AV News 187 - February 2012
Mutimedia and Narrative, the new RPS Panel
John Chamberlin FRPS (Acting Chair MN Panel)
The new RPS Multimedia and Narrative Distinctions Panel is now very much
'up and running'. Although it encompasses traditional AV work, its remit is
much broader to encompass the new media which becomes more
sophisticated almost by the minute. Full details of the new requirements are
posted on the RPS website, so I do not propose to consider these in detail
here. However, those applicants who come from the AV world, can rest
assured that their interests are well represented on the newly formed panel,
and we look forward to receiving applications within the new guidelines. Do
please read these requirements very carefully.
The MN panel is due to meet for the first time in April 2012, with a further
adjudication in the autumn, if the number of applications support it. In 2012,
only applications at 'L' and 'A' level will be considered. To support applicants,
a workshop in Bath is planned for late February of 2012 and this is open to
those wishing to receive advice on recently produced sequences as well as
other interested parties. Again, details are available on the RPS website and
in the Distinctions department Andy and Ben will be happy to help you.
As far as Fellowship is concerned it is anticipated that it will be possible to
apply in 2013 but full details, when available, will be on the RPS website.
One of the major tasks that a new Panel has to do is to establish standards
and those on the MN Panel are charged with bringing these in line with those
engaged in still photography. For example, at 'F' level, successful applicants
are likely to have sequences which would have achieved a first, second or third
place in an International AV competition.
When an application at 'L' or 'A' level is assessed by the Panel, all discussion
will normally be heard in public as are applications in still photography. Again,
unsuccessful applicants will be provided with written and oral feedback to
assist them in any resubmission. We want applicants to succeed but this
cannot be at the expense of maintaining standards.
I understand that some AV workers feel that the Bath headquarters of the
RPS is not an ideal location to assess work. This can be easily addressed by
hiring larger venues and going out to the regions but the level of applications
will have to be of sufficient size to justify the extra cost involved. In the
meantime, the facilities at Bath are being improved so that you can be
confident that your sequence will run smoothly.
Just like the PAGB, the RPS is concerned about the standar