AV News 192 - May 2013
21st East Anglian AV Competition
Brian Harvey
Weather wise the day of 21st East Anglian AV Competition was one of the worst
days I can ever remember the event taking place on. With the weather forecasts
and news reports indicating extremely poor conditions I had wondered if the
event would even take place, it did and as usual was well organised and
supported. At this stage I feel compliments must be paid to various people who
made the day possible during difficult conditions. The judges Eddie Spence FRPS
DPAGB AFIAP and Howard Bagshaw ARPS MPAGB who had travelled some
considerable distance in what must have been appalling conditions to give us
their judgements and advice. Dick Williams and his technical team who ran a
smooth trouble free event and not forgetting the people who gave us
refreshments and big smiles to brighten up our spirits on a cold snow filled day.
Regarding the meat of the day, the AV's, it was very pleasing to note that just
over half of the entrants were either first time entrants or entrants without
distinctions in AV or had not won an award in a previous competition. As the
judges mentioned it is hoped that these authors, if they were not successful on
the day, would learn from the work submitted by the more experienced workers.
This year there was a more noticeable increase in the illustrated song category
and whilst we all enjoy putting images to songs personally I do feel that we must
be careful not to always literally illustrate the song words. Whilst one or two
sequences were a little over long and could do with some editing, generally, most
had kept to about the right length to suit the subject.
One of my pet subjects is that AV workers should be using the dissolve ability
of AV to produce the magic of the third image however a few sequences gave the
impression that the dissolve was simply to get from one image to the next and I
feel that this is an important area to work on. Some of the photography was
stunning and we were treated to some very creative sequences. As the judges
pointed out the Humour category is very difficult and either you can or can't
produce amusing AV's. If you haven't got the ability, as the judges suggested,
leave it alone. We were, however, treated to some very good humour sequences
all of which caused a ripple of laughter throughout the hall, a sure sign of success.
All in all an enjoyable and well organised day catching up with friends within
the AV world and god willing I look forward to next years event when perhaps he
will organise some better weather for us.
Popular Vote: Trophy: PAGB Ribbon:
‘India The Land of Contrasts’
by Dave Wilcox
Page 42
Best Humour: PAGB Ribbon:
'It's a Mad Mad World'
by Gordon & Heather Clarke