AV News 174 - November 2008
Those present were then formed into small "juries", electing a chairperson.
The same time constraints as in an actual competition were applied, a
"reporter" to take note of the discussion points and report back to wider group
results, issues, difficulties. Each group had to agree on a judging strategy.
Richard then screened seven short sequences by different authors,
varying widely in content with 1-2 minutes between each for marking. Within
the six groups there were many similarities of decisions although the judging
strategies varied widely, each discussed and finally compared.
Rarely has the room been so "electric" with enthusiasm. Richard was
warmly thanked for his interesting and enlightening presentation.
AV Competition - Oldham PS
Sheila Goodyear
Throughout the year Oldham PS, one of the oldest photographic societies in
the country, holds a number of internal competitions and also puts together
entries for numerous external and inter-club competitions. However, once a
year there is one with a difference, i.e., a competition for audio visual sequences.
Historically, OPS has always been ready to take on new and, at the time,
innovative ideas in the field of photography. It was one of the first clubs in the
L&CPU to embrace digital practice when many others dismissed it out of hand
as either 'not proper photography' or ‘not good enough'. Time has shown that
it was impossible to stem that particular flood! The revolution spread amongst
photographic clubs and, when software appeared enabling exciting new ways
of presenting a sequence, amongst AV groups as well. What also happened
was that a considerable area of overlap, between the two types of club,
occurred. No longer was the photographer confined to the darkroom and the
AV worker to slides on the light box and 2 projectors; the enthusiast could sit
in front of a computer and compete in either field or in both.
Getting back to OPS, there has been interest in making AVs, amongst
numerous club members, for several years, During that time, the club has
invited guest speakers from the world of AV and also held workshop evenings
to discuss using software and putting together a sequence for the best
possible effect. The competition on Thursday evening, 3rd of July, was the
annual competition. The entry was low, only 4 sequences (one of which was,
more accurately speaking, 'work in progress').
Our judge was John Smith APAGB CPAGB from Wilmslow Guild AV Group
and also Rochdale & District Camera Club, he has been to OPS many times
in the past both as a speaker and judge and is always a popular visitor.
The 4 sequences were: A Grand Day Out! by Sheila Goodyear, Auschwitz
a work in progress by Sheila Goodyear & Maureen Glynn, Grand Piano by
David Butterworth and Transformation! by Mike Lawrence. The sequences
were all quite different from one another in both subject material and approach.
The winning sequence was A Grand Day Out, but John, in his usual way,
was able to offer encouragement, helpful criticism and useful advice on all the
entries. He rounded off the evening by sharing some of his own sequences
with us and introducing Pictures to Exe 5 in all its glory. We were so engrossed
in what we were seeing that no-o