Dear Bob I was most interested to read Antal Kovacs article on the film The Italian Job in the Newsletter, especially since I was the production mixer sent out by Paramount to replace the hospitalised Dicky Bird who was injured as the result of an accident with a Mini. Antal Kovacs mentions that to his knowledge, nobody has written a book about that film. I can inform you that the manuscript of such a book is now with the publisher BT Basford, entitled The Making Of The Italian Job by author Matthew Field. After the interest shown in the recent Channel Four documentary on the same subject, the book should sell well. I was also interested in the article Going For The Chop in the Spring 2001 issue of the Newsletter, giving details of the post production sound on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. This leads me to suggest that there must be many more stories like that one which would prove suitable for AMPS members. I realise that Production members outnumber Re-Recording members by almost 4 to 12, and Sound Editors roughly 2 to 1. So it is fair to assume that articles relating to Production sound should predominate. But perhaps you could cast your net amongst members, even Sponsor members, to attract more articles on Sound Editing and Re-Recording. My experience in these fields is somewhat old fashioned so I’m afraid that I cannot contribute on up to date techniques. Best wishes from AMPS Costa Del Sol branch. Yours sincerely JOHN ALDREDFuengirola, Spain Dear Bob Hutchings Magnetics is presently winding down and the majority of assets purchased by RPS (UK) Ltd under the control of Allan Curtis, my son-in- law, who has taken over the baton. We thank our friends for their continued support. At 63, I am still quite active, being available to Allan for technical advice, refereeing soccer up to Surrey Intermediate level both Saturdays and Sundays, and running a football club with my son Jimmy, and Allan. I apologise for not responding (it appears like most others) to Tim Blackham’s request for what the membership wants of AMPS. I would like to offer some suggestions. 1/ I would like more ‘where are they now’ reports on the personnel of my era. I will keep you aware as to my activities, and I know about Ken Somerville, Peter Harris and Paul White as we still socialise, and Allan keeps me up to date with the studio personnel which he serves. | But there are many more both active and retired that it would be nice to hear about. 2/ As I have always been a bit wary of the increasing ‘iffy’ content of films, I seldom go to AMPS screenings. It would be helpful if, like TV, someone could give the films the square, dot, diamond and triangle treatment so that I could then attend the square (family viewing) category (if any still exist). 3/ I would like more articles relating to audio developments in the semi-pro and amateur field and how they relate to our profession - ie DVD, internet audio sourcing etc. The Newsletter itself is excellent so keep it up. A few more things about my activities: - I have sold my French watermill to a Frenchman (how about the recent floods!). - - My son now lives in a villa near Nice so we have our own room there. - My Reigate vineyard is doing well - about 100 bottles of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir this year. - Our Reigate Hill FC 2nd team won the local cup last year and the 1st team have been promoted from 5th to 1st division in the last four years. Those who remember the Hutchings Magnetics/Make-A-Wish charity 5-a-side will not be surprised by my interest in football. These charity games still live with me many turned out over the years - London Weekend, TVS, BBC TV, Pinewood, Anvil and many more. Do these events still take place somewhere? As you know, one of my last acts before edging into retirement was to make Hutchings Magnetics a Sustaining Member of AMPS. RPS (UK) has now taken over this mantle. I thank you for my honorary membership - the certificate has pride of place over my ‘homework’ desk. One day, when my ‘retirement’ is not so busy, I'll settle down and write you the inside story on the birth and death (although Mark Twain’s words suddenly pass through my mind) of the perforated mag film those old acetate bases, rusting cans, jumping perfs, wavy edges, oxide dust et al - perhaps by then it will rate alongside the dinosaur age, or interest only fellow Honorary members Very best wishes to all at AMPS HARRY J HUTCHINGS BSc, Hon AMPS |
