JERSEY CAMCORDER CLUB
VIDEO FILM-
The JERSEY CAMCORDER CLUB comprises a group of enthusiasts who are interested in making films that people will enjoy seeing, and in encouraging and supporting fellow members with the same aim.
The Club held its first meeting in 1991, and has continued with fortnightly meetings ever since. At present these are generally held on a Thursday in a room at the Royal Jersey Showground, starting around 7.45 p.m. Occasionally, however, we have filming evenings at different locations, and we also hold enjoyable social events.
Details about our Committee, our Programme of Meetings and Subscription Rates can be found by clicking on the above links, and any of the Committee would be happy for you to Contact Us.
Men and women from all walks of life are members, and the ages have ranged from retired people to a young man of 11 years. The majority of the club are generally of mature years – those being people with perhaps more time to spend on their hobbies – but the input from younger members is always very welcome, as they come with fresh and innovative ideas.
Although many people think that they need expensive equipment to make good films, for many years all that have been needed were a simple camcorder, video recorder and TV. However nowadays a great many computers come with some editing software and the facility to make DVDs, so many people start by making their first films as DVDs on a computer. But they will still need the camcorder, lots of patience – and a good sprinkling of imagination. Between the various club members, we own a variety of equipment so we are able to offer plenty of advice on suitable hardware and software to use, at various budget levels. Although the Club does not own equipment which can be lent out, many members have surplus equipment that they are happy to pass on. Also we own an excellent film projector, which members may hire on request.
Some of our meetings involve members bringing their own films for others to see and discuss. Others are instructional, or with visiting speakers. There are also occasions when members make a film as a special project – maybe at a special place, or with a set title. These projects have frequently inspired people to make films which otherwise would not have been made, and everyone benefits from the ideas. All films shown at club will be seen at their best, on a large screen, using our projector.
It has always been policy not to be competitive within the club, but some members have enjoyed entering competitions elsewhere, and have gained several awards. In particular, we were very pleased when Laurie Stewart gained first place in the Documentary Section of Movie ’98, a prestigious Film and Video Institute international competition.
Club members also work together at group films from time to time, and notable results have been a spoof Jersey version of Last of the Summer Wine, an unrepeatable record of The Bathing Pool (Havre des Pas in the past), with interviews from pool users back to the 1930’s, and a fund raising film of the annual Race for Life. Many of the club members also make films for the various organisations in which they are involved, and as such the expertise they gain from the Jersey Camcorder Club is invaluable.
We always welcome new members of any ability because we can all benefit from their ideas and input. For those who have newly acquired a camcorder, we can help them with their initial questions, and call at their home if necessary to help set up a system with the appropriate connections. Just Contact Us
But if you are already making films and would like to view them on a large screen with an audience which appreciates the work involved, or if you would just like to improve your family films so that friends will enjoy seeing them, then come along and meet the Jersey Camcorder Club.
