The General meetings held so far this year have all been quite successful.
The Stelladat Take 2 presentation was attended by 28 members and as would be expected they were mostly production sound people. Those present hoped that this presentation would assure them that the earlier problems of the machine had been overcome. However, despite the lucid explanations from Erich Bršnnimann of Sonosax and a personal statement from a location user, there were those present who remained doubtful about the time code functions. However, speaking to Erich at the APRS, he assures me that the problem of time code error caused by stopping and restarting has been rectified.
On Set Noise, held in Theatre 7 at Pinewood was not so well attended. However the 17 who did show up all contributed well to the lively discussion regarding extraneous noise and what could be done to reduce if not eliminate the many problems that hinder production sound crews. It was disappointing that no re-recording mixers or sound editors were present as it had been hoped that they would have been able to add constructive comment on how some of the problems could possibly be dealt with in post production. Volunteers for a working party to look into the problems and possible solutions were called for. Sandy MacRae and Ken Weston were asked to organise meetings to suit the availability of those offering their services.
It was hoped that the working party will eventually include delegates from sound editing and re-recording and that a document entitled 'Producers Guide To Greater Sound Productivity' will result.
It Hasn't Changed My Life - Or Has It?, chaired by Eddy Joseph in the Twickenham Studio restaurant. The meeting was well attended by a cross section of crafts but the majority were sound editors. Eddy was a little disappointed that there was insufficient input from sound editors who had not yet used any of the non-linear systems. There was good discussion from those who were well into the new systems and most agreed that it had made a difference and helped them enter the re-recording theatre with greater confidence. This was especially so if the director was prepared to sit-in with the sound editor for a run through in the style of a rough mix, stopping for discussion and trying alternatives. Thus, when eventually in the re-recording theatre, most of the important decisions had been made and time/money saved by not using the theatre as a giant Movieola.
There was also a great deal of discussion about ownership of non-linear editing equipment. Opinion was divided between those who considered hire of equipped cutting rooms was best and those who owned their own gear. The meeting went on until well after 11pm with not the slightest sign of flagging, so much so that it has been decided to hold a follow up meeting in September. This next meeting it is hoped will involve those sound editors who are still dubious and still not users.
The two informal get-togethers organised by Ken Weston at The Turks Head, Twickenham were voted a great success by all who turned up. Besides meeting old friends and making new friends, the occasions are good for meeting up with members of crafts other than your own. It has been suggested that for the Summer the get-togethers be at a suitably situated pub with a garden. As Ken is at present involved on a foreign location, Lionel Strutt has volunteered to continue the organising of venues and dates. He would really appreciate suggestions from members for venues. Harry Fairbairn is also hoping to organise similar social activity in the North so if you are up that way give him a call on 01484 681330.
The Council has decided to form a sub committee to handle the business of arranging future general meetings. The idea is that this committee will research suitable topics for meetings, arrange speakers, demonstrations, dates and venues. It is hoped they will be able to get out a calendar of events so that members will know in advance what meetings are coming up. If any members who would like and be prepared to help make up this committee please get in touch with David Old at De Lane Lea (0171 439 1721).
There are still plans to go ahead with the proposed excursion to Bradford, to visit the Museum of Photography, Film and Television and take in screenings of IMAX and Cinerama. It is hoped that a previous newsletter article on Cinerama and John Aldred's IMAX article in this issue will encourage members to take advantage of the proposed trip. Members will be advised of the full details as soon as arrangements are complete.
BAFTA is running a scheme where organisations or individuals may purchase a wall plaque based upon the BAFTA mask and dedicate it to a member of the film and TV community. Recently the Council voted to contribute £250 for a bronze BAFTA mask in memory of Bill Rowe, to be placed on the wall at BAFTA's Piccadilly club rooms. Bill was not only a world class re-recording mixer but he played an important role in the formation of AMPS attending working party meetings and contributing much good sense.