Year: 2011

OVFM Club Meeting Tuesday September 13th 2011

Posted on by Lee Relph

 

The Top Ten rolls on as we reach Round Four! It’s been a slow start to the competition this year but with the summer holiday season coming to an end, there is a chance that a few domestic and overseas excursions have been documented on camera for future entries to alleviate this current dearth of film making activity.

 

Selected for putting their films (and reputations) up for judgement this time are:

 

Brenda & Roger Wheatley

Hugh Darrington

Pat Palmer

Mike & Jo Coad

Charlie & Nellie Caseley

Robin Hazelton

Jenny Tucker

Barbara & Ron Darby

Andy Webb

Alan Smith & Cherie Hamlet-Smith

Reg Lancaster

Ray Hewitt

David Laker.

 

Also set to contribute are:

 

Harold TrillI

Richard Pugh

 

 

There are a few prolific names on the list for this round which hopefully will translate to a healthier total of submissions this time around.

The updated scores for the competition so far can be found HERE!

Remember PLEASE reply to this post to let us know if you will or will not be submitting a film at this session. Thanks you!

 

See you then!!

Blitz And Bananas – Part 1

Posted on by Lee Relph

An Epic Tale of an Epic Tale

by

Anna Littler

(click on images to see them full size)

PART 1 – Background to Blitz and Bananas ~ How it all began!

First of all a huge thank you to everyone who’s been involved in my epic – Blitz and Bananas! For those of you who are new to OVFM, I started work on this project more than a year ago!  2010 was the 70th Anniversary of the Blitz which inspired me to start gathering stories from people in the SE London/Bromley area who remembered the Blitz, WW2 or who had been evacuated.  I then used these amazing memoirs along with my own ideas to create the script.   I was already working only part time to enable me to do some script writing and filmmaking courses and I was keen to put into practice what I’d learned.

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to spend 2 days behind the scenes on Coronation Street. It was inspiring and educational – and an invaluable learning experience – the kind of experience you can’t get from attending a course! Since then I’ve found it very difficult to get onto other TV / film sets so I decided the best way to learn was to set about making a film myself…and at the same lots of other people could learn about filmmaking too! I wanted a big challenge and so somehow Blitz and Bananas became a feature film!

Props & People!

I then had a great excuse for going to auctions and doing the rounds of charity shops in search of props, costumes and vintage furniture! I started inviting friends and advertising locally with the result that many friends, members of OVFM, amateur dramatics friends, 1940s Society members, school and university students all got involved. In addition, more people from the local area and OVFM offered to help out too, some providing us with air raid shelters, vintage cars, props, costumes and period houses.

Community Project

I’m amazed and thrilled that this has become a real community project with people of all abilities and ages involved – from 1 month to 91 years.  People have simply got stuck in! If they weren’t given a specific role, they spotted something that needed doing and simply did it!  Many people have learned online casino pokies new skills, shared their expertise and taught others, worked fabulously as a team, developed their creative skills, taken photos, dressed up in costume as an Extra or as a Stand-in (leg model/hand model!), driven vintage cars and done various essential behind the scenes jobs (clapper, boom mic, camera, lighting, reflectors, continuity, script supervision, set dressing, wardrobe, hair, props, refreshments, luggers and even ‘Shadowmakers’! etc.).  Some people who helped on many shoots got the chance to try out lots of different roles and I think many found their niche (or two!).  The best thing is that we’ve not only made a film but we’ve had lots of fun, we’ve learned a great deal and we’ve made lots of new friends!

There’s been such a great and supportive atmosphere even when things were stressful and/or when time was short. I can’t thank you all enough!  It’s been a pleasure working with such a great team of people. I hope it also inspires us all to stretch ourselves more in the future!

Lots of Simon’s fab photos can now be seen on: www.facebook.com/blitzandbananas

Click on LIKE to get updates re. future photos/clips.

We’ve still a few pick ups to film and the odd cutaway (so volunteers are still welcome) but the bulk is now fortunately filmed and captured.  There’s a huge amount of editing to do of course and we’re also focusing on organising the Premiere (details to come soon).  If you’d still like to get involved – and if helping with post production or the Premiere event is up your street – I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks again for everything!

Anna  annahopelittler@yahoo.co.uk

Part 2 can be found HERE

Part 3 can be found HERE

Part 4 can be found HERE

Green With Envy

Posted on by Simon
A Personal Review of The Green Screen Practical Evening.
Mike’s in the Spotlight Again.

When it was suggested that another session with the club’s green screen was due Chris quickly volunteered to organize the requisite practical evening. Never one to shy away from a challenge he decided to put on a demonstration of the use of green screen AND show how to use the effect in an editing programme. But that’s not all! The ever ambitious Chris wanted to project the demonstration on our screen in real time AND use an editing programme that was unfamiliar to him. PHEW! Was he mad or what? This promised to be quite a night!

Many Hands make Light Work

Practical evenings at the club are always popular and Tuesday 30th August was no exception. Our little hall was soon heaving with OVFMers eager to look, learn, share and experience as chairs and tables were put out, refreshments prepared and all the behind the scenes work of club night was done.

 

Moral Support doesn’t Count!

Chris arrived with mountains of gear and with the help of Pete, Bob, John, Sam and others set up the four lights (important so that the background and subject are both properly lit), the green cloth back drop, the camera, the projector, the PA system and the laptop…GULP! All this was achieved surprisingly quickly, very efficiently and with commendably little swearing

Once the hardware was up and running the challenge of putting on an entertaining and informative green screen demonstration in the space of just two hours was on. Would the evening be a success and make Chris a hero? Or would it crash and burn and demote Chris to zero status? Only time would tell.

Hands up if You’re Happy

The evening got off to a great start with a fascinating compilation of video clips showing how green screen is used in television in some very unexpected situations. The compilation brought to mind the fabulous visit we’d had from Andrew Bishop of Darkside Animation back in March. If you were fortunate enough to have attended Andrew Bishop’s night you wont have forgotten the passion and craft he and his team bring to film and television as they use the latest computer software to create special effects that are breath taking in their complexity. The Darkside Animation team worked on the recent BBC Sci-Fi drama Outcasts and it was amazing to see how locations could be replicated in the studio using sophisiticated green screen techniques. Naturally after such inspiration many of us were fired up at the thought of all the possibilities at our own fingertips.

Bonnie and Clyde are at it Again
I want you, you and you in my team

With the intro over it was time for the practical part of the demo to begin. Chris called for his first victim, I mean volunteer! With Jane on camera Mike stepped up to be shot against the green screen and although painfully shy he did manage to put on a performance for us worthy of the West End stage while lighting and exposure were adjusted for optimum effect.

Go On do something Funny

Chris explained the principles and fielded questions while victim number two Sam donned Jane’s purpose made green suit. Looking very much like a character from The Incredibles and acting the part too Sam made a perfect subject for stage two of the filming. Working like a real double act Mike and Sam improvised some very amusing scenes. All this was projected and recorded ready for stage three of the demonstration.

The Green Streak Glides to the front

While the rest of us partook of Peggy and Jo’s teas, coffees and biscuits Chris and his tech team of Mike, David and Bob worked on the editing. It’s no mean feat to capture, edit and apply effects in limited time and on unfamiliar software but as Chris always says ‘He who dares wins!’. Pinnacle was chosen as the video editing software de jour because it’s relatively inexpensive, already has a number of followers amongst the ranks of OVFMers (see their user group elsewhere on this site) and is capable of working with green screen effects. Other software is available and the principles are the same whether you work on an £80 programme or £800 one. Of course the end results may differ though.

After the break Chris was able to show us the fruits of their labour, but not before we watched a couple of hilarious films by Jim, Jane and Barbara, the contingent from the sticks. We cheered, we clapped, we laughed….and we gasped as we watched not just Jane in her green suit but Jim as well as he cavorted with abandon in his figure hugging costume. It’s an image seared onto my memory but I’m hopeful counselling will help! Jim and Jane you are great sports.

It’s a bit parky in here

The evening ended with Sam frolicking amongst the baa lambs and Mike being thrown on the mercy of the audience all thanks to the magic of green screen, Pinnacle and little bit of expertise. Naturally with so much going on there was bound to be the odd hiccup in the evening but several of the most attentive club members were quick to call out advice, offer suggestions and generally do their utmost to help. In response to these unsolicited but really useful contributions I’m sure I heard Chris mumble several words of thanks…at least I think it was thanks!

Surely There’s a law against This!

So after two eventful hours what did I learn? That getting the lighting right is vital, green screen can be a lot of fun, what some club members get up to in their spare time, and that ‘tolerance’ is an adjustment tool in Pinnacle as well as the ability to rise above trial and tribulation. Chris your fortitude was an example to us all, well done for producing a great evening!

Chris Goes back to Basics

So Hero or Zero? Well Chris will always be MY hero! But what’s your verdict?

Bob Gives his Opinion

 

Here Comes The Science

Why green screen? Basically green screen is a method of filming and isolating your subject from the background so that a substitute background can be added. Most video editing software allow the layering of film and the facility to select a particular colour in your clip and make it transparent (sometimes called chroma key). By using this facility in conjunction with a clip shot against a green screen background it is possible to put your subject anywhere from the moon to the bottom of the sea… just as long as you have the necessary replacement footage!

Mike and Friends against the green screen

But why ‘green’ you ask? Well a colour is needed that is as different from skin tone as possible while being suitable for the colour sensitivity of the camera. Video cameras are particularly sensitive to green while the film used in movie cameras is more sensitive to blue.

Away goes the green screen

I’ve posted a few Photoshopped images to show the principle of green screen. Using Photoshop on a still image is easier than applying an effect to a video clip but even so the exercise keenly highlighted the difficulties with green screen. Colour spill from the back drop and show through of the back drop in areas of hair etc both cause problems, as does the colour variation across the back drop as a result of uneven lighting. If you attempt green screen give yourself the best chance of success with plenty of time to set up and perhaps try some dry runs first too. Why not join the club members who’ve already used green screen in their films with great success. Good luck!

Amongst the baa lambs

 

OVFM TOP TEN 2011 DEADLINE NOTICE

Posted on by Lee Relph

 

TOP TEN 2011

DEADLINE NOTICE

 

There are just two remaining rounds in this year’s competition – September 13th and October 11th – and there are quite a few members who have yet to submit their films. Attendees at the meeting on August 16th will recall the discussion we had about the dearth of activity in this year’s contest but now time is running out for anyone wishing to enter.

With that in mind we would like to send out this reminder to the following club members who were previously selected for earlier rounds and may still wish to participate in the competition:

 

Ian Menage

Gwen & Alan Whippy

Mike Graham

Peter Mitchell

John Alford

Sylvia Snipp

Jeannie Jarnot

Adam Beveridge

Freddy Beard

Sam Brown

Colin Jones

Tony Faller

Malcom Goodwin

Peter & Maureen Lodge

Basil Doody

Marko Ristic-Smith

Val Pinkerton

Reg Lancaster

Brenda & Roger Wheatley

Hugh Darrington

Pat Palmer

Mike & Jo Coad

Charlie & Nellie Caseley

Robin Hazelton

Jenny Tucker

Barbara & Ron Darby

Andy Webb

Ray Hewitt

 

We appreciate that not everyone will be in a position to submit a film but we do hope that some of you might have a last minute flash of inspiration or have just returned from a holiday or public event, and will capture these moments on film to share with your fellow club members – and maybe even end up in the running for the big prize to be awarded at next year’s Oscars!!

Thanks for reading and good luck with your films!

OVFM Club Meeting Tuesday August 30th 2011

Posted on by Lee Relph

 

OVFM GOES GREEN!!

This week’s meeting will take the form of a practical night where our esteemed chairman and other club members (or Google if things get too tough) will share with us their immense knowledge and experience on a particular film making method.

The subject of this seminar was requested by Robert “Bob” Wyeth who wrote:

 

“Dear OVFM,

Please could you arrange for me to be trapped in a lift with Kelly Brook for four hours or however long it takes before my heart gives in? If this is not possible, do you know anything about green screen filming instead?

Yours

Robert “Bob” Wyeth

Aged “Over 21”

 

Well, as it happens we can help you with your green screen filming request and we’ll be on hand with our gear including editing software to take us through this procedure on Tuesday night at the next OVFM club meeting! As for the other request Kelly Brook said she can do a week on Thursday, so I’d get plenty of rest if I were you!

See you Tuesday folks!!

Best Ramble Ever?

Posted on by Simon

OVFM Ramble 2011

Best Ramble Ever?

 

What A Team

With the threat of rain and a number of loyal ramblers not able to attend Deborah and I were expecting a low turnout for Sunday”s OVFM Ramble…how wrong we were!

More than a dozen enthusiastic walkers joined us at Andrew”s Wood for the gentle stroll to Shoreham. When Deborah informed me she”d baked cakes to help the merry band on their way I laughed at her naivety. “These people are athletes, they treat their bodies like temples, you won’t find them scoffing buns!” How wrong I was, even Mike T, normally a paragon of virtue, was tempted by Deborah”s buns, and if you think that”s an excuse for some double entendre you”re very much mistaken!

Off We Jolly Well Go

When Anna and Chris arrived looking bright eyed and bushy tailed our party was compete. Esteemed director and producer Anna and director of photography Chris had only called “wrap” on the filming of epic movie “Blitz and Bananas” the day before so it was a particular pleasure to have their company. After many months of long days and late nights spent bringing the ambitious project to completion all that remains to finish the film is the little matter of editing!

Over The Hills…

Champing at the bit we set off for Shoreham with a song in our heart and a spring in our step through woodland and meadow, up hill and down dale, through gate and over stile. We spotted numerous butterflies basking in the warm sunshine and as we ambled along Deborah introduced us to the joys of using a magnifying glass to explore the finer details of nature.

Jo and Ann Take a Closer Look

The view from the chalk cross on the hill above Shoreham was breathtaking and it was a tranquil place to rest and contemplate awhile. In fact Mike T could only be enticed to continue by the promise of ample refreshment in the village. This viewpoint was an ideal place to survey the horizon with the help of Jane”s powerful binoculars while Jo busily snapped away with her camera recording the unfolding tableau.

One Beautiful Lady and Two Bookends

Eventually we had to drag ourselves away from this lovely spot and wind our way down the hill towards the village. The challenge of two stiles was met and overcome by the superb teamwork of the group, teamwork not unlike the well polished efficiency witnessed at the Royal Tournament I thought, when a gun and carriage is transported from one end of an assault coarse to the other at great speed!

Barbara, Jane and Ann Spot Lunch

After looping around the old mill, over the bridge, past the vineyard and through the churchyard the OVFM ramblers were ready for their lunches. Some sort refreshment at the excellent pubs, others at the Station Tearoom and the rest of us in our trusty packed lunches.

Freddy Joins the Front of the Queue

As previous ramblers to Shoreham know one of the highlights of this village is the fabulous cream teas served up at the church every Sunday 2-5pm in August and the first Sunday of September. The homemade scones and cakes are delicious, the ladies are lovely and friendly and it”s definitely THE place to be on a sunny summer”s afternoon.

Chris and Mike Find the Get Out Clause in their OVFM Contracts

With lashings of tea and cake duly polished off it was time to wend our way home, delaying just long enough to investigate the sale at the allotments and provision ourselves with fresh garden produce that was just too good to miss. Thanks must go to Chris for helping carry my particular load of runner beans, onions, courgettes and cabbage!

Jane Keeps Morale up with Community Callisthenics

The climb back over the ridge seemed steeper than I remembered and with the sun beating down like something from Laurence of Arabia it was certainly hotter Thankfully the OVFM team spirit kicked in again with Anna distributing refreshing water, Freddy leading the way, Malcolm drawing on his vast experience to keep us going and Hugh and Ann entertaining us every step of the way. Special mention should also be made of Barbara and Len Walker who certainly lived up to their name! Barbara not only completed the ramble with ease but did the last mile in just her socks! Now that”s what I call style!

I Don’t Need No Walking Boots!

Thanks to Brenda, Freddy, Jo and Mike, Jane, Malcolm, Barbara and Len, Hugh and Ann, Chris and Anna and of course Mike.As far as I”m concerned together you made it the best ramble ever!

My Favourite Films – Peter Reilly

Posted on by Lee Relph

myfave2

PETER REILLY

 

Listed are my 10 most memorable films, all of these productions have left some unforgettable memories in my mind.

 

10. Silence Of The Lambs (Dir. Jonathan Demme 1991)

An American thriller that blends elements of crime and horror, a young FBI officer seeks the advice of an imprisoned serial killer to apprehend another serial killer. Very gripping stuff and a film I could watch over and over again.

 

9. American Beauty (Dir. Sam Mendes 1999)

Kevin Spacey stars as Lester Burnham, a middle-aged magazine writer who has a midlife crisis when he becomes infatuated with his teenage daughter’s best friend. A film well worth watching.

 

8. Slumdog Millionaire (Dir. Danny Boyle 2008)

A young boy from the slums in Mumbai wins the Indian version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”, he is arrested under suspicion of cheating and while being interrogated his life history unfolds which explains why he knew the answers. A British romantic drama nominated for 10 academy awards.

 

7. A Beautiful Mind (Dir. Ron Howard 2001)

The story of a brilliant mathematician who accepts secret work in cryptography only to have his private life turns into a nightmare.

 

6. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (Dir. Milos Forman 1975)

The story of a man (Jack Nicholson) who turns a mental institution upside down to get at the bullying and oppressive Nurse Ratched. For me this was Nicholson at his best.

 

5. Schindler’s List (Dir. Steven Spielberg 1993)

An harrowing World War 2 film about a German business owner Oskar Schindler who saves many of his polish workforce from the Nazis during the holocaust. The film was a major box office success with 7 academy awards including best picture, best director and best original film score. It is considered among film critics as one of the best films ever made; mind you they haven’t seen “Blitz and Bananas” yet.

 

4. The Party (Dir. Blake Edwards 1968)

Peter Sellers for me has been the funniest man in my life time. He has made scores of brilliant funny-stupid films but for me “The Party” takes the cake. It’s the story of a bumbling film extra who due to a clerical error is invited to the exclusive Hollywood party rather that being sacked.

 

3. The King’s Speech (Dir. Tom Hooper 2010)

An amazing British film that has all the qualities of a modern day production. The story of King George VI of Britain who’s ascension to the throne is jeopardised by his inability with public speaking. A superb cast of British actors shine amongst very creative cinematography. When you watch this film your aware that its different in a lot of ways but you can’t put your finger on why, it’s the cinematography that differs from other historical dramas; hard light was used to give the story a greater resonance and wider than normal lenses were used to recreate the King’s feelings of constriction. A third technique Hooper employed was the off-centre framing of characters and even on the edge of a frame at times.

 

2. Happy Gilmore (Dir. Dennis Dugan 1996)

A classic comedy of a rejected American hockey player who uses his skills and adapts to playing golf, he does this in order to save his dear grandmothers house from being reposed. The story was written by Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler who also plays the leading role. A truly funny film that I can watch time and time again.

 

No 1. The Shawshank Redemption (Dir. Frank Darabont 1994)

A truly memorable film of two very different characters who are imprisoned and eventually find solace in each other. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman the lead characters are the perfect double-act that play out this American drama film written by Stephen King. It’s the story of a banker who spends time in a state prison and befriends a fellow prisoner, he receives protection from the guards in return for his services as a tax account, I know the story doesn’t sound like a blockbuster which is why it probably received a lukewarm response at the box office, however, it is has now received numerous awards and is a film to watch.

 

So there you have it – agree or disagree as is your wont. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check out the lists from other OVFM members!! Click HERE to return to the menu page!

New OVFM Project -Something I’ve Always Wanted To Do

Posted on by Lee Relph

At the club meeting on Tuesday night (August 16th) our beloved/beleaguered/bedevilled (delete where applicable) chairman Chris Coulson announced a new club project: “Something I’ve Always Wanted To Do!”.

The idea is that you capture on film something you”ve always wanted to do (see what he did there?) then bring it in and share it with the rest of the club. The film is to be no longer than ten minutes and obviously must be kept clean (Cherie, I”m looking at you!)

The closing date (i.e: the date the films will be screened) is Tuesday September 27th, which gives you about six weeks to pop your cherry on whatever activity it is that has kept you interested but afraid to try until now. And don”t forget, if you have trouble putting something together your fellow club members are only a phone call or e-mail away!

Look forward to seeing the results next month.

Now, where did I put that tutu?

OVFM Club Meeting Tuesday August 16th 2011

Posted on by Lee Relph

 

Greetings once again and this week’s meeting is round three of the annual Top Ten competition.

So far it is fair to say that the competition has got off to a bit of a slow start with just seven films submitted out of a potential twenty over the two previous rounds. Will this week see a reversal of fortune? Here are the club members whose names have been drawn for this round:

 

Len Lawrence

Colin Jones

Bob Wyeth

Mike Shaw

Tony Faller

Malcolm Goodwin

Frank Hyde

Peter & Maureen Lodge

Basil Doody

Marko Ristic-Smith

Val Pinkerton

Peggy Parmenter

John Ransley

Jeannie Jarnot

 

Remember please reply to this post to let us know whether you will or won’t be providing a film and even if you are not on the list and have a film ready then please bring it along anyway.

 

See you on Tuesday!

Kent Film Festival 2011 – 24th September

Posted on by Lee Relph

Kent Film Festival 2011

 

Wearing my Kent Film Festival Chairman’s hat, I would like to applaud members of OVFM for their support of the Kent Film Festival as this year your 20 entries represent a staggering 40% of the total number received. All of you deserve a trophy but I have no influence over the judges unfortunately. However OVFM do have an outstanding record of winners over the years and it will be a real pleasure to welcome you at the comfortable Powell Theatre within the Christ Church University Campus, Canterbury on Saturday 24th September. The Film Festival starts at 11-00am (doors open at 10-30am) with excellent restaurant facilities and tickets available now from Freddy Beard at the special price of £5. It is a fun day and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

More information is available on the Kent Film Festival website HERE

 

Mike Turner