The technology may change but the art of making a good film remains the same, members of Otago Amateur Movie Makers Inc say.
The group, which has a history in Dunedin as far back as 1937, is dedicated to making films and keeping a valuable archive of local films dating back to the 1940s.
Club committee member Peter Begg said that while film-making equipment had become more affordable and the technology had changed, the process of making film remained the same.
‘‘Even if people are using smartphones to record film footage, there is still a way to edit that footage into a coherent film,’’ Mr Begg said.
Smartphones, GoPro cameras, micro-sized cameras, computer editing and the ability to get instant results had changed the face of the modern amateur film.
‘‘We are interested in teaching people to make better use of this material, and to archive it for the future,’’ he said.
Consequently, the club’s activities have become centred on incorporating all the available filming choices, learning editing tips and tricks, and improving standards through competitions and expert speakers at its monthly meetings.
Founded as the Otago Cine Photographic Society in 1937 and renamed since, Otago Amateur Movie Makers Inc is the longest-running film club in the southern hemisphere and one of the oldest in the world.
The club’s longevity is mainly due to its adaptability in a constantly changing filmmaking landscape.
Society president Mike Davies said there was a place in the club for people who wished to make small films on their phones, as well as those who would like to create more substantial films.
The group’s membership stood at about 25 active members, and new members were always welcome to join.
‘‘We enjoy supporting each other to become better filmmakers,’’ he said.
★ For more information, contact Mike Davies, phone 473-9592 or (021) 0231-9948, or visit otagoamateurmovie makers.blogspot.nz.
