AV News 189 - August 2012
And Now For Something Very Different....
Howard Bagshaw ARPS MPAGB
Any form of change is difficult, and so it has proved to be with the awarding of
RPS AV distinctions. The last Audio Visual distinctions were awarded in October
2009 and following this the RPS established a new panel to award distinctions
in 'Multimedia and Narrative'. Following an advisory day in February this year,
the first distinctions panel met on 21st May at Fenton House in Bath to evaluate
submissions based on new criteria.
The panel was chaired by John Chamberlin and comprised Richard Brown,
Keith Brown, Peter Hayes and Graham Sergeant (all FRPS). Around 20
applicants and observers were in the audience to see 7 of the 8 applications.
The other one, was to be seen 'in camera' (nice term for the RPS !!), as it was
an interactive presentation of 360 degree panoramas not easily shown to an
audience.
We started with the LRPS submissions, the first being traditional AV
sequences. After each sequence/film/media-event was shown, John
Chamberlin invited panel members to comment. This was done in a
professional, but relaxed manner, covering the strengths and perceived
weaknesses. After seeing all the components of an application, the panel were
invited to secretly indicate their initial view of the submission. If there was any
difference in views John invited further debate. A final recommendation was
made and announced to the audience.
Unusually, and probably only for this first run of the panel, all submissions,
together with the panel's recommendations were to go to the Fellowship Board,
so that standards could be established.
The second LRPS submission was in film, four short advert type films, each
commercially commissioned. While Richard and Keith had led the discussion on
the AVs, Peter and Graham tended to lead on film and multimedia. It seemed
clear that both LRPS submissions satisfied the standard and in both cases the
panel recommended that the applicant receive their distinction.
The ARPS submissions were largely AV based and covered a wide range of
subject matter. Before we saw a new applicant's