A report on the Phase 4 Premiere and Film Festival Show on November 15th 2008

It seems that November 15th was one of the most popular dates of the year to hold an event. There were at least three other film related functions that weekend along with numerous birthday parties and a variety of other anniversaries and stage shows. The consequence of all this, was that we lost 50% of our regular audience and at one time we had thoughts of cancelling or postponing our show. However, numbers increased in the last week up to the festival and as the theatre had already been hired and paid for, it was decided to go ahead regardless.

On the night we had 40 people in the audience, well down on previous years, but not a disaster by any means. Those who attended were in good spirits and seemed to enjoy our varied programme of films.

By lowering the maximum running time of each film this year, from 30 to 20 minutes, we managed to squeeze in 14 films, including our own 3 new ones, which had their premiere screening. There was also a good mix from the competition shown, including comedies, thrillers and a music video. From the 22 films we finally received, we managed to show 8 of them.

The winning film as chosen by myself (Ken) and my wife Carol Wilson and Dave and Jan Watterson, was Rent-A-Mate by Nigel Barton of Southport Movie Makers. A well deserving winner. Watch out for this one at other festivals.

Our thanks go to Dave and Jan who provided very detailed critiques of each film, which are currently being posted out with the entries.

There are currently no definite plans for the next event. Vacant dates in October and November seem difficult to find and in addition it is a busy time for ourselves as the organisers. Help in running the festival is also hard to find and so all ideas are being considered at present.

A move to February or March could be a possibility with other ideas being a change in venue and even a change in the format. But nothing has been yet been decided.

Our sincere thanks go to all who attended the show, all the competition entrants and of course to Dave and Jan for all their support.

Ken Wilson November 19th 2008.

(Apologies to Ken and Carol, and to the filmmakers for my delay in putting this onto the website. - Jan Watterson)

Page updated on 01 November 2009

Authors' views are not necessarily those of The Institute of Amateur Cinematographers

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