Events in 2015
2nd December - Members films and Social
This being the last meeting of 2015, members gathered to view a short programme of films from members that could not be shown at our last meeting. An amusing film about a rabbi and a catholic priest discussing pork etc. A selection of films from George and Barbara Thompson taking us to Rodley Nature Reserve in very wet weather, a trip to Cairo and the Pyramids and assorted nature films.
A film recorded in 2007 which was made during an Object evening by Franc Medved was also shown. Finally a trip to Castle Howard rounded off the evening. Mabel again came up trumps with eats with the tea break.
A film recorded in 2007 which was made during an Object evening by Franc Medved was also shown. Finally a trip to Castle Howard rounded off the evening. Mabel again came up trumps with eats with the tea break.
25th November - Members films
1. “A Room with a View” by David Smith, showing an interesting tour of Toronto, in Canada, finishing up at the mighty tall CN Tower and looking out, (if you dare), at the view over the city and looking straight down nearly 1200 feet through the glass floor.
2. “Israel Newton” by David Myers celebrating 200 years of engineering at their factory on Idle Moor, Bradford. A RIVETING film on how to make boilers for traction and steam engines, with comments from Gordon Newton, a close relative of Israel Newton.
3. “Olu Deniz” by Allan Vanston. A holiday film taken in Turkey showing Allan and his wife, sailing in an airboat which had a large fan at the rear and a horizontal triangular sail above them, then flying over the sea in it. He then had a paraglide from a mountain top, and finished the film at the famous Turkish mud baths where you get covered in the stuff only to let it dry on you whilst stood in the sunshine.
4. “Flyball” used in a One Minute Film Competition, by John Wheeler of a canine relay event where Sam, a beautiful Labrador, came charging down the course with a backing sound track of a racing car, he screeches to a halt, turns and vrooms away.
5.”Autumn in Prague” by Mick Varley and John Orrell. A very informative holiday/ documentary of the historical city of Prague, including the ancient Tramcar No 1.
6. “Birds, Beasts and Bushveld” by George Thompson with David Attenborough style of filming among the wild birds and animals living in Kruger Park, Africa.
7. “Married Bliss” by Bob Rowley with Peter and Susan Hartingdon. A very funny film of when Peter and Susan were out walking when she smelled the lovely aroma coming from a local bakery shop. Because it was their 40th wedding anniversary, Peter allowed his wife to go back to have two generous sniffs.
8. “Don’t Blow a Fuse” by Mabel Mackman, with three ladies, (the Three Live Wires), being instructed on how to change a fuse and repair the wiring of a plug.
It was hard work for the instructor as their concentration was wondering on to other things.
9. “The World of Diggerland” by Allan Vanston, a film of every young boys dreams and adventure, sitting in a real JCB and digging away merrily.
10. “Raw Nook” by Allan Vanston, told the story of the Engine Sheds and main lines at Raw Nook in Low Moor, Bradford. After the 1960’s, when the Engine Sheds were closed down by British Railways, Bradford Council reclaimed the land and turned it into one of the best Nature Reserves in Yorkshire with rare orchids etc.
11. “At Yorkshire Air show” by John Wheeler, highlighting the main events at this 2006 Air Display, including the Blue Eagles helicopter back-flips.
12. “Rockin’ Robin” by Bob Rowley, made for a “Film to Music” competition. There was a robin dancing in the snow, in time to the music.
13. “The Enchanted Isles”, another David Attenborough style of film by George Thompson, at the Galapagos Islands, on the Equator, west of Ecuador, where Charles Darwin visited in 1835. Seen in this magnificent film are Marine Iguanas, the only modern lizards that are able to hunt in the sea, climbing out of the water, Frigate birds, Albatrosses and Giant Tortoises.
2. “Israel Newton” by David Myers celebrating 200 years of engineering at their factory on Idle Moor, Bradford. A RIVETING film on how to make boilers for traction and steam engines, with comments from Gordon Newton, a close relative of Israel Newton.
3. “Olu Deniz” by Allan Vanston. A holiday film taken in Turkey showing Allan and his wife, sailing in an airboat which had a large fan at the rear and a horizontal triangular sail above them, then flying over the sea in it. He then had a paraglide from a mountain top, and finished the film at the famous Turkish mud baths where you get covered in the stuff only to let it dry on you whilst stood in the sunshine.
4. “Flyball” used in a One Minute Film Competition, by John Wheeler of a canine relay event where Sam, a beautiful Labrador, came charging down the course with a backing sound track of a racing car, he screeches to a halt, turns and vrooms away.
5.”Autumn in Prague” by Mick Varley and John Orrell. A very informative holiday/ documentary of the historical city of Prague, including the ancient Tramcar No 1.
6. “Birds, Beasts and Bushveld” by George Thompson with David Attenborough style of filming among the wild birds and animals living in Kruger Park, Africa.
7. “Married Bliss” by Bob Rowley with Peter and Susan Hartingdon. A very funny film of when Peter and Susan were out walking when she smelled the lovely aroma coming from a local bakery shop. Because it was their 40th wedding anniversary, Peter allowed his wife to go back to have two generous sniffs.
8. “Don’t Blow a Fuse” by Mabel Mackman, with three ladies, (the Three Live Wires), being instructed on how to change a fuse and repair the wiring of a plug.
It was hard work for the instructor as their concentration was wondering on to other things.
9. “The World of Diggerland” by Allan Vanston, a film of every young boys dreams and adventure, sitting in a real JCB and digging away merrily.
10. “Raw Nook” by Allan Vanston, told the story of the Engine Sheds and main lines at Raw Nook in Low Moor, Bradford. After the 1960’s, when the Engine Sheds were closed down by British Railways, Bradford Council reclaimed the land and turned it into one of the best Nature Reserves in Yorkshire with rare orchids etc.
11. “At Yorkshire Air show” by John Wheeler, highlighting the main events at this 2006 Air Display, including the Blue Eagles helicopter back-flips.
12. “Rockin’ Robin” by Bob Rowley, made for a “Film to Music” competition. There was a robin dancing in the snow, in time to the music.
13. “The Enchanted Isles”, another David Attenborough style of film by George Thompson, at the Galapagos Islands, on the Equator, west of Ecuador, where Charles Darwin visited in 1835. Seen in this magnificent film are Marine Iguanas, the only modern lizards that are able to hunt in the sea, climbing out of the water, Frigate birds, Albatrosses and Giant Tortoises.
18th November - Challenge match with Leeds Movie Makers
Challenge Match with Leeds Movie Makers 18th November 2015
Mercury’s President, David Smith, started the evening showing the audience the
Group 7 Trophy, having just received it after winning the cup last month.
Mercury won the toss and decided to go second so Leeds started first.
Documentary
Film 1: “Sowerby Bridge” by Harry Nicholls, (Leeds) showed an interesting film, showing the narrow boats of Shire Cruisers, using the canal locks at Sowerby Bridge, near Halifax, one the deepest locks in the UK at a depth of nearly 20 feet.
Film 2: “Skye’s the Limit” by Roy and Jean Vickers, (Mercury), Skye being a Harris Hawk owned and trained by Dave Richardson. Dave was showing how to handle this magnificent bird and how to keep it hygienically clean and healthy, avoiding problems like feather lice damage and how he checks their weight and feet. The film finished with Skye catching its own wild rabbit naturally. Very interesting subject.
Travel/Holiday
Film 3 : “British Week” by Fred Wells, (Leeds) was taken during a holiday in Canada and was a theme in a shopping centre, showing a Queen Elizabeth look alike plus a British bobby, red telephone boxes, the Union flag and a Town Cryer, along with a pipe band, all doing a bit of a display for the shopping public.
Film 4: “Corners of Cornwall” by Martin Sunderland, (Mercury) showing harbour views of old sea ports like Mevagissey and Foey. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, showing a bygone picture of the house as it was before World War One, before all their workforce went away to fight and never returned, the renovations of which didn’t resume till 1990. The Eden Project was displayed after showing a “before” picture of when it was a quarry. Padstow and many other lovely corners of Cornwall were included on this film.
Free Choices
Film 5: “Cocoa for Two” by Dave Morton, (Leeds), a short but very touching film of an elderly couple reminiscing over a photograph album after the husband had made both of them a cup of cocoa each. They had been married for 60 years. Their daughter arrived then to make certain her father was ok - as he had been widowed for the past 12 months.
Film 6 : “A Drive in the Park” by George Thompson, (Mercury) was a fabulously recorded drive pass of wildlife in their natural surroundings of Kruger Park in Africa.
The judge, Tony Collinson of Leeds A/V Group, scored in total, Mercury 7 points to Leeds 5 points making Mercury Movie Makers the winner of this match
Mercury’s President, David Smith, started the evening showing the audience the
Group 7 Trophy, having just received it after winning the cup last month.
Mercury won the toss and decided to go second so Leeds started first.
Documentary
Film 1: “Sowerby Bridge” by Harry Nicholls, (Leeds) showed an interesting film, showing the narrow boats of Shire Cruisers, using the canal locks at Sowerby Bridge, near Halifax, one the deepest locks in the UK at a depth of nearly 20 feet.
Film 2: “Skye’s the Limit” by Roy and Jean Vickers, (Mercury), Skye being a Harris Hawk owned and trained by Dave Richardson. Dave was showing how to handle this magnificent bird and how to keep it hygienically clean and healthy, avoiding problems like feather lice damage and how he checks their weight and feet. The film finished with Skye catching its own wild rabbit naturally. Very interesting subject.
Travel/Holiday
Film 3 : “British Week” by Fred Wells, (Leeds) was taken during a holiday in Canada and was a theme in a shopping centre, showing a Queen Elizabeth look alike plus a British bobby, red telephone boxes, the Union flag and a Town Cryer, along with a pipe band, all doing a bit of a display for the shopping public.
Film 4: “Corners of Cornwall” by Martin Sunderland, (Mercury) showing harbour views of old sea ports like Mevagissey and Foey. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, showing a bygone picture of the house as it was before World War One, before all their workforce went away to fight and never returned, the renovations of which didn’t resume till 1990. The Eden Project was displayed after showing a “before” picture of when it was a quarry. Padstow and many other lovely corners of Cornwall were included on this film.
Free Choices
Film 5: “Cocoa for Two” by Dave Morton, (Leeds), a short but very touching film of an elderly couple reminiscing over a photograph album after the husband had made both of them a cup of cocoa each. They had been married for 60 years. Their daughter arrived then to make certain her father was ok - as he had been widowed for the past 12 months.
Film 6 : “A Drive in the Park” by George Thompson, (Mercury) was a fabulously recorded drive pass of wildlife in their natural surroundings of Kruger Park in Africa.
The judge, Tony Collinson of Leeds A/V Group, scored in total, Mercury 7 points to Leeds 5 points making Mercury Movie Makers the winner of this match
11th November - Challenge match with Wakefield Movie Makers
West Riding Cine Group (interclub) Competition of 11th November 2015
Between Mercury Movie Makers (at home) and Wakefield Cine Club (visitors)
Both clubs show 3 films each. One film from each club is for “Documentary”, another is of “Travel/Holiday” and one is a “Free Choice”
Documentary.
“Wax and Wicks” by Roy and Jean Vickers, (Mercury) produced a very interesting film, taken at White Rose Candles in the old watermill at Leyburn, showing how candles are made from the various mouldings, all the way to being the finished product.
“The Bronte Family” by Joan Hackney, (Wakefield) was an acting production, telling the early stories of the Bronte sisters of Haworth and their school friends, showing clips and photos of their schools, churches and their homes. Well acted.
Travel/Holiday.
“Corners of Cornwall” by Martin Sunderland, (Mercury) showing harbour views of old sea ports, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Eden Project, Padstow and many other lovely corners of Cornwall.
“A Holiday to Remember” by John and Sylvia Sullivan, (Wakefield) started with a clip of a helicopter hovering around the stern of the cruise ship, Ventura, filming it for a TV commercial. The rest of John and Sylvia’s film followed the tourist destinations on this cruise showing interesting parts of Venice, Rome, Monte Carlo and Barcelona, amongst other places.
“Free Choice” by Martin Sunderland, (Mercury). This was a Talking Heads film whereby one of the members talks direct to the camera about any subject. The speaker, Bob Rowley, spoke of Al Capone’s right hand man and lawyer, Easy Eddie, who had a son. Easy Eddie gave evidence against Al Capone. Eddie died in a hail of gunfire not long after he had written to his son apologising for his wrong doings.
Years later, a pilot from the US Aircraft Carrier Lexington attacked a Japanese squadron that was trying to attack his carrier. He was the first pilot to receive the Medal of Honour. One year later, this pilot, Butch O’Hare, was shot down and killed. In his pocket were the letter and rosary beads from his father – Easy Eddie.
O’Hare Airport is named after this Pilot Ace, Butch O’Hare.
“Sarnia” by Doreen Bentley, (Wakefield). Sarnia is the Roman name for what is now known as Guernsey. Doreen took us on a very interesting tour of Guernsey, showing wartime relics and museums as well as present day markets and inside of freesia growing greenhouses.
Mercury won 9 points to Wakefield’s 3 points
Between Mercury Movie Makers (at home) and Wakefield Cine Club (visitors)
Both clubs show 3 films each. One film from each club is for “Documentary”, another is of “Travel/Holiday” and one is a “Free Choice”
Documentary.
“Wax and Wicks” by Roy and Jean Vickers, (Mercury) produced a very interesting film, taken at White Rose Candles in the old watermill at Leyburn, showing how candles are made from the various mouldings, all the way to being the finished product.
“The Bronte Family” by Joan Hackney, (Wakefield) was an acting production, telling the early stories of the Bronte sisters of Haworth and their school friends, showing clips and photos of their schools, churches and their homes. Well acted.
Travel/Holiday.
“Corners of Cornwall” by Martin Sunderland, (Mercury) showing harbour views of old sea ports, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Eden Project, Padstow and many other lovely corners of Cornwall.
“A Holiday to Remember” by John and Sylvia Sullivan, (Wakefield) started with a clip of a helicopter hovering around the stern of the cruise ship, Ventura, filming it for a TV commercial. The rest of John and Sylvia’s film followed the tourist destinations on this cruise showing interesting parts of Venice, Rome, Monte Carlo and Barcelona, amongst other places.
“Free Choice” by Martin Sunderland, (Mercury). This was a Talking Heads film whereby one of the members talks direct to the camera about any subject. The speaker, Bob Rowley, spoke of Al Capone’s right hand man and lawyer, Easy Eddie, who had a son. Easy Eddie gave evidence against Al Capone. Eddie died in a hail of gunfire not long after he had written to his son apologising for his wrong doings.
Years later, a pilot from the US Aircraft Carrier Lexington attacked a Japanese squadron that was trying to attack his carrier. He was the first pilot to receive the Medal of Honour. One year later, this pilot, Butch O’Hare, was shot down and killed. In his pocket were the letter and rosary beads from his father – Easy Eddie.
O’Hare Airport is named after this Pilot Ace, Butch O’Hare.
“Sarnia” by Doreen Bentley, (Wakefield). Sarnia is the Roman name for what is now known as Guernsey. Doreen took us on a very interesting tour of Guernsey, showing wartime relics and museums as well as present day markets and inside of freesia growing greenhouses.
Mercury won 9 points to Wakefield’s 3 points
4th November - Ladies Evening
Ladies Night at Mercury Movie Makers, is when the ladies members, present the evening for the rest of the membership, choosing their favourite films to be shown and to put on a spread of sandwiches, pie and cakes.
The films chosen were:
Film 1 : “Bristol Boats and Balloons” by John Orrell, taken on a visit to Bristol, along the waterfront with historical ships, like SS. Great Britain, which when launched in 1843, was the first screwed propelled, iron hulled, largest ocean going ship in the world. Also shown was the Clifton Bridge, also built by Isanbard Kingdom Brunel.
The filming went to a hot air balloon festival in Bristol. The extravagant balloons included Mr Bassett, (dolly mixtures), a gigantic bagpiper, (possibly a whiskey brand), a Tescos trolley and Lloyds TSB bank sign with many more. As night time came, all the lighting was switched off and each anchored balloon opened and closed their gas valves in time to music, looking like flashing illuminations.
Film 2 : “Happy Birthday ” showed Doris’s 90th party by Mabel Mackman from 2014 with Doris’s family and friends and her wonderful birthday cake.
Film 3 : “One Sausage Left”, taken by Mabel Mackman, of Roy and Jean Vicker’s hoe down in 2002 shared with Mercury members at a garden barbeque.
Film 4 : “President’s Night” taken by Maurice Wray, when he was President in 1994, when Mercury Movie Makers had their club/cinema in a room at Esholt Church.
Film 5 :”Flower Festival” filmed by Mabel Mackman at a chapel at Allerton By-Water showing beautiful, named floral displays with matching music/songs accompanying them. This film captured an exquisite annual event of which only lovely memories remain as the chapel has since closed down.
Film 6 : “Bingley Agricultural Show” by Mabel Mackman, was a film recorded by John Orrell, and other members did their own editing from the same raw footage.
Film 7 :”First Rothwell Scarecrow Competition 2014” by Mabel Mackman showing the many variations of local talented creations. Very interesting subjects displayed.
Film 8 : “Otley” filmed by Mabel Mackman showing scenes of the market town of Otley, including the unveiling of the Queen’s Jubilee plaque on the clock tower.
Film 9 : “Potty Town at Garforth” by Mabel Mackman. This unusual film showed a house in Garforth where seasonal displays are created in a garden where collections are then received for St Gemma’s Hospice, Leeds. The creation shown was during Christmastime in 2010 with illuminations and decorated flower pots which must have put many a smile on the passing public faces, particularly during the winter months.
The films chosen were:
Film 1 : “Bristol Boats and Balloons” by John Orrell, taken on a visit to Bristol, along the waterfront with historical ships, like SS. Great Britain, which when launched in 1843, was the first screwed propelled, iron hulled, largest ocean going ship in the world. Also shown was the Clifton Bridge, also built by Isanbard Kingdom Brunel.
The filming went to a hot air balloon festival in Bristol. The extravagant balloons included Mr Bassett, (dolly mixtures), a gigantic bagpiper, (possibly a whiskey brand), a Tescos trolley and Lloyds TSB bank sign with many more. As night time came, all the lighting was switched off and each anchored balloon opened and closed their gas valves in time to music, looking like flashing illuminations.
Film 2 : “Happy Birthday ” showed Doris’s 90th party by Mabel Mackman from 2014 with Doris’s family and friends and her wonderful birthday cake.
Film 3 : “One Sausage Left”, taken by Mabel Mackman, of Roy and Jean Vicker’s hoe down in 2002 shared with Mercury members at a garden barbeque.
Film 4 : “President’s Night” taken by Maurice Wray, when he was President in 1994, when Mercury Movie Makers had their club/cinema in a room at Esholt Church.
Film 5 :”Flower Festival” filmed by Mabel Mackman at a chapel at Allerton By-Water showing beautiful, named floral displays with matching music/songs accompanying them. This film captured an exquisite annual event of which only lovely memories remain as the chapel has since closed down.
Film 6 : “Bingley Agricultural Show” by Mabel Mackman, was a film recorded by John Orrell, and other members did their own editing from the same raw footage.
Film 7 :”First Rothwell Scarecrow Competition 2014” by Mabel Mackman showing the many variations of local talented creations. Very interesting subjects displayed.
Film 8 : “Otley” filmed by Mabel Mackman showing scenes of the market town of Otley, including the unveiling of the Queen’s Jubilee plaque on the clock tower.
Film 9 : “Potty Town at Garforth” by Mabel Mackman. This unusual film showed a house in Garforth where seasonal displays are created in a garden where collections are then received for St Gemma’s Hospice, Leeds. The creation shown was during Christmastime in 2010 with illuminations and decorated flower pots which must have put many a smile on the passing public faces, particularly during the winter months.
28th October - The Gledhill Trophy
On the 28th October, we welcomed long standing Huddersfield Film Club Members, David Whitworth and his wife Yvonne on to our Gledhill Trophy Competition.
There were 9 entries for David to Judge, and he gave constructive comments for each film.
He awarded 'Smooth Operators' by Roy & Jean Vickers as the Winner and 'Border Defender' by David Myers as Runner-up.
The rules are, no set theme but a maximum time limit of 10 minutes and have not been shown at the club before.
Film 1 : “The Earls Place” by David Myers, telling the history as the film showed the relevant remains of Dunstanburg Castle in Northumberland.
Film 2 : “At Yorkshire Air Show” by John Wheeler, showing dramatic excerpts from the airshow at Elvington in 2006 finishing with a bombing effect with a Canberra.
Film 3 : “Border Defender”, (runner up), by David Myers, showing the history of Norham Castle in Northumberland.
Film 4 : “The Royal Station” by Bob Rudd, showing the “royal station” at Wolferton, near Sandringham House where Kings and Queens have caught the royal train to London and elsewhere. Wolferton is a conservation village with privately owned houses, but has to be kept in keeping with its own history. A gem.
Film 5 : “Welcome to Woodlesford Lock” by Mabel Mackman showing a large industrial barge and narrow boats going through this picturesque lock on a beautiful day. The lawns and the wood carved animals added to the serene scene.
Film 6 : “The Phone Call” by Bob Rowley, a very amusing film showing a disgruntled customer trying to get through to a complaints department, with an automatic response playing all the time saying “we welcome your phone call”, and “we will have one of our operators available shortly” etc, finishing with a skeleton still on the phone 30 odd years later only to be told the guarantee had run out 30 years earlier.
Film 7 : “Smooth Operators” (winner) by Roy and Jean Vickers, showing a tarmac laying company digging up an old concrete drive and replacing it with tarmac.
Film 8 : “Picturesque Venice” by Mick Varley. A very interesting tourist film including the showing of St Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and Markets, plus the famous gondoliers.
Film 9 : “XH558 Vulcan” by John Wheeler, showing one of the last tours of the Vulcan Bomber taking off and returning to its base at Doncaster Airport, including a flypass at Menworth Hill on its way to Leeming.
There were 9 entries for David to Judge, and he gave constructive comments for each film.
He awarded 'Smooth Operators' by Roy & Jean Vickers as the Winner and 'Border Defender' by David Myers as Runner-up.
The rules are, no set theme but a maximum time limit of 10 minutes and have not been shown at the club before.
Film 1 : “The Earls Place” by David Myers, telling the history as the film showed the relevant remains of Dunstanburg Castle in Northumberland.
Film 2 : “At Yorkshire Air Show” by John Wheeler, showing dramatic excerpts from the airshow at Elvington in 2006 finishing with a bombing effect with a Canberra.
Film 3 : “Border Defender”, (runner up), by David Myers, showing the history of Norham Castle in Northumberland.
Film 4 : “The Royal Station” by Bob Rudd, showing the “royal station” at Wolferton, near Sandringham House where Kings and Queens have caught the royal train to London and elsewhere. Wolferton is a conservation village with privately owned houses, but has to be kept in keeping with its own history. A gem.
Film 5 : “Welcome to Woodlesford Lock” by Mabel Mackman showing a large industrial barge and narrow boats going through this picturesque lock on a beautiful day. The lawns and the wood carved animals added to the serene scene.
Film 6 : “The Phone Call” by Bob Rowley, a very amusing film showing a disgruntled customer trying to get through to a complaints department, with an automatic response playing all the time saying “we welcome your phone call”, and “we will have one of our operators available shortly” etc, finishing with a skeleton still on the phone 30 odd years later only to be told the guarantee had run out 30 years earlier.
Film 7 : “Smooth Operators” (winner) by Roy and Jean Vickers, showing a tarmac laying company digging up an old concrete drive and replacing it with tarmac.
Film 8 : “Picturesque Venice” by Mick Varley. A very interesting tourist film including the showing of St Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and Markets, plus the famous gondoliers.
Film 9 : “XH558 Vulcan” by John Wheeler, showing one of the last tours of the Vulcan Bomber taking off and returning to its base at Doncaster Airport, including a flypass at Menworth Hill on its way to Leeming.
Roy and Jean Vickers with David Whitworth
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David Myers and David Whitworth
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21st October - Martin Sunderland
Earlier this year Martin gave us an evening featuring Tips and tricks and random stories. Here we had a follow up as Part 2.
He explained the way he set up a foundry in China where the raw material for gears were produced. The presentation was graphically illustrated and featured the gearbox for the Warrior tank for the army. He explained variations of this machine and the way it was adapted for digging ditches etc. Getting back to film making, he had a few clips that lacked colour and brightness and showed us the different ways this can be corrected to look "Normal". Earlier this year he showed two of the three "Talking heads" that was filmed at a previous meeting. He showed the final one which was Bob Rowley talking about Al Capone and his accomplice "Easy Eddy" and the way he betrayed Al Capone and came to a sticky end. An entirely separate account of Butch O'Hare a second world war American pilot who mad a brave, single handed successful attempt at turning back a Japanese squadron heading to attack the ships. He was awarded a high honour for this bravery. Later on in the war, he was shot down and killed. On his body was a talisman. This was the same as had been found on Easy Eddy, it turned out that Butch O'Hare was his son. A memorial to him is at the O'Hare airport in Chicago.
Martin rounded the evening off with discussion about "Stuttering Video", a phenomenon when clips taken from different cameras, operating on different frame rates, occurs and discussed remedies.
He explained the way he set up a foundry in China where the raw material for gears were produced. The presentation was graphically illustrated and featured the gearbox for the Warrior tank for the army. He explained variations of this machine and the way it was adapted for digging ditches etc. Getting back to film making, he had a few clips that lacked colour and brightness and showed us the different ways this can be corrected to look "Normal". Earlier this year he showed two of the three "Talking heads" that was filmed at a previous meeting. He showed the final one which was Bob Rowley talking about Al Capone and his accomplice "Easy Eddy" and the way he betrayed Al Capone and came to a sticky end. An entirely separate account of Butch O'Hare a second world war American pilot who mad a brave, single handed successful attempt at turning back a Japanese squadron heading to attack the ships. He was awarded a high honour for this bravery. Later on in the war, he was shot down and killed. On his body was a talisman. This was the same as had been found on Easy Eddy, it turned out that Butch O'Hare was his son. A memorial to him is at the O'Hare airport in Chicago.
Martin rounded the evening off with discussion about "Stuttering Video", a phenomenon when clips taken from different cameras, operating on different frame rates, occurs and discussed remedies.
14th October - Brian Dunckley
Brian and Alice Dunckley paid us a visit from Newcastle. He spoke about UNICA (Union International du Cinema) and the Introduction clips for the British entries for their Film Festivals which are held in different countries. Very well thought out and presented, these 2 minute clips had British themes, James Bond featured in most. He also showed us some of the the props he used. There was also a commercial he has prepared for the forthcoming BIAFF 14th - 17th April 2016 in Harrogate. Details click here. A film "Lovely grub" was a comedy about food preparation with an unexpected final use. Another comedy about a party and a follow up "Never Again" showed all the accidents that can happen leaving chaos behind. "Office Seen" was an amusing sequence of the distractions that can happen during a day's work. A "taking heads" called "Alisan Acceptance" was a conflict by one girl being very verbose and her partner trying to contradict her with little success. Finally "Sex Bomb" was another humorous film with a twist in the end.
A very entertaining evening with a good attendance of Mercury members and four visitors from Leeds Movie Makers.
A very entertaining evening with a good attendance of Mercury members and four visitors from Leeds Movie Makers.
30th September - "Want to be a Judge?"
Alan Vanston had a selection of films to be viewed which have not been seen before by members of Mercury Movie Makers. All members viewed the films and took notes and decided which film was the best. There were 10 films entered.
1. "Natures Larder" described the different trees and plants and identified their foliage. The presenter described the way the fruit was distributed. 2. "Orkney through the Lens" took us on a visit to the isle of Orkney and described the sights of the island. 3. "Antiques Roadshow" was a behind the scenes look at this BBC programme in the making. 4. "Moving Forward Together" took us to a Dairy Farm. It started with Haytime and the way the feed is stored for the Winter months. It described the Husbandry of the Cows and looked at the milking parlour. All described in detail by the farmer. 5. "A Planned Encounter" was a visit to see the Dolphins from the shore and the way they caught the Salmon. 6. "Bradford Built on Wool" described the nearby city of Bradford and the story of the mills and city fathers. It also went behind the scenes at the Town Hall. 7. "Frank's red Cushion" described the way a camera could be mounted safely in a car by mounting it on a cushion on the dashboard secured by velcro strips. 8. "Three Cheers" described the visit of the Queen. 9. "Devil's Carnival Workshop" was a cleverly edited film showing models being made up in ghoulish garb and being photographed. Finally 10. "Transportation" took us to Royal Ascot with views of racegoers arriving in various forms of transport, Helecopters, Cars and showed the Queen and Prince Philip transferring from the Royal car to the Landau which took them down the course.
"Moving Forward Together" was selected as the overall winner with "Bradford Built on Wool" and "Natures Larder" as runner up.
1. "Natures Larder" described the different trees and plants and identified their foliage. The presenter described the way the fruit was distributed. 2. "Orkney through the Lens" took us on a visit to the isle of Orkney and described the sights of the island. 3. "Antiques Roadshow" was a behind the scenes look at this BBC programme in the making. 4. "Moving Forward Together" took us to a Dairy Farm. It started with Haytime and the way the feed is stored for the Winter months. It described the Husbandry of the Cows and looked at the milking parlour. All described in detail by the farmer. 5. "A Planned Encounter" was a visit to see the Dolphins from the shore and the way they caught the Salmon. 6. "Bradford Built on Wool" described the nearby city of Bradford and the story of the mills and city fathers. It also went behind the scenes at the Town Hall. 7. "Frank's red Cushion" described the way a camera could be mounted safely in a car by mounting it on a cushion on the dashboard secured by velcro strips. 8. "Three Cheers" described the visit of the Queen. 9. "Devil's Carnival Workshop" was a cleverly edited film showing models being made up in ghoulish garb and being photographed. Finally 10. "Transportation" took us to Royal Ascot with views of racegoers arriving in various forms of transport, Helecopters, Cars and showed the Queen and Prince Philip transferring from the Royal car to the Landau which took them down the course.
"Moving Forward Together" was selected as the overall winner with "Bradford Built on Wool" and "Natures Larder" as runner up.
23rd September - Paul Wooding
Paul about to rewind a film.
Paul Wooding, known by one of our members Dudley Wilcock, owns a 16 mm projector and a collection of films.
He gave Mercury Movie Makers a film show. It was an opportunity for members to see some 16mm films being projected.
Last night, Dudley introduced Paul Wooding, who gave us a full evening of very old, yet, very interesting 16mm films. The first film,made in1966 was very well narrated by the late Sir Anthony Quayle and was made up of very old slides taken in 1900 in the days when the mode of transport was a horse or a new fangled bicycle. Scenes from the countryside, Streets of London, The building of Railways, Navvies, The seaside and finally the Boer War Soldiers from movie clips of the time. The second film, "The Years of Adventure", was made by Shell in 1970 and recorded the births of the Horseless Carriage which became the Motor Car. Manufacturing in the 1920s was shown. There were different motor cars, showing one car, a Citroen (half track), going over the mountains in Asia and when the path became too narrow, the car was stripped down and carried on shoulders till they got to a path that was wide enough to rebuild and continue. This was followed by a WC Fields film "My Uncle Bill" which results in a speeding car through traffic with amusing results. A Laurel and Hardy film followed called "Any old Port". Finally a Black and white silent film by Laurel and Hardy called "Hoosegow" finished up with everybody covered in rice pudding!
A very different and entertaining evening.
He gave Mercury Movie Makers a film show. It was an opportunity for members to see some 16mm films being projected.
Last night, Dudley introduced Paul Wooding, who gave us a full evening of very old, yet, very interesting 16mm films. The first film,made in1966 was very well narrated by the late Sir Anthony Quayle and was made up of very old slides taken in 1900 in the days when the mode of transport was a horse or a new fangled bicycle. Scenes from the countryside, Streets of London, The building of Railways, Navvies, The seaside and finally the Boer War Soldiers from movie clips of the time. The second film, "The Years of Adventure", was made by Shell in 1970 and recorded the births of the Horseless Carriage which became the Motor Car. Manufacturing in the 1920s was shown. There were different motor cars, showing one car, a Citroen (half track), going over the mountains in Asia and when the path became too narrow, the car was stripped down and carried on shoulders till they got to a path that was wide enough to rebuild and continue. This was followed by a WC Fields film "My Uncle Bill" which results in a speeding car through traffic with amusing results. A Laurel and Hardy film followed called "Any old Port". Finally a Black and white silent film by Laurel and Hardy called "Hoosegow" finished up with everybody covered in rice pudding!
A very different and entertaining evening.
16th September - President's Evening
Our President David Smith entertained club members and guests with an evening of entertainment. David explained that most of the films were taken in the 90's. One of them involved a conjuring trick. Some of the films were dedicated to the Ladies present. A film about self warming socks caused much hilarity. Most of them had been made when he was a member of Bradford Movie Makers. A train journey through the Rockies in Canada showed stunning scenery. A Martin Sunderland film about painting in Watercolours was well received. Mabel Mackman put together an excellent supper. An enjoyable evening for all.
9th September - Syllabus evening
The syllabus for 2016 was discussed. Many good ideas for future meetings were suggested by members. The syllabus secretary will include these suggestions in the forthcoming programme. It will then be up to members to support and organise these events.
The magazine FilmMaker was mentioned as a good source for ideas about film making. Click Here for details
The magazine FilmMaker was mentioned as a good source for ideas about film making. Click Here for details
2nd September - History on your Doorstep
Dudley Wilcock Presented the evening of members contributions. Maurice Reynard, from his hospital bed (hows that for dedication) submitted the first entry. Taken on a mobile phone. This was followed by Rodley Nature Reserve on a very wet day in 2007 with some amusing antics by the inhabitants of this area. A Glimpse of Guiseley followed from Martin Sunderland, shots of examples of the old town to music. "One Sausage left" was a film by Mabel Mackman showing one of the many barbecues held by Mercury in the summer. A feature film shown on the BBC used Yeadon Tarn for some of its shots and this was depicted by a film from David Myers. Quarry Bank Mills was featured in a film from John Wheeler showing how cotton products were produced. "Whatever floats your Boat" by Roy and Jean Vickers illustrated a club event on the Leeds and Liverpool canal from Skipton to Gargarave and back held this summer. A documentary about the history of Rothwell by Mabel Mackman followed. The evening completed with a film from John Orrell and Michael Varley showing the replacement of gates at the Bingley Five Rise Locks with interviews with the British Waterways representative. A very interesting evening about the History of our region.
26th August - Mabel Mackman
A film evening with Mabel Mackman
19th August - Out and About Competition
There were 8 entries is the competition. The Judge was Alan Abbot from Leeds Movie Makers.
He went into great depth with his comments about each film, and was very impressed with the quality and variety of films entered.
Winning Film:- Welsh Landscapes - by Roy and Jean Vickers
Runner-up:- Halfway to Harrogate - by Dave Smith
He went into great depth with his comments about each film, and was very impressed with the quality and variety of films entered.
Winning Film:- Welsh Landscapes - by Roy and Jean Vickers
Runner-up:- Halfway to Harrogate - by Dave Smith
Winner Roy and Jean Vickers with Alan Abbot
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Runner up Dave Smith With Alan Abbot
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12th August - Members Films
The evening started off with a film edited by John Wheeler which was taken on a canal trip the club members went on, from Skipton on the Leeds and Liverpool canal. 2 boats, Jack and Jill, were needed, one captained by Bob Rowley and one by John Orrell. Members took their turn at the tiller, with one boat running into the bank. much pushing with the boat hook freed the vessel. Much banter was had opening and closing the many swing bridges encountered. The rest of the evening was taken up with members films, a trip to the Niagara falls, a film to the music I left my heart in San Francisco, Mud bathing to the song Mud,Mud glorious mud. Two films showing Hong Kong in the nineties by the harbour and street traders all taken in the early 90s. A tribute to Peter Byrne who passed away recently, with a film about Huberholme in the Yorkshire Dales which he narrated and took part in interviews. A trip to Germany with a visit to Dresden, Colditz Castle and Prague. "When You're Smiling" was a film to music which fitted the words.
5th August - John Roberts
On Wednesday we had invited John Roberts from Sheffield to give us a show of his work.
He started off with a collection of his early work filmed in the 1980s and 90s. He borrowed a camcorder from a friend, being a musician he decided to make a music video. Unusual camera angles, lighting brought the film to life. He has a natural instinct for the art. In those days, the camcorder was in its infancy and editing was very difficult, but he managed to make some good films. One film had been on Betamax and it had been converted to DVD, far better results than with VHS or VHS-C.
A mystery taken at night in some woods showed ghostly images. An animated film “Footsie”, about shoes in the bottom of a wardrobe come out well and he explained how he edited this footage. Music to Die for and Wicked Game followed.
A period of fifteen years followed before starting to make films again. He bought a £200 camcorder and the results were great. A Music video which had been taken by one camera at the back of a room, but with clever editing, it looked like a multi camera shoot.
A film about his trademark dp Dizdoz Purple Productions explained how, in the early days, created his distinctive logo by using an LED display of the time and a turntable. He now animates this on the computer. Dizdoz came from a purple bear called Dizzy. See “What’s in a name” on his Facebook page. A film about the construction in plywood and brass pins of a clock “Thinking Time” followed. The editing was excellent and this won him a BIAFF award.
“Un Pezzettino d’Italia” was the only Holiday film he has made. It was really a 2 day film shoot at
Portmeirion in Wales. The film shoot was excellent, commentary and story imaginative and editing slick. An entertaining film and a winner.
He had a good variety of films, he stressed the importance of sound, now learning from members of Sheffield and Huddersfield movie makers has now obtained an SLR camera with a variety of lenses, he now has the skills to use the equipment and it shows in his work.
A very entertaining evening. Click here for Facebook link of his work
He started off with a collection of his early work filmed in the 1980s and 90s. He borrowed a camcorder from a friend, being a musician he decided to make a music video. Unusual camera angles, lighting brought the film to life. He has a natural instinct for the art. In those days, the camcorder was in its infancy and editing was very difficult, but he managed to make some good films. One film had been on Betamax and it had been converted to DVD, far better results than with VHS or VHS-C.
A mystery taken at night in some woods showed ghostly images. An animated film “Footsie”, about shoes in the bottom of a wardrobe come out well and he explained how he edited this footage. Music to Die for and Wicked Game followed.
A period of fifteen years followed before starting to make films again. He bought a £200 camcorder and the results were great. A Music video which had been taken by one camera at the back of a room, but with clever editing, it looked like a multi camera shoot.
A film about his trademark dp Dizdoz Purple Productions explained how, in the early days, created his distinctive logo by using an LED display of the time and a turntable. He now animates this on the computer. Dizdoz came from a purple bear called Dizzy. See “What’s in a name” on his Facebook page. A film about the construction in plywood and brass pins of a clock “Thinking Time” followed. The editing was excellent and this won him a BIAFF award.
“Un Pezzettino d’Italia” was the only Holiday film he has made. It was really a 2 day film shoot at
Portmeirion in Wales. The film shoot was excellent, commentary and story imaginative and editing slick. An entertaining film and a winner.
He had a good variety of films, he stressed the importance of sound, now learning from members of Sheffield and Huddersfield movie makers has now obtained an SLR camera with a variety of lenses, he now has the skills to use the equipment and it shows in his work.
A very entertaining evening. Click here for Facebook link of his work
29th July - Ask the panel
Many interesting questions were asked, mainly on the capture of footage from non-tape cameras. It still seems to be a mystery to some members. May be an evening to demonstrate this would be in order.
22nd July - Harry Nicholls
Harry Nicholls is a Leeds Film Maker and is well known to many club members. He showed us a very entertaining programme of films.
He has a skill of getting an interesting shots and editing them well.
He took us to Temple Newsam in Leeds, treated us to a "take off" of Joseph Locke singing "Hear my Song", A fashion show in Leeds taken by a single camera in the same position, to mention but a few.
He has a skill of getting an interesting shots and editing them well.
He took us to Temple Newsam in Leeds, treated us to a "take off" of Joseph Locke singing "Hear my Song", A fashion show in Leeds taken by a single camera in the same position, to mention but a few.
8th July - Martin Sunderland
Tips & Tricks, (and Stories).
Over the years I have learned a lot of what not to do, and some of what to do whilst filming and editing.
And when I was turning some of these into “Tips & Tricks” I realised that I was using some clips that I had shot when I was working in China and that some of you might not know what I was doing there or that I was even there at all!
So I decided to add a few stories about what I was doing in China and why.
I also will be showing the films of the last “Talking Heads” that involved Maurice Reynard, Allan Vanston and Bob Rowley.
Martin's presentation gave interesting examples of the use of sound, rule of thirds was very well explained and "crossing the line" was also well explained. He had spent a lot of time editing the "Talking Heads" which was filmed last November, and was able to show Maurice Reynard and Allan Vanston. He had more material that would allow for the time of the evening. More material can be shown at a later date.
Over the years I have learned a lot of what not to do, and some of what to do whilst filming and editing.
And when I was turning some of these into “Tips & Tricks” I realised that I was using some clips that I had shot when I was working in China and that some of you might not know what I was doing there or that I was even there at all!
So I decided to add a few stories about what I was doing in China and why.
I also will be showing the films of the last “Talking Heads” that involved Maurice Reynard, Allan Vanston and Bob Rowley.
Martin's presentation gave interesting examples of the use of sound, rule of thirds was very well explained and "crossing the line" was also well explained. He had spent a lot of time editing the "Talking Heads" which was filmed last November, and was able to show Maurice Reynard and Allan Vanston. He had more material that would allow for the time of the evening. More material can be shown at a later date.
17th June - Members Films
We have been having a series of members film nights recently, the last one will be Wednesday July 1st. These are really open nights where members can bring along a film to be shown on the big screen. The film can be on any subject at all, in fact it can be unfinished, or even raw footage. Maybe you have started a project and are unsure of the direction to take? Bring it along and I am sure somebody will advise on what you can do with it, in the nicest possible way of course! One of the films shown last week, which was as yet unedited, was of a wedding in the dales where after the wedding service had been performed, the happy couple were driven off in a dirty great army tank spewing oil and smoke over Wensleydale to the obvious glee and satisfaction of the beautiful bride who had a thing for such vehicles! It would have been interesting to see how she looked when they arrived at their destination, but the cameraman was not there to capture those scenes! Or was he? Another was a film showing the demise of the Santander, or National Provincial building in Bradford on its explosive demolition in a cloud of dust. Sods law dictates, by the by, that on these occasions, the weatherman arranges perfect blue sky and absolutely no wind at all, so the dust simply hangs, and hangs. This was well highlighted when the film maker captured a close shot of a bobby who obviously stood a bit too close to the big bang, as he was covered in head to truncheon in Santander Dust. On July 8th, Martin Sunderland, of Guiseley, will be giving a talk entitled "Tips, Tricks & Stories". Martin makes really excellent films and no doubt will be illustrating his talk with footage from his own library. This is a night promising to be most entertaining.
10th June - One Minute, Five Minute and Film to Music Competitions
On the 10th June Mercury held their 3 Competition evening.
Andrew Cockerill from Bradford Movie Makers judged the 18 entries.
The results :-
The One Minute Winner Roy & Jean Vickers - Three Tiers.
Runner-up Peter Hartingdon - Sick
The Five Minute Winner Chris Bartey - Teach Your Children.
Runner-up Dave Smith - Bergen
Film to Music: Winner Roy & Jean Vickers- Welcome to Golden Acre Park.
Runner-up Peter Hartingdon Apache
Andrew Cockerill from Bradford Movie Makers judged the 18 entries.
The results :-
The One Minute Winner Roy & Jean Vickers - Three Tiers.
Runner-up Peter Hartingdon - Sick
The Five Minute Winner Chris Bartey - Teach Your Children.
Runner-up Dave Smith - Bergen
Film to Music: Winner Roy & Jean Vickers- Welcome to Golden Acre Park.
Runner-up Peter Hartingdon Apache
3rd June - Films from America
At the last meeting at Mercury Movie Makers, films from a Californian Film Club were shown. One in particular deserves mention. When one thinks of surfing the rapids along the Colorado through the grand canyon, one would assume it would be an activity for the young, well I would! But this beautiful film, with some really wonderful and colourful shots of the canyon, was filmed on a trip on the rapids with a group of mainly, senior citizens. I would love to have been there, providing I could get off the boat at all the rapids, and catch a bus to the next calm spot! The next meeting will be a mixed competition evening comprising the One Minute, Film To Music, and Five Minute Competitions. But surely you cannot produce a film lasting under one minute? Well, yes, in fact I bet you see many during any 24 hour period. Think about the television and commercials, what are they if not mini films! The film must be under one minute which includes all credits, and its not as easy as it sounds. The Film To Music needs to be under eight minutes, absolutely no live sound, just the music, the idea being that the film is matched to the music perfectly. The Five Minute film can really be anything, just as long as it is under five minutes long. These competitions, for which we enrol the services of an independent judge, usually from another film club, are very popular with members, and generally attract a lot of entrants, and are a great evenings entertainment. We usually have outright winners, and runners up in each competition, and cups/trophies suitably engraved, are presented and can be proudly displayed on the winners mantelpiece for a full year.
27th May - Catchphrase competition
At the last meeting of Mercury Movie Makers in Rawdon we held a competition on the theme of catchphrases or, well know phrases or sayings. The idea is that a film is entered that depicts what the catchphrase is. This is unlike the popular TV game show, in that our audience is not expected to guess what the catchphrase is, but the winning film is the one that best matches the catchphrase, this is decided by a judge. We had some extremely fine quality films on the night, and the judge found it difficult to choose a winner. We also saw a film concerning the steam engine Barber, an ex Harrogate Gas Works locomotive on its first run after an extensive rebuild. Interestingly, we have members who originate from Harrogate, and who had no idea that there ever was a railway into the gas works in order to delivery coal. Virtually no trace of this line now exists. Next meeting at Mercury Movie Makers is on June 3rd. when we will be crossing the pond once more and showing more amateur films from the good old U. S. of A.
Catchphrase competition had three entries.
Winner was Martin Sunderland with "All Cobblers" and runner up was Bob Rudd with "Keep your eye on the ball". Click to see details
Catchphrase competition had three entries.
Winner was Martin Sunderland with "All Cobblers" and runner up was Bob Rudd with "Keep your eye on the ball". Click to see details
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20th May - Showreel from Canada Part 2
The last meeting at Mercury Movie Makers In Rawdon saw some really oddball film footage! We enjoyed the second part of the Canadian Film Show, but it was after the break where the, well, more unusual clips were shown. Drunken elephants swaying and stumbling about, monkeys walking into trees, giraffes normally very elegant but not on this film, they were definitely the worse for wear! It transpires that a certain type of fruit upon ripening is greedily gobbled up as soon as it falls from the tree. It then ferments fairly quickly and has drunken affects on the animals who, don't "binge drink", but actually "binge eat", but with hilarious results! The evening was rounded off with car smash scenes as filmed from both on board cameras and traffic cameras, originating from behind the old "Iron Curtain" countries. Next week, Wednesday 17th May at 7.30pm at the Rawdon Conservative Club, Mercury Movie Makers it is competition night with films made using the theme of "catchphrases" or "well known sayings".
13th May - Showreel from Canada Part 1
At the last meeting at Mercury Movie Makers we enjoyed a film show from across the pond! On this occasion we were delighted with a very mixed bag of short films sent to us from the Victoria Video Club based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. This is another amateur video production club with around 24 members. This group have been in existence and making movies since 1941, and we thought we had history!
Part one of their program (part two to be shown at Mercury next week), was a collection of films made pre 2006, having been made on a mixture of formats, then copied onto VHS, and then and transferred onto DVD specially for our club. The narrator explained how some quality can be lost during such transfers, and of course, we are well aware of this. There were many short films during the show, some only literally a couple of minuets long, so its not practical to feature them all in this review, but we were very well entertained, and I am sure many new tips and techniques were learned by our members to use in their own future productions! In addition to part two of the Canadians film show to be shown next week, 20th May, we will also show some films from a club in California!
Part one of their program (part two to be shown at Mercury next week), was a collection of films made pre 2006, having been made on a mixture of formats, then copied onto VHS, and then and transferred onto DVD specially for our club. The narrator explained how some quality can be lost during such transfers, and of course, we are well aware of this. There were many short films during the show, some only literally a couple of minuets long, so its not practical to feature them all in this review, but we were very well entertained, and I am sure many new tips and techniques were learned by our members to use in their own future productions! In addition to part two of the Canadians film show to be shown next week, 20th May, we will also show some films from a club in California!
6th May - Spring Park film makers showreel
Well, at the last meeting we had an evenings entertainment from Spring Park Film Makers all the way from West Wickham in sunny Kent! No, they didn't travel all the way to Yorkshire to be with us, they simply provided us with two one hour DVD's full of a wonderful assortment of films that their club members have made, either as a group film, or individual members own offerings. This arrangement can be a very useful experience for both clubs, as of course we send them a selection of our films to view, giving both our clubs an ideal opportunity to watch and learn, and simply to see what other film clubs are getting up to! In the world of amateur film making, many DVDs, sometimes referred to as 'Showreels' are exchanged between clubs up and down the country, and further away, recently we had a showreel all the way from Sidney an Australia! In fact at our very next meeting we have another such showreel evening from a film makers club in Canada, they have provided us with a four hour program of films, so we will be showing these over two meetings, part one on the 13th May and part two on the 20th May. It may be well into spring now, but as it gets cold in Canada, we may have to turn the heating back on while we watch their films!
29th April - Fran Hayden & Audrey Cutts
Fran Haydon and Audrey Cutts visited Mercury Movie Makers at our last meeting and showed some of their wonderful films. These two ladies live in a village on the very edge of the Peak District near Sheffield, and are members of Sheffield Movie Makers. Both have been members of their club for 22 years, and Fran, who is the main film maker, has been making films for about 20 years, some 100 plus films so far! Audrey tells me that she is happy to offer critiques where needed! Congratulations must go to Fran as she is now the regional chairman of North East Region of the IAC, the Film and Video Institute. The ladies brought a wonderful selection of films including "Going Sailing" featuring the Tall Ships race at Stavanger in Norway, "The Hurtigruton" a film based on a two week cruise up the entire Norwegian coast with some 60 odd ports of call en route. "Changjiang" or the Yangtze River, a film of a tour of this part of China, but taking in some of the lesser visited areas, places not normally seen by the western tourist. Another film depicted the life changing changes people were having to make in order for their communities to make way for the flooding of the valleys associated with the building of the 370 miles long Yangtze Three Gorges Dam. Whole towns were being abandoned and demolished with the inhabitants moved higher up the valley sides where brand new cities and villages were being built. "Summer In The City", nothing to do with the 60s top ten hit by the Loving Spoonful, but a film illustrating Sheffield in the sunshine with live music events staged in the town centre. "Athens" A holiday in the city, staying at one of the capitols central hotels, provided some scary but exciting surprises. At one point they were advised to stay within the confines of the hotel, but not really explaining the reasons why. This soon became very apparent when the riot police and water cannon came into view! The girls retired to the balcony of their room which had a grandstand view of the hair raising proceedings as demonstrators battled with the riot police! Even four floors up, our film makers were not immune from the Tear Gas, and suffered coughs associated with the obnoxious fumes for three weeks after returning home!
"Pageant" a film showing the Jubilee pageant from a boat on the Thames as the Queen sailed passed! As Fran pointed out, no film show can be truly complete without a film about steam trains, and tonight's programme was no exception. "Little Trains of Austria" indeed had steam trains, but additionally had some lovely footage of the wonderful places within that delightful country. What a wonderful evenings entertainment this was! Fran and Audrey have visited Mercury before with a selection of their films, and we do hope that they will accept an invitation to join us again very soon! Our next meeting held at the Rawdon Conservative Club on Wednesday 6th of May, will be a film show from the Spring Park Film Makers, we start at 7.30pm if you wish to pop in to see us, you will be made most welcome!
"Pageant" a film showing the Jubilee pageant from a boat on the Thames as the Queen sailed passed! As Fran pointed out, no film show can be truly complete without a film about steam trains, and tonight's programme was no exception. "Little Trains of Austria" indeed had steam trains, but additionally had some lovely footage of the wonderful places within that delightful country. What a wonderful evenings entertainment this was! Fran and Audrey have visited Mercury before with a selection of their films, and we do hope that they will accept an invitation to join us again very soon! Our next meeting held at the Rawdon Conservative Club on Wednesday 6th of May, will be a film show from the Spring Park Film Makers, we start at 7.30pm if you wish to pop in to see us, you will be made most welcome!
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22nd April - Murder Mystery Evening
Murder! There's been a Murder!
Well, not really, but what a night! Never let it be said that Mercury Movie Makers will not try new things! But that is exactly what we did at our last meeting!
For the very first time we held a Murder & Mystery evening, and what a brilliant evening it was. One of our members had been brutally done in, and it was one of us that done it! The clues were there, participants acted out the scene in great detail, questions were asked, scenarios were investigated, alibis were disseminated, intrigue and mystery melted away as the truth became obvious for all to see, and the evil culprits identity was finally revealed! Only it didn't, because non of us got it right!
But what a great fun night! As the proceedings progressed it was being filmed by two of our members, one of which, under duress I am sure, will edit the whole shambles into a superb, viewable and extremely entertaining film! Cant wait for that one then!
The next meeting at Mercury Movie Makers will be with guests Fran Hayden and Audrey Cutts who will join us all the way from Sheffield. These two ladies make excellent films, and will be showing and talking about some of them on Wednesday night, April 29th., at 7.30pm at Rawdon Conservative Club, Leeds Road in Rawdon.
Well, not really, but what a night! Never let it be said that Mercury Movie Makers will not try new things! But that is exactly what we did at our last meeting!
For the very first time we held a Murder & Mystery evening, and what a brilliant evening it was. One of our members had been brutally done in, and it was one of us that done it! The clues were there, participants acted out the scene in great detail, questions were asked, scenarios were investigated, alibis were disseminated, intrigue and mystery melted away as the truth became obvious for all to see, and the evil culprits identity was finally revealed! Only it didn't, because non of us got it right!
But what a great fun night! As the proceedings progressed it was being filmed by two of our members, one of which, under duress I am sure, will edit the whole shambles into a superb, viewable and extremely entertaining film! Cant wait for that one then!
The next meeting at Mercury Movie Makers will be with guests Fran Hayden and Audrey Cutts who will join us all the way from Sheffield. These two ladies make excellent films, and will be showing and talking about some of them on Wednesday night, April 29th., at 7.30pm at Rawdon Conservative Club, Leeds Road in Rawdon.
15th April - Challenge Match with Huddersfield
Last Wednesday at Mercury Movie Makers it was once again, competition night!
Competitions add that bit of extra interest to making a film. They also give members an opportunity to mix with other club members, and to view different clubs productions. This particular competition, with the Huddersfield Film Makers Club, was I think, particularly good, with some really professional and well polished films on offer. Many of Huddersfield's members travelled to Mercury at Rawdon to support their club, indeed we almost had a 'full house'!
The competition was part of the West Ridings Group Challenge Match, and was judged by Tony Collinson, a member of the Leeds AV Group.
The usual format was deployed, that is three categories of films with each club entering one film into each segment, so a total of 6 films, with each category awarded points, the winner being the club with most points.
Huddersfield's entries started with "A Day To Remember", a film depicting the many preparations required in order to stage the Grand Depart through the Huddersfield area last year, culminating in the race itself with scenes from many locations, using many club members acting as cameramen. An interview with local man Brian Robinson, who won stages during the 1950's was included in the film. The next Huddersfield film was "The Wonders Of Peru", a film based on travel around Peru taking all the wonderful sights that that country has to offer, including such treasures as Lake Titicaca and the ruins of Machu Picchu.
The last entry was "No Way Up". Imagine a couple trapped for days underground in a cellar in Malta during an air raid in WW2. The couple were, well lets say, not so much in a compromising position, but were trapped facing each other. The conversation inevitably steered round to one of love, and admiration from a distance, basically he had always fancied her! The clever part here was both he and she were acted by the same person! Very clever!
Mercury's first offering was "Hollins Hill Farm", a story of how labour intensive haymaking from days of old has streamlined to what it is today. Once a dozen workers took weeks to achieve, now the whole business completed in two or three days, progress indeed! "Corners Of Cornwall", from Mercury was a gentle meander around some of the less visited attractions of this particularly beautiful county. The last entry was entitled "Arthur Ransome in the Lake District", and was the story of Mr. Ransomes book "Swallows & Amazons". The film told the story of the books inspiration, the wonderful lakeside locations, taking in the house where he settled with his Russian wife, even his desk and pen!
The competition on this night was won by Mercury Movie Makers, with the judge, Tony Collinson, offering critiques and suggestions, and hints as to maybe how entries could be improved or tweaked. A couple from a film club in Newcastle who were visiting Leeds, called in to watch the nights proceedings, and were most impressed
Competitions add that bit of extra interest to making a film. They also give members an opportunity to mix with other club members, and to view different clubs productions. This particular competition, with the Huddersfield Film Makers Club, was I think, particularly good, with some really professional and well polished films on offer. Many of Huddersfield's members travelled to Mercury at Rawdon to support their club, indeed we almost had a 'full house'!
The competition was part of the West Ridings Group Challenge Match, and was judged by Tony Collinson, a member of the Leeds AV Group.
The usual format was deployed, that is three categories of films with each club entering one film into each segment, so a total of 6 films, with each category awarded points, the winner being the club with most points.
Huddersfield's entries started with "A Day To Remember", a film depicting the many preparations required in order to stage the Grand Depart through the Huddersfield area last year, culminating in the race itself with scenes from many locations, using many club members acting as cameramen. An interview with local man Brian Robinson, who won stages during the 1950's was included in the film. The next Huddersfield film was "The Wonders Of Peru", a film based on travel around Peru taking all the wonderful sights that that country has to offer, including such treasures as Lake Titicaca and the ruins of Machu Picchu.
The last entry was "No Way Up". Imagine a couple trapped for days underground in a cellar in Malta during an air raid in WW2. The couple were, well lets say, not so much in a compromising position, but were trapped facing each other. The conversation inevitably steered round to one of love, and admiration from a distance, basically he had always fancied her! The clever part here was both he and she were acted by the same person! Very clever!
Mercury's first offering was "Hollins Hill Farm", a story of how labour intensive haymaking from days of old has streamlined to what it is today. Once a dozen workers took weeks to achieve, now the whole business completed in two or three days, progress indeed! "Corners Of Cornwall", from Mercury was a gentle meander around some of the less visited attractions of this particularly beautiful county. The last entry was entitled "Arthur Ransome in the Lake District", and was the story of Mr. Ransomes book "Swallows & Amazons". The film told the story of the books inspiration, the wonderful lakeside locations, taking in the house where he settled with his Russian wife, even his desk and pen!
The competition on this night was won by Mercury Movie Makers, with the judge, Tony Collinson, offering critiques and suggestions, and hints as to maybe how entries could be improved or tweaked. A couple from a film club in Newcastle who were visiting Leeds, called in to watch the nights proceedings, and were most impressed
8th April - Ian Dewhirst
The last meeting at Mercury Movie Makers was a talk by the well known local historian Ian Dewhirst (See Note below). Ian gave us an insight into local cinemas in the Keighley area from the very first opening right up to the present day. The next meeting at Mercury on Wednesday 15th April will be a Challenge Match between ourselves and Huddersfield Film Makers Club. Looking a bit further ahead, to the 22cd of April in fact, Mercury will be trying something entirely different! We will be holding a Murder and Mystery evening! All the parts will be played by willing, if somewhat short sighted, members of the club!
But what on earth is a film making club doing holding such an event, I hear you all ask!
Well, members not taking part are invited to bring their cameras to film the grizzly happenings, and hopefully, eventually, produce a short film, either independently, or with other members of the club. So experience can be gained from all aspects of the evening, from such the obvious camera work, sound, lighting, and of course actors are always needed, in some stage of making films, so this is an excellent opportunity to "have a go"!
Note:
Ian Dewhirst, a well known raconteur from Keighley, treated us to a talk about the Cinema, an evening not to be missed.
Click Here for more details. Click here for biography. Click Here for Fred Simpson
But what on earth is a film making club doing holding such an event, I hear you all ask!
Well, members not taking part are invited to bring their cameras to film the grizzly happenings, and hopefully, eventually, produce a short film, either independently, or with other members of the club. So experience can be gained from all aspects of the evening, from such the obvious camera work, sound, lighting, and of course actors are always needed, in some stage of making films, so this is an excellent opportunity to "have a go"!
Note:
Ian Dewhirst, a well known raconteur from Keighley, treated us to a talk about the Cinema, an evening not to be missed.
Click Here for more details. Click here for biography. Click Here for Fred Simpson
18th March - Annual Dinner and prize presentation
Last Wednesday night we held our Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation evening at the Baildon Golf Club. The judge was Robert Lorimer of Huddersfield Movie Makers. During the year we hold various competitions, some for a bit of fun, and others of a more serious nature, culminating in the annual competition where prestigious cups or plaques can be won to be held for the next twelve months. The competition is split into categories such as Travel/Holiday, Documentary, Fiction etc. Winners were;
Documentary, The Alan Sidi/Andorra Trophy
Winner David Myers of Yeadon with Genesis of Cinematography.
Runner up; Roy & Jean Vickers of Menston with Wax & Wicks
Certificate of Merit; Bob Rudd of Leeds with Station X
Unclassified, The Longstaff Trophy
Winner; Martin Sunderland of Guiseley with Spring
Runner up; David Smith and Alan Driffield of Pudsey with Gods Own Country
Certificate of Merit; Bob Rowley of Guiseley with Glass Mountain
Holiday/Travel, The John Rose Trophy
Winner; Martin & Lynne Sunderland of Guiseley with Corners of Cornwall
Runner up; George Thompson of Bradford with A Drive In The Park
Most creative use of sound, The Roger Watkinson Trophy
Winner; Martin Sunderland. with Spring
Best Edited, The Peter Russell Trophy
Winner; Martin and Lynne Sunderland with Corners of Cornwall
Best film in competition, The Ernest Moran Trophy
Winner David Myers with Genesis of Cinematography
Best photography, The Martin Sunderland Trophy
Winner; Martin Sunderland with Spring.
The next two meetings at Mercury Movie Makers (we meet at the Conservatory Club on Leeds Road in Rawdon on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm, pop in and have a chat)
25th March and 1st April we will be showing all the annual competition films, while on Wednesday April 8th., our guest speaker will be Ian Dewhirst, his talk is entitled The History of Cinema. Ian is a well known raconteur in Yorkshire and speaks on many subjects, we are in for a treat indeed!
Documentary, The Alan Sidi/Andorra Trophy
Winner David Myers of Yeadon with Genesis of Cinematography.
Runner up; Roy & Jean Vickers of Menston with Wax & Wicks
Certificate of Merit; Bob Rudd of Leeds with Station X
Unclassified, The Longstaff Trophy
Winner; Martin Sunderland of Guiseley with Spring
Runner up; David Smith and Alan Driffield of Pudsey with Gods Own Country
Certificate of Merit; Bob Rowley of Guiseley with Glass Mountain
Holiday/Travel, The John Rose Trophy
Winner; Martin & Lynne Sunderland of Guiseley with Corners of Cornwall
Runner up; George Thompson of Bradford with A Drive In The Park
Most creative use of sound, The Roger Watkinson Trophy
Winner; Martin Sunderland. with Spring
Best Edited, The Peter Russell Trophy
Winner; Martin and Lynne Sunderland with Corners of Cornwall
Best film in competition, The Ernest Moran Trophy
Winner David Myers with Genesis of Cinematography
Best photography, The Martin Sunderland Trophy
Winner; Martin Sunderland with Spring.
The next two meetings at Mercury Movie Makers (we meet at the Conservatory Club on Leeds Road in Rawdon on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm, pop in and have a chat)
25th March and 1st April we will be showing all the annual competition films, while on Wednesday April 8th., our guest speaker will be Ian Dewhirst, his talk is entitled The History of Cinema. Ian is a well known raconteur in Yorkshire and speaks on many subjects, we are in for a treat indeed!
11th March - Challenge match with Bradford Movie Makers
The last meeting at Mercury Movie Makers was a Challenge Match with Bradford Movie Makers, who had many of their members come along to Mercury to support their club. The competition is arranged into three categories, Travel, Documentary, and a Free Choice section. Each club enters a film into each section and points are then awarded by an independent judge, who, on this occasion, was Trevor and Joan Spence from the Huddersfield Film Makers Club. Halfway through the proceedings we have a thirty minute break for coffee and biscuits, and a chance to mingle, chat, meet old and some new friends, and maybe pick up some useful film making tips. The Bradford clubs films entered included, . 'Brighton, Life Goes On', one mans view of Brighton, some of its attractions and idiosyncrasies. 'In Search Of Lille' was a gentle laid back look at a travel holiday in Lille, a perhaps surprising but beautiful holiday destination, never the less. 'Cheapair Flight 101', This comedy was centred aboard one of our budget airlines flights, with a mixture of chargeable situations, paying for the loo, dropping mailbags out of the aircraft, the graphics depicting planes in flight, including war time aircraft fly-bys, were performed very cleverly. Mercury entries included 'Hollins Hill Farm', explaining how hay making has changed over the years, from an extremely labour intensive effort, to one where mechanisation has simplified the work immensely. 'The Lake And The Cat', a film, not about cute little kittens, but one concerning a holiday in the Italian Alps, coinciding with a Catamaran Race on Lake Maggiore. 'The Note' concerned an attempt, over some weeks, to perfect a forged rare banknote, potentially worth £millions, only to be thwarted when a case full of identical notes turn up on an antiques show on the telly.
Points were awarded, and a short critique of each film was offered by the judge, resulting on this occasion with a win for Mercury Movie Makers.
We have no meeting at Rawdon on the 18th March as this is the night of our Annual Dinner, and Prize Presentation. We will be back at Rawdon on the 25th March!
Points were awarded, and a short critique of each film was offered by the judge, resulting on this occasion with a win for Mercury Movie Makers.
We have no meeting at Rawdon on the 18th March as this is the night of our Annual Dinner, and Prize Presentation. We will be back at Rawdon on the 25th March!
4th March - West Riding Group at Featherstone
Entries to the Spring four minute show were shown followed by a presentation of the trophies.
25th February - Roy Vickers and David Myers film show
An opportunity to see films missed due to bad weather in January.
18th February - Film show from Australia
A selection of films in the form of a showreel from Australia were shown.
11th February - Ian Jackson Film Maker
Ian gave an account of his introduction to film making which he does on a commercial scale employing people to help him.
He showed examples of his work.
He showed examples of his work.
4th February - Mabel Mackman film show
This meeting was well attended. As usual Mabel has also put on a magnificent spread. Her films were also good.
28th January - David Myers film show
David showed a selection of his movies made including the restoration of Crompton Park in Guiseley. The Meeting was terminated at 9pm due to inclement weather. The remaining films to be shown at a later date.
14th January - Roy Vickers film show
A selection of films were shown. Attendance was poor due to illness and weather.
7th January - Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting took place. Officers presented their reports. The officers remain the same as last Year except our Publicity Secretary who, after 15 years of sterling work, is standing down. A new publicity officer is to be appointed.
