Forum chat in FVM

[ned c]

This thread has wandered over the whole scene of the current state of the traditional world of amateur film making. The world of clubs; Regions; polite comments; BIAFF, UNICA, a world in terminal decline. Replaced by YouTubers; Vimeors, with access to a huge catalog of films of every type; style; genre, available for viewing at a moment's notice. How long can amateur national festivals survive? As long as retirees can afford the travel and hotel expenses; for the young the important festivals are those that offer some connection; however thin; with the world of professional film.
Some time ago i castigated the AV section of F&VM as taking space that should be used by real film makers' I take it back as the AV section is now the most lively part of the magazine; no bygone memories; excellent pics (after all they are essentially still photographers), details of work completed and in progress. Look at the December magazine; the only article about the actual experience of film making is by Ken Wilson.

Comments? thoughts?
ned c

[Ken Wilson]

Hi Ned and all. Yes the FVM magazine is called, Film and Video MAKER. Very few articles appear now which are actually about the process of making films! I know the magazine has to cater for all interests and I have no objections to the reviews of film (video) equipment and always read Tom's articles, but there are now many more pieces looking at equipment rather than techniques and issues when shooting or editing a film.

The magazine looks great and Martin can only print the articles he has sent in. I have suggested to prolific film maker Howard-Smith that he may wish to write about his exploits and he may do so in the future. Michael Slowe has also written some such "making ofs" in the past and a couple of other people, but these seem thin on the ground right now.

We need a balance to suit everyone as much as possible. But the emphasis right now is more on nostalgia looking back rather than looking ahead with new ideas and projects. Perhaps this is indicative of the ageing membership and the apparent steady decline the IAC faces.

I have made 3 new films in 2024 and have been writing about the problems making these in the current issues with still more to say. I would hope that others may put pen to paper/ fingers to keyboard and tell us what problems they have had writing their scripts, shooting a film, directing or editing. We can but hope.

[Martin Evans]

Don't ever stop doing what you do Ken.