IAC DISCUSSION FORUMS

I have a question relating to the IAC music licence which allows us amateur filmmakers to use copyright music on condition that it is only for use in amateur non-profitmaking productions. There are extensive music libraries online which appear mainly to be for professional use. Would the IAC licence...

How about this, folks? We are AVOCATION FILMMAKERS making AVOCATION FILMS. Just take a look at this first paragraph on Wikipedia relating to this word 'avocation'. An avocation is an activity that someone engages in as a hobby outside their main occupation. There are many examples of people whose pr...

I’m so pleased you were there for the screening of THE GIFT, Jill. The only day I could attend to watch some of the films was on the Saturday, and yes, what a terrific giant screen it is at the Millennium Point cinema and excellent sound (unlike last year when they had the volume level far too high)...

Jon, I’m so glad you saw my film THE GIFT at the Birmingham Film Festival on Sunday at midday. I was so pleased it was officially selected and shown, but at the same time I was gutted that I couldn’t be present for the screening. Before the programme was announced, I’d arranged a major filming sessi...

I can’t get my head round why so many filmmakers don’t attend film festivals even when their films are being shown. I feel frustrated at BIAFF when the filmmakers aren’t there to collect their awards. I personally love to attend screenings of my own films with an audience and get feedback of what pe...

It was another great BIAFF weekend. I’ve entered films for BIAFF and attended the whole event every year since 2008 and would never want to miss it. I’m just sorry that the attendance figures decrease each year for some unknown reason despite the number of entries remaining roughly constant. John Ho...

Well done Jon. Please remind me... What’s the name of the organiser of the Birmingham Film Festival who’ll be attending BIAFF? I’ll look out for him. One of the organisers was actress/producer Sophie Canare, who I managed to recruit to act in my 4 star BIAFF film LIKE A BULLET which is being shown o...

As a first-round BIAFF judge for the past five years, one thing I’d like to point out is that whoever is writing up the comments has to reflect all views expressed by the panel of three judges. If the judge who is doing the write-up thinks that some points raised by other judges on the panel are rat...

Thanks Dave. The running time limit is not an issue for me. Years ago I used to make one long film every year. But in recent years I’ve made several SHORT films each year. Out of my seven entries to BIAFF 2019, six of them have a running time of less than ten minutes!

Dave, could you please provide a current link for EUROFILMERS EAK? The only information I can find for their competition ends in 2017. I’d be interested in submitting films to them. Cheers!

Hearty congratulations Bob. Not many filmmakers achieve two diamonds. Yes, see you in Birmingham. I’m doing the whole weekend package as ever and also the Thursday evening meal & Sutton Coldfield film show.

Oh, Jill. 2 stars?! What can I say? I’m glad you feel able to laugh about it. I submitted 7 new films. Four of them were given 3 stars and won’t be shown at BIAFF. (I have to say I’d hope for a higher award for three of these.) The other three got 4 stars; while I’m pleased that they will be shown o...

As one of the first round judges, I can comment on one or two issues touched on by Michael Slowe. Judging took place last weekend. The major winners won’t be told of their results any earlier than anyone else; everyone will receive their results during the week beginning 25th March. First round judg...

To reply to Tim, my perception was that the vast majority of entries were from amateur filmmakers not professionals. There was only one film I saw on Tuesday which appeared to be a professional production, called The Overcoat. The people I chatted to on my table at the awards were all amateurs and I...

Here's my report about the BFF (The Birmingham Film Festival) Gala Awards evening on Saturday evening at The Canalside, The Cube, Birmingham. It was an enjoyable event which was streamed live on the BFF Facebook page. I'd estimate there were about 150 people present. We sat at round tables seating 1...