AV News 179 - February 2010
14th Festival of Sight and Sound
L a v in ia H a rd w ic k
A small but enthusiastic group gathered at Stourport on the 25th October for
the Worcestershire Audio Visual Group annual event.
When I was asked to write the report for the event I was a little unsure. Mike
and I have been away from the AV world for about 8 years. When digital started
to take over, we resolved not to get involved. We completed a few analogue
sequences which were in the pipeline and then effectively dropped out,
ceasing to be members of the RPS, thereby losing touch with what was
happening. Recently, however, we have made tentative moves back onto the
scene, mainly by joining the Worcestershire AV Group. So it was, that I was
asked to write this report.
The morning commenced with the showing of Attendees sequences,
commented on by Keith Scott, current Chairman of the RPS AV Group. There
were 10 sequences representing a fair cross section of themes. Keith gave his
comments in a fair and constructive way. He did not select a winning
sequence. This was left to the audience vote and the clear winner was a
superbly crafted sequence by Howard Bagshaw entitled "Colours of India".
India has long been on our wish list of places to visit and this sequence
reinforced that wish.
After lunch Keith entertained us with his own work, taking us from his
beginnings as a very young photographer to the successful exponent he is
today. "A Little Place in the Country" a tongue in cheek guide to his "retirement
home" - Chatsworth House!! "The American Dream" - filmed during his time
working at the Kennedy Space Center, but as Keith explained, apart from one
or two shots, this was a sequence any of us could have attempted after a visit
to the Center. "Flat Cap and Ferret Country" demonstrated his love and pride
in his native Yorkshire. Rarely have I seen more stunning shots of this beautiful
landscape. "The Wall", "Something Unexpected" and "Memories at a
Graveside" "Pickering Steam Traction Rally" and "The Things" each showing
us facets of Keith's talent and interests. But for me and I'm sure many other
attendees, the sequence that stood out was "The Sound of…." about the
slaughter of millions of healthy animals during the foot and mouth outbreak in
2001. This showed so poignantly the ignorance and stupidity demonstrated by
the government in handling the problem. The destruction of many farmers'
livelihoods and the damage to the countryside was shocking. There was a
stunned silence at the end of the sequence, followed by rapturous applause. I
know at least one member of the audience who was moved to tears and it
takes a lot to make me cry!
I do not recall seeing Keith's work before. His talent is huge, he captivates
his audience with his personality. He showed us what can be achieved in
digital, that was not possible with analogue. Not if, but when, we return to
making sequences it will be due in no small part to Keith Scott.
Thanks for an excellent day must also go to the organisers, Margaret and
Chris Smith and Bill and Dorothy Every. Without people like them there would
be no such events.
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