IAC DISCUSSION FORUMS

Quick addon - a very quick run through the top films at BIAFF shows that most are well under 30 minutes so the feature films are not representative of true amateur work. A time limit would seem to have little impact on entries.

ned c

A quick look on IMDB shows that "Sobre la Muerte" had a budget of $50,000 and runs 98 minutes. From the discussion the films which have caused most concern seem to fall into the category of feature films; typically running 90 minutes or longer. The simplest solution is to set a time limit;...

Hi Tim;

I have returned Last Lines to my Vimeo site and will dig out the previous versions if I can find them

ned c

Hi John; I have added Red Rock Blues to my Vimeo site.

ned c

https://vimeo.com/user3134480

This will take you to my Vimeo account.

ned c

Hi John; there really is a film "Redrock Blues" made about 2004 and 4 stars at BIAFF. I will dig around and see if I can find an uploadable version, thanks for viewing.

ned c

The choice is between the "amateur" film with professionals defined and specifically excluded or the "non-commercial" film where unpaid professionals are included. In reality we are past the point where the "amateur" definition can be applied so true amateurs have to li...

The intent of an amateur film festival is clear, it is open to people who make films for pleasure. They work with limited resources and finances drawn from their own pockets. The rules of the traditional amateur film festivals were framed in terms that reflect a concern with “true amateurism” but th...

Hold on; I didn't realize that David Newman ran BIAFF single handed; without detracting from the great job he does this is a recipe for disaster. First recognize that BIAFF is presently the most valuable asset the IAC has (no; not the membership) and until it finds more membership attractions must p...

If in doubt; ask. The makers of films that look to be outside the BIAFF rules should be contacted and requested to provide financing and budget details. When I was involved with AMPS and submissions director of DOCUTAH we frequently contacted entrants for information about their entries. mostly rela...

Not strictly on topic but related. When the orders came down from above that there must be a clear out, much of the stuff being the remains of now defunct AMPS I found an archive very interested in all things relating to amateur film. They happily took four box loads (over 120 lbs.) of books, tapes,...

Thanks to Tom for forwarding the comments. I feel the rating and comments very fair; better than I had expected. The other entry was also a solo effort a product of the lock down with my usual film making brought o a halt. I am amazed that David Newman does all this work for BIAFF alone; as this Fes...

I received an e-mail that one of my entries, Last Lines, is to be screened but no info on rating/judges comments.

ned c

BIAFF is the only festival I am aware of that delivers the judges comments to the entrants. This alone is worth the cost of entry. It is one of the few ways we can get a written reaction to what we have created, awards and stars are OK but a detailed reaction is what we want. My primary interest is ...

Willy, thanks for the comment on a category for film students. As you say film students have access to a wide range of resources and produce an astonishing range of films. Many of them graduate but follow other professions but still with a love of film making and could be a valuable resource for the...