AV News Magazine | Page 45

AV News 178 - November 2009 To illustrate scripting, Keith showed his award-winning AV of George Harrison's life, 'The Quiet One' (see page 16) and then followed this with an extract from the script, which showed how he created this incorporating images with relevant pieces of Beatles music, together with the timings. This was of particular interest to me, as I have bumbled along in my own uncoordinated way, bunging in pictures and then simply trying to get them to fit the chosen music or voice over in a somewhat random sort of way! Keith's lecture clearly demonstrated that a well considered script, introducing images and music at given points, was well worth the time and thought. Richard's lecture also touched on script writing and started with a demonstration of a simple child's toy projector, which with the use of just five "slides" a simple story was told. This illustrated that it really is possible - and advisable - to keep a script as simple as possible and to concentrate on the salient facts. We were encouraged to keep in mind at all stages of creating a sequence that our potential audience would not be as close to the subject as we, the creators, were - and so should avoid falling into the trap of presuming pre-knowledge! Sound recording and editing held everyone keenly attentive. Various types of microphone and recorders - from minidisks to the latest solid-state ones were demonstrated and discussed. Microphone technique was another important topic, with Richard showing how he makes a voice track or recordings "in the field" when he needs specific background noises. Tea and coffee breaks were very welcome - and after the lunch, attendees were invited to show some of their work. Anyone who wanted individual help with any aspect of his or her 'work in progress' were given practical help and advice on how to proceed. There is so much more I could go into - but space simply prohibits me from going into greater details! Was it worthwhile? You decide! At £185 for four nights B&B and dinner each evening, plus all that intensive tuition - I certainly thought so! If the 'Brown Brothers' run it again next year, would I go? You bet!! Page 45