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Re: Looking Forward.

Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 3:20 pm
by ned c
Hi Frank; good question. I live near a city of about 75,000 with a total population of about 100,000 in the county. This we see as our "community" and it is served by a number of special interest clubs/organisations; orchestra, theatre, musical theatre, galleries, commercial cinemas etc. The usual mix of arts/entertainment resources plus the productions of the university theatre. arts and film departments. The Space Between was established to produce "fearless theatre" and the film unit is a part of that. We like to think that all the people living here are interested in some branch of the arts/entertainment so we promote our activities very broadly. We use the local press, radio, internet, e-mail lists, Craigs List, Facebook, flyers and word of mouth to broadly keep the community aware of what we are doing. Obviously some of our projects are of limited interest but the problem is knowing who those are in the community who will be interested so we spread a broad net. For example the script-writing contest attracts 10 to 20 entries but in each year we have received scripts from people we do not know. This requires a person who enthusiastically and continuously promotes the organization across a wide base. You cannot have an occasional promotion; you have to work at getting the attention of the community; deliver something they enjoy and then you get their support.
This past month TSB put on a play with 12 performances the usual promotions plus a lengthy write up in the local press and a spot on local radio; the result is a 90% sell out. As you can see all this requires a person dedicated to promoting the enterprise. At TSB we are lucky to have a lady who does this from her wheelchair with skill, good humor and grace.

If any club/organisation wishes to grow/survive it must make itself known to the world at large as well as its special constituency and in my opinion here lies the weakness of the IAC; it serves its constituency but to the wider world (including the modern world of n-c film makers) it is invisible. Film making is NOT about camera/NLE ownership; it is about creating entertainment for a wider public - the community -and inviting them to be a part of the adventure.

ned c

Re: Looking Forward.

Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 7:59 pm
by Frank Maxwell
Thank You Ned, I felt a bit silly asking that question. But you have put it over nicely. Sorry to say here in England many clubs rely on advertising and the odd public function in having stands or stalls. I live in Trowbrige and our council tries very hard in organising events for the local community. But when it comes to the video club set-up its advertising in local Library and any location shooting by video clubs are very low key run of the mill production. Mostly comedy. In other words "No Effort Productions". That is what I call them. We have so much history around us and the members who past the youth stage all wear blinkers.

What saddens me is that there are people who have the know-how, how to use certain equipment and spend time and trouble demonstrating the item.

I think the answer regards what is wrong or right with the IAC or certain declining video clubs????? It needs more people to speak up, but many are just happy to go along.
This IAC forum is a classic example. With all the members the IAC has how many people contribute to this forum?. I'm getting to know them.
I think the IAC is a wonderful institution and serve the community well. I find working alone and with people who want to make films to improve their skill and hope to go into this field is more rewarding than to churn out year after year the same material on a 5 minute scale. As a keen ardent amateur film and video maker I always made story films and video. First to learn and now with video can refine the art with computer software.

I have decide to stop writing on this forum as some people are not happy with my statement I have made over the months.
I do apologise if some peole are offended. But that is how I see and have seen it.

I end with a little production tip. Using your SHD card. If you need to store them on a shoot. Tic Tac sweet boxes are ideal.

Re: Looking Forward.

Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 8:11 pm
by ned c
Frank "Never say Never"!! I see no evidence of anyone taking exception to your postings so stay around and continue to contribute to the discussions.

ned c

Re: Looking Forward.

Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 10:41 pm
by Dave Watterson
Frank, if you mean that people like your colleagues do not like you writing about the club, then by all means stop upsetting them. We are all volunteers and any contributions is better than none.

But please do not let that stop you writing about everything else. There are plenty of topics associated with our hobby that can do with an airing

Re: Looking Forward.

Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 11:58 pm
by Frank Maxwell
Dave, I do not upset colleagues who I deal with. Only people who I been associated with on the trip on the Titanic in a manner of speaking.
Never Say Never was a good title for Sean Connery who re-made "Thunderball" and sorry to say lost money at the Box-Office. :D

Re: Looking Forward.

Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 10:10 am
by John C
Frank, :roll:
Please remember the Titanic was OK when it left Belfast!

John C :lol:

Re: Looking Forward.

Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 10:52 am
by Frank Maxwell
Thank You John. Nice to get a laugh. Was thinking how many movies were made about the ship and T.V productions? Has there ever been an amateur production made?. The best TV version I saw in America I think was time travel and these 2 lads went back and landed on the Titanic. How does one explain (if this happens to you) to the captain the ship is going to sink. Would make nice little video story. With green screen and software it is possible to make. But one would need good script and dedicated people who loved that era to have a go. :!: