Grahame N's Web Pages

THE CELLULOID IMAGE

f rom Grahame L. Newnham B.Sc.

The decline of film seems to be mirrored by the decline in the number of film clubs. Those that survive have in the main moved almost entirely to make their films using a modern video / digital format. However the end product remains the same - an amateur film production; the skills also remain the same - acting, scripting, directing, camera work, sound recording, editing, presentation, etc.

However for a club to survive, whatever its age or size, what it needs is a fountainhead - one person with the verve and drive to make things happen; who can make members understand that a club needs the art of giving and taking just as much as the art of taking and making movies; that a member's contribution doesn't finish with the paying of his subscription - on the contrary, it only begins with the subscription. What a member can get out of a club will always be commensurate with what he or she puts into it.

Anyone experienced in anything will always tell you that the more you know - the more you discover the less you know! One is always learning, from books, media and of course, from other people. These 'other people' are often newcomers, who often arrive with a fresh eye and new ideas.

The Twelve Point Plan

1. Appoint a first class chairman and publicity officer.

2. Keep committees small. Large ones are obstructive, time wasting and a venue for gas-bags.

3. Involve the spouse. If you can't beat her/him then join your partner in the club activities.

4. Keep finances healthy through a buoyant membership and shows, raffles, grants and other fund raising.

5. Encourage a friendly atmosphere and be sure to make newcomers feel at home.

6. Vary your programme, but do make certain you have somebody capable of performing on the night.

7. Let the knowledgeable help the tenderfoot.

8. Dreary surroundings do not encourage success. Improve your premises / venue if necessary and possible.

9. Maintain a sense of humour at all times - especially at the AGM where you are going to need it!

10. Co-operate with other clubs and local organisations.

11. Give every movie - amateur or professional - the best possible presentation. Respect film maker as well as the audience.

12. Finally those three little words which bring the results, if everybody believes and acts on them - WORK WILL WIN.

gln May2006 (based on a 1983 Movie Maker article)

First published March 2004 ........ Last updated: 31 December 2007 ........ cel10.htm .......... ©MM1V-G.L. Newnham