competition (BIAFF) attracts movies from around the world. Entrants receive written comments from a panel of expert judges. Award-winning movies may be chosen to represent the UK overseas. Many clubs and regions hold their own competitions. We also run the annual Peter Coles A-V (audio-visual)Competition.

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IAC - the Film & Video Institute is devoted
to promoting amateurs working in all
film and A-V (audio-visual) formats.

A couple with their new camera.

FILM AND VIDEO LIBRARY

Our Film and Video Library holds the world's largest collection of outstanding amateur movies. In addition to winners of national and international competitions, we have archive material going back to the earliest days.

MEMBERSHIP CARD

Our membership card confirms amateur status and can be very helpful with obtaining permission to film in otherwise inaccessible places, at home or abroad.

FESTIVALS

Each Spring, our British International Amateur Film Festival (BIAFF) shows the best amateur movies  and AV sequences from our competition. Your film could be shown in one of several cinemas or, perhaps, at the gala event where awards are presented. The Autumn Convention and AGM usually features a talk by an eminent film-maker, along with film shows/competitions and a programme of social events.

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

We provide a range of awards. Accomplished film-makers and audio-visual workers are awarded Licenciate, Associate or Master status. Members who have made an outstanding contribution to the movie movement are recognised with a Fellowship or a UNICA medal. (UNICA is an independent international organisation. It is a member of the UNESCO Council.)

ALL THIS AND MORE! THE INSTITUTE ALSO:
  • Encourages and supports young people.
  • Maintains links with movie-makers and festivals overseas.
  • Makes representations on behalf of amateurs to government and other bodies and to the trade.

OUR PATRONS

We are grateful to our patrons for supporting our work:

John Boorman         Professor Ray Johnson MBE, Hon FACI         Paul Kittel FACI         Lord Putnam CBE        

Take your time exploring this huge website. There is plenty of information to help whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced movie maker. Some starting points: