IAC DISCUSSION FORUMS

Tom, if you're too busy to read a nice printed magazine how come you can read it on line? Sat hunched over a computer screen and having to click and scroll a tiny cursor that you can hardly see. Option, sat down comfortably, cup of coffee to hand and nice bright easy to read and turn pages.

I too was asked by David to send a video intro to a film that is being shown but, quite honestly, he gave so little time for this that I ignored the request. Such a hassle to revive camera and batteries after a long lay off, set up, film, download, edit, export file, compress to H264 for transmissio...

Jameela, I wish you luck with this! You really are giving yourself a hard task. It's hard enough making a film just from behind the camera (and computer), but to do all that is amazing. But, that's the point, we can do whatever we please without having to justify anything to anybody else. I hope tha...

Can I jump in to this select group discussing the kit that they use and their aims regarding film making. Being a great deal older than any of you, I started with Standard (not even Super) 8mm film using a wind up Bolex P1 with a wonderful Hunter zoom lens. Editing was done on the dining table with ...

Yes, I do have films accepted for exhibition at these festivals from time to time. Just recently my new film The Orchard has been selected for about three. I usually choose events from FilmFreeway that take place in the UK but sometimes it's difficult to tell. Howard, how do you use the laurels? I c...

The problem is Brian, that the TV companies have to ensure that they are not putting themselves at risk by broadcasting a given film. Those horrendous contracts are designed to cover all eventualities and they are open to negotiation. In my current case I didn't have to even do that in the end, just...

I'm on Ned's wavelength, we are photographers first and foremost surely. It's so satisfying obtaining nice footage to take to the edit. As for writing, that is almost impossible where documentary making is concerned. I have an idea what I want but you never know how things will turn out once you sta...

It is odd that so few members use it, difficult to understand. The Robots are probably better film makers than we are though.

Sorry to be boring but just for the record, and maybe as a guide for others, I have resolved my contract issue with the TV channel and transmissions of many of the films from my portfolio will take place periodically. I have not signed a formal contract but have assured them that I have the copyrigh...

Willy, it's "Jonny Foreigner", not John, and we are very pleased to always welcome Willy. I am joining you in the next issue of the magazine, I too enjoy putting on paper my thoughts and experiences concerning film making. Of course the printed magazine is crucial to the very existence of the IAC in...

Ned, many thanks for this. I have consulted my lawyer and he suggests speaking to the media people at his old firm. However one of our very good friends is the head of one of the biggest theatrical and film agencies in London and he says not to sign this contract as it is. I might negotiate somethin...

That must make five of us, I too try and keep in touch with the Forum. It should be buzzing as people are mostly on line and not attending raves, not generally a popular activity with the current membership of the IAC. As it happens I have an important topic to discuss. A TV channel wants to transmi...

Jameela, we aren't very far apart then. I agree that just the leading films get publicly graded, and your suggestion concerning all the others is a good one. Most semi pro festivals do the same, they announce 'selections' for exhibition together with main prizewinners, perfectly sensible. Mind you, ...

I am in pretty much total agreement with Jameela with a few exceptions. She seems obsessed with wanting the elimination of competition among film makers and their films. I can't understand why. Without competition how do you decide which films are shown in a "main" programme? Some judgements have to...

You only have to look at the really good commercial films to see how wonderfully they have kept a consistent look throughout the whole film. This is important, not just for the "first few seconds" as Tim suggests, but right through. Actually of course, in real life this is not so! Light changes cont...