# Surrey Border Movie Makers


## Posts

- [Summer BBQ  25th June 2023](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/07/10/summer_bbq_june_2023/): The annual Summer BBQ was once again hosted at Al and Rita’s house and, once again, the weather was excellent! The Summer Social has always been a great place for members and their partners to spend a relaxing afternoon chatting and making new acquaintances. And, as always, it was accompanied with the freshly cooked food from the BBQ together with a glass or three of their favourite tipple. It is also somewhere partners can experience first hand the (sometimes) obsessive interest in film making that many of our club members possess! It was very apparent that there were little huddles
- [Film in an Evening 2023](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/07/08/fiae-2023/): This years ‘Film in an Evening’ was held in July 2023. There were 3 entries:   “The Fall and Rise of Mr Punch” by The Oddbods “The Despair Workshop” by The Weyfarers “Mrs Symms’ Royal Affair” by the Pioneers
- [Club Equipment Evening - 5th May](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/05/05/equip_evening/): During the evening several members displayed either their own equipment or a selection of the extensive club equipment. Click the images or link below to see more details about the equipment on display from the night. Kit Evening- CLICK Here Addition Equipment Donation Anthony (Ant) Palmer, seen alongside David Fairhead, has made a generous donation of a lifetime’s collection of video equipment, worth more than £3,000. So we now have a considerable amount of equipment available for club members to use. The equipment is featured HERE in our November 2022 edition of Border Post Return to Club News
- [Edit Challenge 2023](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/04/01/edit-challenge-2023/): There were eleven entries for the Edit Challenge 2023 which was held over zoom on the 31st March.
- [Sarah's War](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/02/25/sarahs-war/): Whilst not strictly a club film, it's included here because of the support from several SBMM members.      It was club member Brian O'Connell who was the driving force behind this epic of a film. Brian originally wrote it as a stage play that was performed in locations around Guildford in 2015 and subsequently embarked upon the task of making it into a full-length feature film.     Using his own funding, Brian wrote, produced, directed and edited the film using professional actors and a young professional cinematographer. 
- [Upcoming Challenge](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/02/24/upcoming-challenge/): Return to Club News
- [Xmas Challenge 2023](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/02/23/xmas-challenge-2023/): This year there were six entries into the Xmas Challenge 2023.
- [3rd March Meeting - The Frost Report](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/02/03/march-meeting/): Return to Club News
- [3rd January Meeting - David Fairhead presented 'Lancaster'](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/01/17/january-meeting/): Film Directors Ant Palmer (above left) and David Fairhead (above right) were welcomed to Surrey Border Movie Makers January club meeting to discuss their new film ‘Lancaster’ which follows their amazing ‘Spitfire’ film released in 2018. They showed excerpts of the finished film and also discussed how the film was made. David and Ant obtained approximately thirty-eight interviews, not just from the pilots but members of the whole crew including Bomber Command ground staff. One of the pilots who was interviewed explained that although the Lancaster was large, they were very noisy, cramped and uncomfortable but they were also very
- [Jim Reed](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/01/08/jim-reed/): I have been editing video from the mid-1990's using VHS with Hi-8 tapes, then moving onto Mini-DV, and in early 2000's acquired my first PC based editing suite. In 2016 I bought my first ‘modern’ camera, a 4k Sony AX-53, high speed with built in Gimbal. After seeing the club in a local newspaper I joined in July 2017. I’ve selected these few videos as being representative of my work and interest.
- [Tim Stannard](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/01/06/tim-stannard/): I came to film making with no background in photography or particular interest in storytelling, but through the simple route of wanting to have a record of my newborn baby growing up.   Digital video was of a high enough quality and cheap enough in the mid 2000s for it to be worth me trying out and abandoning if a failure.  I have since become an Associate of the IAC (AACI)
- [Dave Skertchly](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/01/05/dave-skertchly/): I have been making films since the age of 14, which is 56 years ago! I started with 8mm film and moved on to video in the 1990s. My films are generally made at a low cost; usually something around about around nothing!  They are based on things I am interested in. I don’t even try to ape the professionals so I class my films as “craft films” rather like “craft beer”.   I use very little equipment, just a low cost camcorder and some editing software on my laptop computer.
- [Border Post 2023](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/01/03/border-post-2020-2/): September October November December May June July August January February March April Border Post Home Page
- [Peter Stratford](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/01/03/peter-stratford/): My interest in film making started in the late 1960s with a short lived stint using the school’s Bolex H16 film camera to record various school activities for posterity.   As the technology improved and prices dropped, I graduated to digital video and recorded my travels around the world for work and pleasure from the 1990s onwards.  I joined the SBMM in 2017. 
- [Gordon Sutton](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/01/01/gordon-sutton/): My hobby in making films developed from my father who was an active member of Bournemouth and New Forest Film Makers.  I made my first Standard 8mm film in my twenties and many others since, using clockwork ciné cameras, in the intervening years. I made do with an auxiliary portable tape recorder for sound and avoided the progression to Super 8. 
- [SBMM Website - Start Here](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/01/01/all-about-the-sbmm-website/): Welcome to the brand new Surrey Border Movie Makers Website. We are naturally slightly biased, but we think the wait has been worth it! PLEASE NOTE: “Although the website is now live, there are still plenty more things to add. These changes will take place over time, but it’s felt that it is now sufficiently completed to take off the wraps and get going. I’m sure that in the near term a few errors or omissions will become apparent, and we’ll do our best to address those in real-time.” “If you have any comments or suggestions please use the contact
- [Members Competition 2022](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2022/12/18/members-competition-2022/): Only Four in the World by Brian O'Connell, Peter Frost, and Dick Grainger is a very engaging documentary about the rebuilding of one of the world's rarer motorbikes. The makers were awarded, The Jackson Trophy for Overall Winner, The Pat Dohery Award for the Best Use of Sound, The Moorey Award for Best Documentary, and The Dick Hibberd Trophy for Best Camerawork.
- [Gillian Gatland](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2022/12/01/gillian-gatland/): I mostly film holidays, but I try to add information to make them of interest to a wider audience.   I like to take part even if in a small way when the club makes a film, and twice was the editor of a club production. Otherwise I usually do shot logging or clapperboard. Very occasionally I appear in front of the camera.
- [Documentary Competition 2022](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2022/10/25/documentary-competition-2022/): Documentary Competition 2022 The annual Documentary Competition was held in September 2022.  There were 6 entries: Down Street by Alan Brown 3’33” (No Video) Banana Shoot by Brian O’Connell and Gordon Sutton 16’16” Cuba by Peter Stratford 19’28” The Incoming Tide by Peter Stratford 6’02” The History of St Émillion by Philip Morley 7’38” Anamorophic Lens by Philip Morley 2’29” The Overall Winner – ‘Down Street’ by Alan Brown ABOVE: Stills from Alan Brown – Down Street – The story of hidden and lost underground stations in London. (Video Unavailable) Brian O’connell & Gordon Sutton – Banana Shoot Banana Shoot
- [Film in an Evening 2022](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2022/08/01/fiae-2022/): Oddbods and Weyfarers FIAE
- [Programme for 2023](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2022/07/30/programme/): Monthly Programme for 2023 - Surrey Border Movie Makers. 
- [About Us](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2022/04/25/about-us/): (Mike Sanders Club Chairman)
- [Montage Exercise 2022](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2022/04/01/montage-exercise-2022/): Challenge: Montage Exercise – 2022 Edit Exercise :  Requirement for 2022 – Create a Montage From the Studio Binder website:“A montage is a series of separate images, moving or still, that are edited together to create a continuous sequence. Montages enable filmmakers to communicate a large amount of information to an audience over a shorter spanof time by juxtaposing different shots, compressing time through editing, or intertwining multiple storylines of anarrative.” It should be clear that this is not just a sequence of pictures, but something which communicates an idea or a (part of a) story. It might be something
- [Xmas Challenge 2022](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2022/02/20/xmas-challenge-2022/): Christmas Themed Challenge 2022 Something new was suggested by Surrey Border Movie Makers Competition Officer Tim Stannard; Members could make a film with a Christmas theme to a maximum length of 3 mins. The content could be taken from existing, new or found footage.The idea was aimed at members who had never submitted a film before or those who find competitions daunting.The ‘Challenge’ was not a Competition but an opportunity to expand filming techniques and view your film on the big screen where it could be discussed and suggestions could be raised. Ten films were shown: The first was ‘Christmas
- [Brian O'Connell](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2022/02/05/brian-oconnell/): Brian O’Connell SBMM Writer and Director ‘Sarah’s War’ is Brian’s second full-length play, now a feature film.  Although written as a play, Brian always had the idea that it could be a film as he believes that if a script has the narrative traction to hold a live audience, then it would also have legs as a film.  Brian's overriding passion is in storytelling, and would love to create a feature film of his first full-length play ‘Estate Agent’.
- [Philip Morley](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2022/02/04/philip-morley/): I started making videos in the mid 1980’s.  Since then, I have remained a passionate videographer. My journey started with a focus on holiday films and then moved on to wedding films, mostly for friends and family and, over the ensuing years, has developed into making all types of movie genre.  I am especially interested in making documentary films. Having joined SBMM 15 years ago, I am the co-editor of the Clubs monthly magazine Border Post and currently the club's Vice Chairman.
- [Border Post 2022](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2022/01/19/border-post-2022-2/): September 2022 May 2022 January 2022 October 2022 June 2022 February 2022 November 2022 July 2022 March December 2022 August 2022 April 2022 Border Post Home Page
- [Border Post 2021](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2021/12/19/border-post-2021/): September May January October June February November July March December August April Border Post Home Page
- [Members Competition 2021](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2021/12/17/members-competition-2021-3/):  Tim Stannard’s clever comedy ‘The Case Of the Missing Pickle Magnate’ was awarded Jackson Trophy for Best Overall Film, The Arthur English Trophy for Photography, The Penny Johnson Trophy for Best Editing, and the The Ron Clements Shield for Creativity.  The annual Member’s Competition held on 3rd December 2021, when seven entries were received.  
- [Documentary Competition 2021](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2021/09/18/documentary-competition-2021/): Documentary Competition 2021 The annual Documentary Competition was held in September 2021.  There were 4 entries: ‘Ice Cold in Farnham’ by Alan Hussey ‘A Dream Come True’ by Philip Morley ‘1St Call’ by Philip Morley ‘Battle of Britain, The True Story’ by Dave Skertchly (no video) The Overall Winner – ‘Ice Cold in Farnham’ by Alan Hussey Ice Cold in Farnham by Alan Hussey ‘Winter comes to Farnham creating problems for some motorist, but enjoyment for others in a snow wonderland.’ ‘Ice Cold in Farnham’ made by Alan Hussey and filmed last year when we had heavy snow causing disruption
- [Film in an Evening FIAE 2021](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2021/08/01/film-in-an-evening-fiae-2021-2/): Oddbods, Weyfarers and Pioneers FIAE 
- [Edit Challenge 2021](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2021/04/20/edit-challenge-2021/): 2021 Edit Exercise ’10 to 3′ Tim Stannard, Competition Officer, asked members to provide a selection of random clips taken from their films. He assembled 10 minutes of random footage and set the challenge for members to produce a 3 minute narrative film, so it became the ’10 to 3′ Edit Exercise. There were an impressive 12 competition entries and Tim who has extensive judging experience which includes the BIAFF (British International Amateur Film Festival) was very impressed by the standard and the imaginations of the Surrey Border members who entered films. The selection was very varied and included the
- [Border Post 2020](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2020/12/19/border-post-2020/): September May January October June February November July March December August April Border Post Home Page
- [Members Competition 2020](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2020/12/06/members-competition-2020/): Dave Skertchly's film 'Mary Rose, the The True Story' was inspired by the cartoons made by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin back in the 1960's.  It tells the story of why the Mary Rose sank in front of Henry the VIII on that fateful day in July 1545 and we find out that it was “true loves story…strange but true”.  Dave won the ‘Jackson Trophy’ for Overall Winner, and also Pat Doherty Cup for ‘Best use of Sound’.
- [Documentary Competition 2020](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2020/09/18/documentary-competition-2020/): Documentary Competition 2020 The annual Documentary Competition was held in September 2020.  There were 5 entries: ‘Bondic’ by John Mills (no video) ‘Save the Date’ by Dave Skertchly ”Chateau de Chenonceau’ by Colin Lewis (no video) ‘White Boy Cleansing’ by Brian O’Connell (no video) ‘In Search Of Geisha’ by Peter Stratford The Overall Winner – ‘In Search of Geisha’ by Peter Stratford In Search of Geisha by Peter Stratford “‘In Search of a Geisha’ is a light hearted film in the style of a wildlife documentary recording the search for a rare animal species, but in this case the target
- [Film in an Evening FIAE 2020](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2020/08/01/film-in-an-evening-fiae-2020/): Oddbods and Pioneers FIAE 
- [Film on a Phone 2020](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2020/04/20/film-on-a-phone-2020/): Film on a Phone 2020 Challenge Surrey Border Movie Makers first very successful virtual meeting which took place on Friday 3rd April.Members received an invitation to the meeting which was held on Zoom.There were six films entries for the Film on a Phone Competition with the theme of ‘My Community’,and one made using more traditional equipment. ‘Changing Times’ by Colin Lewis, ‘Redan Road’ by Dave Skertchly, ‘Crazy Times’ by Nigel Davey, ‘Camberley Car Show’ by Ivan Dally, ‘National Theatre Wigs’ by Brian O’Connell ‘Lower Bourne’ by Philip Morley, Alan Hussey’s Farnham Diary’. All of the films were seen virtually on-line,
- [Border Post 2019](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2019/12/19/border-post-2019/): September May January October June February November July March December August April Border Post Home Page
- [Members Competition 2019](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2019/12/09/members-competition-2019/): This image is from Nigel Davey's beautifully moving film 'Faith and Photography' which was was awarded the Jackson Trophy for Best Overall Film and also the Arthur English Trophy for Best photography.  Sixteen entries were received from twelve club members, resulting in a wide range of subjects.   The club was very privileged to have Jan and Dave Watterson judging the films this year. Jan and Dave are International Judges, and Dave was elected President of UNICA (Union Internationale du Cinema) in 2015.
- [Film in an Evening FIAE 2019](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2019/08/01/film-in-an-evening-fiae-2019/): Oddbods, Klondikes, Weyfarers and Pioneers FIAE 
- [Documentary Competition 2019](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2019/02/18/documentary-competition-2019/): Documentary Competition 2019 The annual Documentary Competition was held in September 2019.  There were 4 entries: ‘A tale of 13 tails’ by Peter Frost (video not available) ‘I Dive the Great Barrier Reef’ by Dave Skertchly (video not available) ‘Inside Inside the making of a Movie’ by Peter Frost ‘In Search of Svalbard’s Polar Bears’ by Peter Stratford The Overall Winner – ‘In Search of Svalbard’s Polar Bears’ by Peter Stratford Peter Stratford, who never fails to deliver superb documentaries of his travels all over the world, produced a film called ‘In Search of Svalbard’s Polar Bears’. David Attenborough would
- [Inside I'm 35](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2019/02/01/inside-im-35/): Inside I’m Thirty Five is the title of our ‘My Shout’ Film Project for Farnham Maltings.  The film contrasts the elderly as they were with how they are now because young peoples’ concept of the elderly tends to be rather dismissive and they overlook the fact that there’s still life in the older generation, even if on the outside they might look a little jaded.
- [Border Post 2018](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2018/12/19/border-post-2018/): September May January October June February November July March December August April Border Post Home Page
- [Members Competition 2018](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2018/12/10/members-competition-2018/): Jim Reed's documentary film 'Making a Difference' was recorded at the Hawk Conservancy in Andover, and includes some stunning shots of birds of prey in flight.  The Bird featured in this image is the Bald Eagle, but Jim focused most of his film raising the plight of the much maligned and critically endangered species, the vulture.  Jim received four Awards, The Jackson Trophy for Overall Winner,The Moorey Award for Best Documentary, The Dick Hibberd Trophy for Best Camerawork, and The Pat Doherty Award for the Best Use of Sound.
- [Film in an Evening FIAE 2018](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2018/08/01/film-in-an-evening-fiae-2018/): Oddbods, Klondikes, Weyfarers and Pioneers FIAE 
- [Documentary Competition 2018](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2018/02/18/documentary-competition-2018/): Documentary Competition 2018 The annual Documentary Competition was held in September 2018. With nine film entries this year it was a full evening of fabulous entertainment and very difficult judging by the captivated audience.Eight club members submitted outstanding films which covered a wide variety of subjects including’ Twyford Waterworks’ and ‘Stationary Steam Engine’ both by John Mills, ‘On the Edge’ a film about Southend Pier by Jim Reed, ‘The Kashmir Valley’ a 20 minute film by Peter Stratford, ‘St John the Baptist Holy Well’ an important restoration project filmed by Gordon Sutton, ‘Sight and Sound of the Tagus’ by Martin
- [Up, Up and Away!](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2018/02/08/up-up-and-away/): Rita’s selection for the second film to be made for the ‘Create 50’ competition is, rather obviously, titled Up, Up and Away! which she has chosen from the winning scripts submitted to the competition. It’s therefore a club production being made from someone else’s script, rather than the usual 100% in-club film. However, although only two and a half pages, it presents plenty of challenges to be considered before we get cameras out.
- [Border Post 2017](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2017/12/19/border-post-2017/): September May January October June February November July March December August April Border Post Home Page
- [Members Competition 2017](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2017/12/05/members-competition-2017/): The annual Club Members Competition had twelve entries for 2017. Amongst this year’s films were Documentaries, Holiday’s, Comedies, a Wedding, a visual Sound Poem and a Musical Fantasy. Two new club members Peter Stratford and Patric Hinde both entered films. Peters film ‘Chinese New Year 2017 in Hong Kong’ was full of interesting facts and good camerawork, it won the ‘Best First Time Winner’ trophy and also Best Use of Sound. Patric Hinde who is an MGBGT enthusiast as well as a keen film maker created a 1min comedy about his beloved car which the audience enjoyed.
- [Documentary Competition 2017](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2017/09/10/documentary-competition-2017/): Documentary Competition 2017 The annual Documentary Competition was held in September 2017.  There were 7 entries: ‘Samuel Cody and his Flying Machines’ by Colin Lewis ‘Raft Race’ by Peter Frost ‘Making a Difference’ by Jim Reed ‘Hemis Festival’ by Peter Stratford ”The Forgotten Country’  by Peter Stratford ‘The Whistlers of La Gomers’ by Martin Boyman ‘The Tour’ by Peter Frost Read about the entries in Border Post- Oct 2017 The winner of the  Documentary Competition was announced at the October meeting: Colin Lewis’ film ‘Samuel Cody and his Flying Machines’ was the winner with second place going to ‘The Tour’
- [Film in an Evening FIAE 2017](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2017/08/01/film-in-an-evening-fiae-2017/): Oddbods and Pioneers FIAE 
- [Border Post 2016](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2016/12/19/border-post-2016/): September May January October June February November July March December August April Border Post Home Page
- [Members Competition 2016](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2016/12/10/members-competition-2016/): The 2016 Club Members Competition, held on 2nd December was judged by Tim Stannard,Vice Chairman of Staines Video Makers, his wife Martine and Geoff Rippingale, all active film makers.,  There were eleven entries, competing for nine trophies.  Gillian Gatland took three of those awards for her entry 'Thai Umbrellas'.   The film ends with Gillian invited to have something of hers decorated, and we see in close up, the artistry as what at first looked like a flower design ends up as a butterfly in floral surround - a great souvenir!
- [Documentary Competition 2016](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2016/09/10/documentary-competition-2016/): Documentary Competition 2016 The annual Documentary Competition was held in July 2016.  There were 6 entries: ‘Diamonds’ by Philip Morley ‘Hinterglen 2016’ by Dave Skertchly ‘Chaplains make a Difference’ by Alan Brown ‘The Revival Hop Garden’ by Alan Butcher ‘Personal Gardens’  by Peter Frost ‘G-ATIS’ by Dave Skertchly Philip Morley who recently joined Surrey Border Movie Makers club entered a 20 minute documentary about a girl’s best friend ’Diamonds’, from the history, mining, cutting and various uses of the finished item it was a real gem to watch. Dave Skertchly’s film ‘Hinterglen 2016’ took us on an exciting skiing trip
- [Film in an Evening FIAE 2016](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2016/08/01/film-in-an-evening-fiae-2016/): Oddbods, Weyfarers and Klondikes FIAE 
- [Border Post 2015](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2015/12/19/border-post-215/): September May January October June February November July March December August April Border Post Home Page
- [Border Post 2014](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2014/12/12/border-post-2014/): Border Post Home Page
- [Cube3](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2014/06/01/cube3/): Written by Jeremy Bayne-Powell and Jacqueline Escolme, this enthralling short was directed by Jeremy Bayne-Powell and edited by Paul Redman.  Actors: Raith Monroe, Victoria Durrant and Sean Lyttle starred, and club members helped in the production and location, shooting over two weekends.
- [Norah's Ark](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2014/06/01/norahs-ark-2/): Create 50 – The Impact is the creative idea of Chris Jones, director of the London Screenwriters’ Festival and author of The Guerrilla Filmmakers Handbook.  The premise is that an asteroid is discovered hurtling toward earth, with only hours before impact. It is so big it’s a planet killer. The brief was to write about peoples’ reactions in the 97 minutes after the Presidential announcement that life on earth was going to cease - in no more than 2 pages.  
- [Oddbods Videos](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2000/02/17/oddbods-fiae-videos/): ‘Bell, Book and Candle’ by the OddBods (Dave Skertchly) 2025 https://youtu.be/Q2IIkbnexEI Bell, Book and Candle by the OddBods (Dave Skertchly) The famous lost section of the Bayeux Tapestry is found in an ancient Church in Dorset, so how did it get there? And if you believe Dave’s Story, you will believe anything… ‘The making of…Bell, Book and Candle’ by Dave Skertchly Making of…Bell, Book and Candle by Dave Skertchly The Making of … the Bell, Book , and Candle by Dave Skertchly. Behind the scenes secrets… The OddBods Page Oddbods 2023 – ‘The Fall and Rise of Mr Punch’ The
- [Pioneers FIAE Videos](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2000/02/16/pioneers-fiae-videos/): Pioneers 2023 – Mrs Symms’ Royal Affair The Pioneers in 2023 were Philip Morley, Tim Stannard, Michael Young, David Kershaw and Colin Lewis, with guest actress Debbie Groves playing the part of Mrs Symms. https://youtu.be/uK6HvJhgL6k “Mrs Symms Royal Affair” by the Pioneers A clever plot showing that the most vulnerable people are capable of beating those who set out to profit from their ultimate demise. The story opens with the very streetwise house clearance guys sifting through the belongings of a little old lady destined to finish her days in a care home. Happening upon what looks like along lost
- [Weyfarers FIAE Videos](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2000/02/14/weyfarers-fiae-videos/): Weyfarers 2023 – ‘The Despair Workshop’ “The Despair Workshop” by The Weyfarers The Weyfarers had three script ideas at their first meeting but a comedy was preferred and The Despair Workshop, based on the BBC’s highly successful programme, The Repair Shop, was born. It benefited from Deepa Craig having an ideal building in her garden that would make a good location; a large, stylish shed used as an Art Room.   Each of six members had a role with Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim
- [Klondikes FIAE Videos](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2000/02/12/klondikes-fiae-videos/): Klondikes 2019 – Daylight Robbery Daylight Robbery by the Klondikes Klondikes 2018 – Too Close to Call Too Close to Call by the Klondikes Klondikes 2016 – Winner and Losers Winner and Losers by The Klondikes Group Videos – Film in an Evening Home Page
- [Live comedy film made on club night](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/08/28/live-comedy-film-made-on-club-night/): A short film was made live on the night at the Surrey Border Movie Makers August meeting where one new club member who joined on the night and two visitors (potential new members) were present, they joined the other 30 or so members who attended the evening. The short comedy film was Produced and Directed by club member Paul Ashworth, it had seven actors and involved the operation of three cameras. Paul had created an eleven page script which centred around a film club who were watching a famous scene from the blockbuster ’Casablanca’, Tony Goodearl played the part of
- [Club Meeting July 2026](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/07/24/club-meeting-july-2026/): TRAILERS, 30 SECOND ADVERTS and A FOND TRIBUTE A fine selection of Trailers and 30 Sec. Adverts were produced following ideas laid down at last month’s brainstorming session. John Hawthorne’s entry for the Trailer Challenge was the first to be shown on the big screen, it was titled ‘To Be or not to BEE’ this was a trailer created by John for a forthcoming entry into the Documentary Competition, it was about a visit to an active beehive.     Another trailer entry was presented by Colin Lewis called ‘A Day at the Races’ and showcased the crowds, excitement, racing
- [Club Meeting, June 2026](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/06/28/club-meeting-june-2026/): COMPETITION PREPARATION AND BRAINSTORMING EVENING Groups of Surrey Border Movies Makers members will be making short films to be completed in an evening, these will be shown at the July meeting. In preparation for this a selection of previous ‘Film in an Evening’ entries were shown at the June meeting as examples. These included ‘Office of Special Interest’ made by the Oddbod team in a 2 hour filming session this was followed by ‘Framed’ by the Klondyke team, ‘Clue Dunnit’ followed which was made by Tim Stannard and based on characters from Cluedo, Tim used a voiceover by a single
- [2026 Documentary competition upload page](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/06/14/2026-documentary-competition-upload-page/): The documentary submission page:The max length is 20 minutes but the average is about 3 minutes to 10 minutes.If its longer it really needs to be a cracker! Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Video Maker or Group *Please add the Group or name of the Video MakerEmail (required) *Please provide an email address for contactVideo Title(s) (required) *Length of video(s) min : sec (required) *Synopsis of Video(s) (required) *A brief summary of the video (eg subject matter, genre, synopsis)Confirmation of files included in the WeTransfer link (required) * Video File Three 1920 x 1080 images related
- [Summer 2026 Challenge](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/05/27/summer-2026-challenge/): OK – Because I can, I have!The competition has been changed. Its still has the “Do any film you want” idea.(remember the rules – make a film on anything you want – documentary to sci-fithriller to Vox pop to hard rock – anything.BUT:please insert ONE (or more) of these phrases:1. That is about as useful as a chocolate tea pot.2. What would your mother say?3. Ham or Chicken?4. It’s a hot day.5. It’s not my cup of tea.6. Capuchino.7. Fashion Week.8. Who would know? And insert ONE (or more) of these items:1. A medics gown.2. A crown.3. A dagger.4. Blood
- [July Challenge](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/05/17/july-challenge/): Click here for the films By John Hawthorne I think film makers are getting a bit jaded by having to make videos with strict parameters like “dark” or “Santa”, so for the July challenge things will be a bitdi!erent…. You can make any genre of video: documentary, local history, horror, sci-fi, romance, comedy, educational, conspiracy theory, gardening etc … In fact, any subject in the entire cosmos that appeals to you the film maker…. This challenge sets your imagination free, you can run riot with this challenge… However, just TWO caveats!If you have already made your video that is fair
- [2026 May Club Night](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/05/17/2026-may-club-night/): DARKNESS VIDEO MAKING CHALLENGE John Hawthorne Surrey Border Movie Makers Competition Officer set members a challenge of producing a short video with the theme of ‘Darkness’ where limited lighting was to be used. Six entries were submitted, some were made by groups within the club others were made by individual club members. The first film shown was by club group the Pioneers called ‘The Medium’ it was filmed in one evening which was quite an achievement and took the theme of a seance with a touch of comedy and intrigue thrown in as the people involved thought they were going
- [2026 Filming Horizon](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/04/28/2026-filming-horizon/): A HANDS ON ACTION EVENING – FILMING A LIVE BAND After a very successful event in Surrey Border Movie Makers 2025 Programme where club members had the opportunity to create a film of a live band performing, the club was recently contacted and asked if they could produce promotional film footage for another band, this was agreed and arranged for the clubs April meeting. Several club members took on various filming roles with John Blackman taking on the task of Director with the assistance of Mike Sanders. Andrew Hillary who is an experienced lighting Guru took care of the backdrop
- [2026 Interclub Competition](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/04/27/2026-interclub-competition/): If you are planning to enter a video into the SBMM Interclub competition, please fill in the form bekow. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Video Club *Please add the name of the Video ClubEmail (required) *Please provide an email address for contactVideo Title and Running Time (Min:Sec) *FirstLastVideo Title and Running timePlease provide a brief description of the video *Permission to Archive and Show your Video (required) * Show video but do not archive Archive and show publicly (including club Website) Link to WeTransfer or Smash download (required) *Please enter your WeTransfer or Smash download link
- [2026 April Club Night](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/04/09/2026-april-club-night/): Our April Club Night is on Friday the 10th April 2026 Let’s Make a Film. Lights. Camera. Action! We shall be making a music video for local group Horizon. This is a great opportunity to get involved with making a music video. Don’t forget, it will be on Friday 10th April. If you can turn up earlier than usual, please do. Mike will be there from 6.30. “There” being the St Joan’s Centre where we usually meet. Bring your enthusiasm. We still need more members to let us know they are coming. Don’t be put off thinking ‘I don’t have
- [DAVE SKERTCHLY’S ANNUAL ANIMATION SHOW](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/03/20/dave-skertchlys-annual-animation-show/): Surrey Border Movie Makers meeting in March was dedicated to the world of animation. Club member Dave Skertchly has always had a great interest in animation and is currently enrolled on a full time Animation BA degree course at the University of Creative Arts in Farnham. Starting 55 years ago Dave has created many animations and this includes making a huge array of his own models and props using plasticine, pottery, cardboard and anything he can get his hands on that produces the required effect. In 2022 Dave presented the film club to a viewing of his film ’Mary Rose
- [Ai as a Script Writer](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/02/07/ai-as-a-script-writer/): One of the greatest challenges in making a club film is not enthusiasm, talent, or technical skill. It is finding a good script. A weak script will result in a weak film, regardless of how strong the cinematography, acting, sound, production design, or editing may be. https://youtu.be/b14AxFw3rAg So how does this relate to Ai? What many people fail to recognise is that today’s leading Ai chat systems – ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok – effectively contain the distilled patterns of the world’s greatest screenwriters. Not their memories or intentions, but the structures, rhythms, themes, and storytelling techniques that define their work.
- [The Ai Revolution - Jim Reed](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/02/07/the-ai-revolution-jim-reed/): I presented my AI Revolution talk to club members at the Friday evening Club night. This also marked my last appearance as a club member – I’m leaving to spend more time researching the depths of Artificial Intelligence.  The original intention of the presentation was simple enough: to explore what AI can do for filmmakers today. What emerged, however, was something much broader — a look at how quickly artificial intelligence is changing not just our tools, but the context in which creativity, work, and storytelling now sit. I began by describing AI as a “tangled ball of string”. Every
- [2026 Spring Video Challenge online entry form](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/02/03/2026-spring-video-challenge-online-entry-form/): Submit your video for the Spring Video Challenge Please use the form below to submit it to Surrey Border Movie Makers. Details below indicate what is required. If you need help please email Rita : secretary@surreyborder.org.uk Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Video Maker or Group *Please add the Group or name of the Video MakerEmail (required) *Please provide an email address for contactVideo Title(s) (required) *Length of video(s) min : sec (required) *Synopsis of Video(s) (required) *A brief summary of the video (eg subject matter, genre, synopsis)Confirmation of files included in the WeTransfer link (required) *
- [2026 Spring Video Challenge](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/02/03/2026-spring-video-challenge/): Jump to the videos The Spring Video Challenge Films to be shown on the BIG SCREEN in the Club – Friday 1st May.  Entries must be in by  Sunday  26th April. Winner to be picked on the night by the audience. I’m giving you 2.5 OPTIONS so people with less fancy cameras can still be involved and those who have never made a complete video story can also have a go. This is best done as a team effort so please do encourage your team to get involved (oddbods, weyfarers, pathfinders and pioneers) Firstly, Darkness or Grey and Rainy (as an
- [Club Members Film Challenge - January Meeting](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/02/01/club-members-film-challenge-january-meeting/): The January meeting commenced with the showing of films entered into the Club Challenge set up by Competitions Officer John Hawthorne. The choice of criteria was to add sound to a silent movie of your choice or make a film using Green Screen either as a filming group or an individual. Five films were submitted: ‘Car Pooling’ by Marcus Henning who used Green Screen to film a car share journey with Marcus playing the part of both the driver and passenger,     this was followed by ’Behind the Christmas Green Screen’ a comedy adventure story using Green Screen by
- [2025 Xmas Small Edit Challenge](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/01/12/2025-xmas-small-edit-challenge/): Over Christmas our competitions officer set us a ‘Small Edit Challenge’. This was the brief:  The Small Edit Challenge Here is a way to hone your skills, in a different way, and have fun over Christmas! The idea is to make us better film makers – especially newbies like myself. Those with more experience can flex their creative muscles. The snippets can be just a couple of scenes from a larger movie project or a whole project itself (provided most of the footage is within the rules of the competition). There are 3 Themes. You can do any or all of
- [Border Post 2025](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2026/01/08/border-post-2025/): 2025 September October November December May June July August January February March April
- [Surrey Border Programme 2026](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/12/05/surrey-border-programme-2026/)
- [Ai 2025 Round-up](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/12/02/ai-2025-round-up/): It’s said that a decade’s worth of development now happens in just a single year of Ai, and nowhere is that more evident than in filmmaking. We began 2025 with video generators that were generally impressive but struggled with coherence: they weren’t especially good at keeping scenes, characters, or environments visually consistent throughout a sequence. My ‘More Tea Vicar’ video, made in February 2025, required a huge amount of creative intervention to maintain continuity and keep the images aligned from shot to shot. As the year progressed, new models began to appear so quickly that it became almost impossible for
- [Annual Members Competition 2025](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/11/26/annual-members-competition-2025/): The Annual Member’s Competition was held on 7th December 2025 This year a grand total of twenty entries were received from fourteen of our Club Video makers. Even though the Annual Members Competition has nine awards on offer, it was still a massive challenge for our two judges to sort through so many great and very diverse films to determine the winners. Rather them than me! However, after what was I’m sure many hours of watching and deliberation, our two judges Pip Critten and Robin Slater came up with the results.  Congratulations to the winners and also to everyone else
- [2025 Inter Club Competition](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/11/08/2025-inter-club-competition/): Seven clubs were invited to submit a film into the competition, Bristol Film and Video Society, Bournemouth, Sutton Coldfield, Edinburgh Cine and Video Society, Teign Film Makers Club, Virtual Video Group & South Downs Film Makers. All seven films were watched and judged prior to the evening by three members of Surrey Border Movie Makers, John Hawthorne (our competition officer), Cameron Gilroy and Andrew Hillary. The Winning Film made by Edinburgh Cine & Video Society ‘Hard Travelling (Blue 2CV)’ Hard Travelling (Blue 2CV) – Edinburgh Cine & Video Society Awarded 1st Winner A Gentle comedy. An old Citroën 2CV van on
- [Open Ai's New Social Media Platform](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/11/04/open-ais-social-media-platform/): Unlike Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta (Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Messenger) or Elon Musks ‘X’ (previously Twitter), or Zhang Yiming’s Bytedance Douyin (TikTok), or Sundar Pichai’s Alphabet (Google’s Youtube); Sam Altman’s OpenAi didn’t have a social media channel. Until now… On 30th September, the new social media product, Sora, was launched in America running on the IOS (Apple) platform. It is free to download and use, and it instantly became one of the fastest downloads ever – over 1 million downloads in less than 5 days. The heart of the Sora social media platform is OpenAi’s new video generator, Sora2, that allows users
- ['The Long Way Home' - October Meeting](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/10/14/the-long-way-home-october-meeting/): Surrey Border Movie Makers were delighted to welcome back local film maker editor and scriptwriter David Fairhead to talk about his dramatized documentary film ‘The Long Journey Home’. David has over 40 years’ experience in film making. We were also pleased to give a warm welcome to Iain Philpott the films cameraman who also attended the evening with David. David explained that the ’The Long Journey Home’ is a true story about two families who were united in marriage and divided by war and how the families dealt with this. The story was inspired by the house in which David
- [Google Goes Bananas](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/10/12/google-goes-bananas/): Ever improved Ai offerings continue to rain down on us. This time its the formal sounding Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, but more affectionately known as Nano Banana. Last month I talked about consistency of characters and subjects, and how it has been a major shortcoming of Ai generation in images and videos. Google have added to the ranks of providers who are getting this major limitation fixed, and once again leap-frogged the field. Googles Gemini website describing the essence of Gemini 2.5 Flash Image: ‘Place the same character in different scenes, showcase products from various angles in new settings, or
- [Your interest in joining one of our Film Making Groups:](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/09/15/join-a-group/): I’m planning the groups for the next group competition, and would like know your level of interest in participating. Please indicate if you would, or would not, like to be a involved in a film making group. Please respond even if you have no interest in being part of a group. Thank you, John(Competitions Officer) Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please indicate your interest in being part of a film making group * Yes, I would like to join one of the Film Making Groups No, thank you. Name *FirstLastEmail (required) *Please share any film making
- [Documentary Competition 2025](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/09/10/documentary-competition-2025/): Documentary Competition 2025 The annual Documentary Competition was held in September 2025.  The films and discussion completely filled the evening, and the attendees had a great evening of entertainment and education.  The competition is a great opportunity for our members to showcase their talents and have the opportunity to discuss their work with their peers. There were 8 entries: I wouldn’t swap it for the world by Colin Lewis 10’27” Uyuni by Peter Stratford 10’48” Oh f its a Fokker by Dave Skertchly 3’45” Ghost of a Road by Jonathan Hill 12’29” Brewing Focus by Mike Sanders 5’06” Meet the
- [September Club Night](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/09/09/september-club-night/): The Documentary Competition which is always popular with Surrey Border Movie Makers members took place at their September meeting.  A great selection of films on interesting and diverse subjects are always entered into this competition and this year was no exception with eight films being submitted. The audience which included several new members and also visitors thinking of joining the club sat down to enjoy an entertaining evening watching the films on the big screen in the meeting hall. The first entry was by Colin Lewis whose film ‘I wouldn’t Swap it for the World’ covered footage of The Farnham
- [New Competition Officer - John Hawthorne](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/08/28/new-competitions-officer/): Hi,  I’m John Hawthorne the new competition committee member. In case you are wondering about my back story I have organised a few competitions in the dark and distant past but alas not film related. In my past life I was a  Sports shopkeeper (In Fetcham and Wallington)  I used to organise Tennis Competitions at South Croydon Tennis Club and Sutton Highfields.  The key is people have to enjoy taking part – ideally we want people to enjoy the competition so its not a chore to get done… With Sport its relatively easy but when you are talking about something more
- [Making Movies on your Smart Phone - August Meeting](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/08/28/club-meeting-august/): MAKING MOVIES ON YOUR SMART PHONE Most people these days constantly have their smart phones with them. They are often used to take brilliant photos, but we can also use them to take professional looking movies. The Vice Chairman of Surrey Border Movie Makers Philip Morley hosted the club meeting in August to present the audience with a comprehensive look at using Black Magic software tools for your smartphone. The results can produce cinema quality films and have been used to make several very successful mainstream professional productions. If you are considering making a movie with a smartphone they have
- [The Challenge of Ai Image Coherence](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/08/27/sept-ai/): Last year, Ai rocked the world by being able to produce artificial images that were, by the standards of those days, incredibly realistic. That is of course provided we weren’t too fussed about how many fingers there were on each persons hand, or the reality of other details in the image! Then the later release that year of image generator Flux1.0 certainly raised the quality bar to new heights. This year, the rate of change and improvements has been equally dramatic.I spoke recently at the club about the challenge of coherence I’d experienced when making ‘More Tea Vicar’ back in
- [Does Ai Stunt Creativity?](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/07/30/does-ai-stunt-creativity/): My article last month highlighted not only the increasing quality but also the increasing cost of the latest video making Ai, and it painted a somewhat bleak future for the amateur Ai video maker. On the face of it, it would seem that amateur enthusiasts will not be able to access the superiority of software such as Veo3 (and others of a similar standard and expense), but instead have to satisfy themselves by using the lesser offerings, perhaps stifling or reducing their creativity. On reflection though, I suppose in many ways that has always been the dilemma for amateurs. It
- [Group Challenge 2025](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/07/05/group-challenge-2025/): The Group Challenge was open to all members of the Surrey Border Movie Makers Club from the four video making groups; Weyfarers, Pioneers, Oddbods, and Pathfinders.  There were three simple Rules: #1 The videos could be about any subject, but must include at least one image. An orange, a hat, or a Mirror. #2 The videos must also include at least one of the following sentences, selected from; ‘More Tea Vicar’;  ‘Of all… In all the… in all the…  walks into mine’;  ‘Houston, we have a problem’, or ‘If you believe that, you’ll believe anything’. #3 In order to encourage
- [The Latest Ai for Film Making](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/07/02/ai/): by Jim Reed. Last year my videos ‘An Editors Struggle’ and ‘Not Real’ used a lot of Ai, with images from Flux, lip synced Avatars from Heygen, and audio from Google Notebook LM, Eleven Labs and Suno. The result was very impressive at the time, but a great deal has changed since then. https://youtu.be/-gm3upgm6Q4 Jim Reed – ‘An Editors Struggle” Jim Reed – ‘Not Real…’ Note: Every image in the feature below is a screen grab taken from Veo3 Ai generated videos At the turn of the year many professional commentators were talking about Ai running out of steam and
- [June Club Night](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/07/02/june-club-night/): WINNING 2024 INTER CLUB FILM EVENT In November 2024 Surrey Border Movie Makers held their Annual Inter Club Competition via Zoom where other amateur film making clubs around the country are invited to submit a film for a team of judges from Surrey Border Movie Makers to select a winner plus two runner ups. The winning film for the 2024 Inter Club Competition was titled ‘The Briefcase’ which was made by South Downs Film Makers. https://vimeo.com/948867024/a0611c31cb Our June meeting was held in our usual hall, and we were delighted to welcome via Zoom link Alan Cross the Writer and Director
- [Our Club in Four Words - Making, Watching, Learning & Socialising](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/06/18/member-survey-2025/): As a new member of our club, your input is essential in helping shape the experiences we create together for the future. I’d encourage members to share what they hope to gain from being a part of our film making community. Are there specific skills you’d like to develop, topics you’d enjoy exploring, or activities you’d love to participate in during our meetings or as individuals or groups? Please take a moment to provide your ideas and expectations by completing the form below.  The club activities can be categorised in four general areas as detailed below: Making Films Watching &
- [May Club Night](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/06/02/may-club-night/): The May Surrey Border Movie Makers meeting was scheduled to look at past entries of Group Challenges and Documentary Competitions in preparation for the new 2025 entries and also any finalised edits of the Live Band Music Video were to be shown However, due to an unforeseen technical issue the films could not be shown on the night.  But all was not lost! Instead, the members and visitors had a very enjoyable and successful evening chatting about all things across the filmmaking spectrum and also how the club is a great asset to filmmakers who are experienced, new filmmakers or
- [April Club Night](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/05/03/april-club-night-2/): There were six Edit Exercise films entered by members of the Surrey Border Movie Makers. Short clips of various footage had been supplied, and members had an opportunity of creating their own version of a film which was to be no longer than 3mins. The first film shown was by Cameron Gilroy, titled ‘Dry January’ it depicted a person trying to overcome the difficulty of abstaining from drinking alcohol.  The second film ’2025 Contrasts’ by Paul Ashworth took a look at current affairs and the contrasting effects between them. Philip Morley’s film was shown next, titled ‘Mick’s New Year Disaster’
- [Say hello to FlowFrames Video Interpolator!](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/05/01/elementor-20562/): A major problem for serious video makers is that of intermixed frame rates. Any set of videos made with a multiple of 25 frames per second (the UK Standard) will happily mix together. Typically they are 25 – 50 – 100 FPS. Or, alternatively, any set of videos made with a multiple of 30 frames per second (a US Standard) will happily mix together. Typically they are 30 – 60 – 90 – 120 FPS. But woe betide the poor video editor who is confronted with mixture of both US and UK standards. Quite simply, they don’t mix. In the
- [Edit Challenge Results 2025](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/04/04/edit-challenge-results/): The Edit Challenge results were shown at the April Friday Club night. The Edit Challenge tasked members to produce a video of 3 minutes or less using pre-supplied footage, and submit the video by 28th March 2025. The pre-supplied footage was recorded by members on 1st January, and made available via Vimeo. The suggested theme was ‘New Year’s Day’ or ‘2025’, but members were free to choose an alternative theme if they wished. There were six entries, made by four film makers; Philip Morley, Paul Ashworth, Cameron Gilroy, and Marcus Henning. They were shown in the order below. All were
- [Crossing the Uncanny Valley of Conversational Voice](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/04/01/crossing-the-uncanny-valley-of-conversational-voice/): About 6 months ago, I created a video that won the September Club Documentary Competition (Move 37: Dreaming of Electric Sheep). Although it sounded like me narrating the story, it was actually an 11Labs clone of my voice. I simply typed the words for my script into a text document, and got 11labs to generate the speech. I didn’t need a microphone or recorder to make the narration. Whilst that was stunningly realistic – and many people present didn’t realise it wasn’t a genuine recording of my voice – it did suffer a little bit in that the tone and
- [LET’S MAKE A LIVE MUSIC VIDEO](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/03/24/lets-make-a-live-music-video/): The Surrey Border Movie Makers meeting held in March was a little different, as it involved the filming of a live band to create a short music video. The event was very expertly organised and directed by club members Brian O’Connell and Philip Morley. A selection of five songs were pre-recorded by the band with selected verses being chosen for filming. It involved a lot of equipment and setting up. Andrew Hillary who recently joined the club has vast knowledge and experience with lighting, together with assistance from Marcus Henning, Cameron Gilroy and Ric Swift he soon had a suitable
- [Easy Access to Ai for Film Makers](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/03/16/easy-access-to-ai-for-film-makers/): Access some quality Ai programs and utilities on a pay as-you-go basis, without committing to a regular monthly subscription. Just under a year ago I made a presentation to the club about the ability of Artificial Intelligence to generate images from text prompts. Back in those yearly days, only a hand full of programs were capable of generating images from text, and even fewer produced good outputs, making it very easy to identify the best ones. However, in the intervening months, Ai capabilities have improved massively, and so too have the range of programs claiming to be the ‘latest and
- [February Club Night](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/02/09/feb-club-night/): The February Club meeting started with the Annual General Meeting. This is an activity we all want to be completed as quickly as possible, not least because until its over we can’t get to see Dave Skertchly give us his Animation update. The major announcement from the AGM was the good news that the SBMM annual subscription rates are being held at the same level as they were last year of £42 per individual member. (Indeed it’s now been several years now since the subs were last increased, so well done to the committee for managing the spending!)  Good news
- [Welcome to 2025 - Ai News](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/02/04/welcome-to-2025/): The last year in Ai has been a real roller coaster ride, with twists and turns, resulting in massive changes in Ai development with its progress accelerating at an exponential rate. Possibly the most important image today is the one that shows the evolution of Human intelligence compared with that of Artificial intelligence. This chart shows the rise of Human intelligence over centuries compared with the rise of Artificial intelligence from some time midway in the last century. At a point in time the chart shows ‘The Singularity’, the crossover when Ai exceeds that of Human intelligence. It means that
- [January Club Night](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/01/28/january-club-night/): Surrey Border Movie Makers held their January meeting online and were very pleased to welcome Ian Absolon to join them. Ian together with club member Peter Frost regularly contribute to the Surrey Border Movie Makers monthly club Journal Border Post with their features about Cinema. Ian started his career as a Projectionist at the ABC Cinema in Kingston on Thames and has been collecting and researching old cinemas for many years. He has an ongoing interest in these beautiful buildings and interiors of cinemas, many of which have now been lost due to decay, demolition or re-purposing. At the meeting
- ['Making History' Film Night April 2024](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/01/23/making-history-film-night/): At the April 2024 meeting, two versions of the finished video were shown, together with a ‘behind the scene’ video.  Those videos show what can be achieved during a single unrehearsed 2 hour evening slot with a simple script, a host of extras, an assortment of video making equipment, and most importantly, a great deal of enthusiasm!  Brian O’Connell, together with Colin Lewis, also created an informative ‘Making Of…’ video’.
- [Smash](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/01/15/smash-it/): Smash is a useful alternative to WeTransfer for file uploads. Recent changes have meant that the free version of WeTransfer doesn’t deliver quite as a well as it has in the past. The limit of 10 uploads in a rolling 30 day period, together with a reduced time before files are deleted, are likely signs that the system is struggling under the weight of too many free users, and making it a victim of its own success. Personal recent experiences of slow and failing uploads only reinforce the view that it might be time to jump ship and look elsewhere.
- [](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/01/15/smash/): Using SMASH to upload files and creating a link for SBMM. Link: https://fromsmash.com/ SMASH is free to use to upload files of ANY size and is an alternative to WeTransfer as explained in this SMASH link.  It’s the same as WeTransfer in that it requires your email address for validation, but it does not require any registration. It has the advantage that the uploads are much faster, there are unlimited transfers (WeTransfer restricts free users to 10 uploads in a rolling 30 day period), and transfers are valid by default for 7 days (unlike the 3 days of WeTransfer), but
- [Border Post 2024](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2025/01/03/border-post-2024/): 2024 September October November December May June July August January February March April Border Post Home Page
- [Demis Hassabis Ai Nobel Lecture](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/12/28/demis-hassabis-ai-nobel-lecture/): https://youtu.be/yxAJohm0l_g?si=Fz5JslR6CNLP3KpF Nobel lecture with the Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2024 Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind, London, UK. Introduction by Johan Åqvist, member of the Nobel Committe for Chemistry, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. From: The Nobel Lectures 8th December 2024 Ai Home Page
- [OpenAi o3 (and AGi?)](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/12/22/openai-and-agi/): Open Ai has just announced o3, a successor to their earlier model o1. Their o1 was only announced about 3 months ago., all of which shows that far from slowing down, as some have suggested, the rate of Ai development continues to accelerate. The image above compares the performance of o3 to the earlier o1 model . The two YouTube videos below are self explanatory and some of the best that I have seen in helping explain some of the nuances with this development and announcement. For context, AGi is defined as an artificial intelligence that, when presented with an
- [Google Veo2 Video Generator](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/12/22/google-veo2-video-generator/): Open Ai’s SORA Video Generator was a bit of a let down. Partially because some felt disappointed that the SORA that has just been released was ‘SORA Turbo,’ not the ‘big daddy’ SORA that had been previewed earlier. But the main reason was that the competition had now caught up with products that were  just as stunning, and SORA just didn’t seem quite so spectacular now. Plus the $200 / month subscription price put it  above other similar products. Which just goes to show how blasé we have become about the incredible Ai tech in only a few months. And
- [SORA finally breaks cover...](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/12/10/sora-finally-breaks-cover/): Only hours ago OpenAi finally released SORA to an impatient US market. Unsurprisingly, their servers were slow and ‘failed renders’ common. Although with time these problems should be sorted.   SORA has been much anticipated since March this year, when OpenAi teased the market with a preview of demos made by a few select users. Difficult to know why Open Ai have decided to release it now. It could be because the US election is behind us and the market has almost become flooded with some very competent Video Generation Ai software – such as Kling 1.5, Minimax, Runway Gen-3, Luma
- [Runway - ACT One](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/12/07/runway-act-one/): This link and video from Runway shows the rapid and amazing development that Ai is taking and helping both enhance and extend our video making. Act-One appears to be part of Runway Gen 3 Alpha (image and video to video) guide here.  At time of writing (December 2024) the credit cost for each  generated second is 10 credits, with a maximum of 30 seconds output. The standard plan ($15/month) offers 625 credits and the Pro plan ($35/month) offers 2250 per month – but as with many Ai products the terms may change.  https://youtu.be/ZZDT_eXTsUk Runway ACT-One. “At Runway, our mission is
- [Google Notebook LM](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/12/06/google-notebook-lm/): https://youtu.be/E2ILN71iikY Not Real… by Jim Reed (Awarded Penny Johnson Trophy for Best Editing – 2024) It’s a fun video, but contains deeper messages about Ai and reality. I called it ‘Not Real…’ but it’s possibly easier to say what is real in the video: The opening words were written by me. Google really do have NotebookLM. It’s free to use, and can synthesize and analyse all manner of inputs – text, documents, papers, videos, audio. It has the added feature of generating an Ai two person ‘deep dive’ podcast from the inputs. I wrote a ‘press release’ (below) about a
- [Farnborough Studio Tour November 2024](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/11/27/farnborough-studios/): Our PR Officer, Kathy Butcher, had arranged for a group of Surrey Border Movie Makers to visit to Farnborough International Film Studios, in late November. Fortunately the weather was dry, if not a little cold, as we toured the extensive facilities where many blockbuster films have been made. See January and February Border Posts for even more information! Return to Club News
- [Annual Members Competition 2024](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/11/24/annual-members-competition-2024/):  Judges Comments: "The dissolve to the opening big close up of our character reveals straight away that the making of this film is in the hands of a good story teller.” “The frame matching of the spoon and the paddle, brilliant. We could go on and on picking out great moments in this film.”
- [Programme for 2025](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/11/24/programme-2025/): Return to Home page
- [Membership Form](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/11/01/membership-form/): Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.First Member Name *FirstLastEmail *Address *Post Code *Telephone *Second Member Name (if applicable)FirstLastSecond Member Email (if applicable)Emergency Contact NameFirstLastEmergency Contact TelephonePayment amount made via Online Banking or Cheque as per emailed guidance * £42 Single person £60 Family Member £12 Country Member + £5 per attendance £15 Student Full time Education No payment required – Honorary Member Other – Please explain below… Comments to the Club Membership SecretaryGDPR Agreement * I consent to Surrey Border Movie Makers storing my information. Submit
- [](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/10/31/the-sbmm-brain/): Welcome to Surrey Border Movie Makers’ on-line Brain. Surrey Border Movie Makers have developed an easy to navigate and very intuitive resource enabling quick access to a wide selection of incredibly useful and often essential video making assets. This free to use resource contains masses of third party tutorials, hints, tips and much more. Settle down, click the image below, and immerse yourself in our Brain! Click the image above to get started in new window Why we built the SBMM ‘Brain’ Making videos for the non-professional creator has evolved over the years . Some time ago it would have
- [OUR 40th ANNIVERSARY (October 2024)](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/10/30/celebrating-our-40th-anniversary/): Surrey Border Movie Makers was founded in 1984 by the late Sir Paul Holden who would have been very proud to have experienced the amateur film makers club’s continuing success at their special 40th Anniversary meeting. The evening celebrated with a selection of films created by members past and present over the past 40 years. The evening was compèred by the club’s Competition Officer Tim Stannard who acknowledged the longest standing Surrey Borders member John Thompson (image above) who was in the audience. The evening commenced with an animation film made in 1989 by Roland Couvela called ‘The Inventor’ which
- [HeyGen - Video Translation & Dubbing](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/10/29/language-translation-using-heygen/): HeyGen Translation Feature. It’s easy to forget how time consuming and complex some activities were even in the recent past. For example, translating text into other languages would not only require access to a large number of dual language speakers, but also the time consuming task of transcribing the text manually. Imagine then the additional complication of trying to create the spoken words. It requires voice artists who could deliver the spoken text in the same tone and style as the original. Not to mention a recording studio with microphones, recording equipment, and a recording crew. Thankfully, progress in technology
- [Suno - Music Generation](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/10/28/suno-music-generation/): Creating Music without any musical skills…All thanks to Ai I grew up with music of the early sixties, and like many of the same era, I wanted to play guitar and join a pop group. My father had bought me a ukulele for my 8th birthday, but even with the persuasion that George Formby played one, it didn’t have quite the same ‘street cred’ as a proper guitar, and so my interest soon waned. Many teenagers at the time wrote lyrics to imaginary songs, and I was no exception But it was never with the expectation that anything would come
- [Black Forest Labs - Flux1.0 / 1.1 image generation](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/10/23/black-forrest-labs-flux/): How to generate your own high quality Ai images using Flux – Easily! Background Black Forest Labs, a German based company, released FLUX on the 1st August this year. It was released without the usual build-up and hype that has sometimes accompanied other Ai launches. Flux is however a real game changer. Without doubt its launch put it head and shoulders above any of the competition for creating images, and already an improved version has just been released. Flux1.1 addressed limitations in user control, speed, and output refinement, meaning that the output more closely matches the text prompts, and is
- [](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/10/21/interclub-2024-programme/): Programme Inter Club Competition Home Page
- [Dr Geoffrey Hinton - the godfather of Neural Networks](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/10/10/dr-geoffrey-hinton/): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGJpR591oaM This BBC interview from May 2024 reveals the thinking of one of the most senior experts on Ai – a man who is considered to be the ‘Godfather’ of Ai, and was recently awarded the Nobel prize in Physics because of this work on Neural networks and Deep Learning. Professor Hinton’s belief is that Ai is not simply a tool, instead it is a something that will, within a short space of time, be able to out-think and out-smart most, if not all, humans. Unlike tools that require a human operator, or respond to a set of rules, Ai
- [Move 37 : Dreaming of Electric Sheep](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/09/26/move-37-dreaming-of-electric-sheep/): The Overall Winner Documentary Competition – ‘Move 37 : Dreaming of Electric Sheep’ by Jim Reed ‘I made the video primarily because I’ve found it quite frustrating that when makers of expensive electric tooth brushes and cheap toys label their products with the magic words Ai, many people then presume that all Ai must be marketing hype. Or that Ai is seen as nothing more than clever programming’. ‘Nothing could be further from the truth. What I found surprised me, and the conclusions should make everyone sit up and take notice’. https://youtu.be/X9rhxRlY_zU Move 37 : Dreaming of Electric Sheep by
- [Artificial Intelligence (Ai)](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/09/26/artificial-intelligence-ai/): Coming Soon! Meanwhile, listen here to a jargon busting Podcast
- [Documentary Competition 2024](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/09/14/documentary-competition-2024/): Documentary Competition 2024 The annual Documentary Competition was held in September 2024.  There were 5 entries: Full Moon Festivals by Peter Stratford 11’49” Duck Racing by Colin Lewis  5′ 35″ Spitfire Experience by Paul Ashworth  11’49” Isle of Mull by Ric Swift 5’00” Move 37 : Dreaming of Electric Sheep by Jim Reed 18’22” The winner was decided by show of hands on the evening, who agreed that Jim Reed’s video, ‘Move 37 : Dreaming of Electric Sheep’ was well researched and very educational. The Overall Winner – ‘Move 37 : Dreaming of Electric Sheep’ by Jim Reed Move 37
- [August Club News](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/09/14/august-club-news/): Surrey Border Movie Makers club held their August meeting online. It consisted of a selection of films being shown which were entered into this year’s BIAFF (British International Amateur Film Festival) the films were chosen by our Chairman. Most of the films shown had been awarded 5 star ratings and they covered very varied subject matters. ‘Yippiyoodoo’ was the first film shown and reviewed by the club’s online audience. This very colourful documentary showing the 2022 Chippenham Folk Festival was packed with many scenes of music, dancing and as you would expect, everyone was having a great time. The second
- [A simple Guide to Ai Terminology](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/09/11/a-simple-guide-to-ai-terminology/): As Ai develops and changes,  it’s very easy to become lost or left behind.Certainly, it’s reasonable to believe that the world is largely totally unprepared for what is about to occur.With that in mind, it’s probably useful to get a basic understanding of the Ai terminology that will soon become common.This is my plain English translation of the jargon. Welcome to the future.Jim Reed Core Ai Concepts AI (Artificial Intelligence):Computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, like understanding language, recognizing images, or solving problems. They’re “narrow” AI systems designed for specific tasks. AGI (Artificial General Intelligence):A
- [The Pathfinders Videos](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/07/30/the-pathfinders-videos/): In 2025 the Pathfinders were: Jim Reed, Paul Ashworth, Cameron Gilroy, David Dewhurst, John Thompson, Hugh and Kathy LeFanu. ‘Reflections’ by the Pathfinders (Cameron Gilroy) 2025 Reflections by the Pathfinders (Cameron Gilroy) Reflections tells the story of an older married couple who have drifted apart leading to short tempers and constant bickering.  On a woodland walk they encounter a Witch’s cave and are forced to confront how they each see each other and reflect on how they see themselves. Visit the 2025 Challenge Page ‘Making of… Reflections’ by Cameron Gilroy 2025 Making of… Reflections by Cameron Gilroy Behind the scenes
- [Group Documentary Challenge : July 2024](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/07/30/documentary-challenge-2/): There were three videos shown as part of the Documentary Challenge 2024
- [July Club News](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/07/29/july-club-news/): Surrey Border Movie Makers club always holds a good selection of challenges and competitions which are set throughout the year by Tim Stannard the clubs Competition Officer. It is not compulsory to take part, but they are popular especially the Challenges which offer the opportunity for less experienced film makers to exhibit their films. Over the years many superb films have been created covering several genres. The July club meeting was chosen to show Documentary films created by the club groups for the 2024 Spring Challenge the following details had to be included in the film: a local place, person
- [June Meeting](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/06/13/nick-handel-former-bbc-producer/): ALAN HUSSEY The clubs June meeting began on a sad note when John Thompson announced that our fellow club member Alan Hussey had sadly passed away after a brave fight against ill health. Alan was a former BBC Cameraman and Sound Engineer who shared and contributed a lot of his skills and knowledge within the club. He was a highly thought of member and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. A one minute silence took place to honour him. The film ‘Framed’ was then shown which Alan Directed, Produced, and Scripted, he also had an acting
- [An Evening with Howard Perry](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/06/04/may-club-night-howard-perry/): Surrey Border Movie Makers were very pleased to welcome a return visit from Howard Perry who is a successful film maker. Howard first attended one of our club meetings via Zoom in January 2022 when he showed and discussed his latest film ‘Skye Steele- Rise of Nefertiti’. He also showed a trailer for a new film he was in the process of making called ‘Waiting for Nicko’, he was asked if he would kindly return to the club to showcase and talk about his new film when it was completed. As promised, Howard returned for the Surrey Border Movie Makers
- [April Club Night](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/06/04/april-club-night/): THE RESULTS OF THE ‘TRAILER EDIT’ EXERCISE Plus A PRESENTATION OF FILMS BY IAN ABSOLOM and A STUNNING ‘Ai’ VIDEO Surrey Border Movie Makers April meeting began with the showing of short film trailers which members were invited to create for a selection of films previously made by the club. This was a new exercise put in place by Surrey Border Movie Makers Competition Officer Tim Stannard, it proved to be very popular with ten entries in total involving six members (Jim Reed, Alan Brown, Gordon Sutton, Paul Ashworth, Philip Morley and Peter Stratford) who made trailers for six different
- [Trailer Challenge Results - April 2024](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/04/05/trailer-challenge-results/): The challenge was simple – select one or more films from eight club films and make a trailer for the film. The purpose of a film trailer is to entice the audience into watching the main film and as an advert it needs to be immediately engaging, memorable and create intrigue. It should indicate the genre of the film, have some sort of synopsis and possibly a tag line. Impact is what we are looking for. Entrants were free to use footage from their chosen film and enhance it with music, graphics, voiceovers, sound effects – anything other than video
- [General Video Submission for Club Showing](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/03/31/general-video-submission-for-club-showing/): How to Submit your video for Club Night Showing If you are a member of Surrey Border Movie Makers and have a video you would like to be considered for showing on a Club Night, please use the form below to submit it to the Committee. This form should also be used if you wish to upload a replacement updated video for one already held in our archives. Please indicate your requirement in the box ‘Any additional comments or requests’. What we need and how to get it… Your name and email address A description of the video and the
- [Making History - March Club Night](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/03/27/making-history-march-club-night/): LIVE FILM SHOOT AT CLUB’S MARCH MEETING Surrey Border Movie Makers recent meeting involved club members and also some of our visitors on the evening taking part in a ’live’ film shoot at the clubs meeting hall in Farnham. What a great evening it was, with plenty of hands-on opportunity for keen film makers to take control of cameras, lights, sound, acting, directing etc. The script for the short drama to be filmed was written by club Secretary Rita Wheeler and called ‘Making History’ with the location to be a Bar scene created in the hall. Five actors were required,
- [ANIMATION PRESENTATION - Dave Skertchly](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/02/09/animation-presentation-dave-skertchly/): Following the clubs 2024 AGM at the February 2nd Meeting, members were treated to a very well received presentation by member Dave Skertchly who is an avid maker of all things Animation! Dave started by showing a basic animation he had created called ‘Rumble Tum Operation’ which was based on Dave’s recent health episode which he thankfully is now fully recovered from. The short film showed how a relatively easy to make comedy can be put together using a basic storyline idea, simplistic drawing techniques and sound effects. Interestingly, he also advised that there were currently over 100 people studying
- [Membership Subscriptions](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/02/08/membership-subscriptions/): Subscription Rates (includes pdf Border Post by email, monthly) The rates for the club year (1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024) are – Single member  If you bring your partner it is £5 on the door – if they come more than 4 times, it may be cheaper to have a family membership.                                            £42 Family member, two at the same address                                   
- [Edit Challenge - Make a Trailer](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/02/02/edit-challenge-make-a-trailer/): No, not like this one… The challenge is simple – select one or more films from the eight club films below and make a trailer for the film. You are free to use footage from your chosen film and enhance it with music, graphics, voiceovers, sound effects – anything other than video from other films. Remember, the purpose of a trailer is to entice the audience into watching the main film and as an advert it needs to be immediatly engaging, memorable and create intrigue. It should indicate the genre of the film, have some sort of synopsis and possibly
- ['Evening Analysing & Discussing Films'.  5th January](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/01/23/analysing__discussing_films/): Mike Sanders, the Surrey Border Movie Makers Chairman, hosted the clubs online January meeting. He put together an excellent varied selection of films that had been entered in the 2023 BIAFF Film Festival (British International Amateur Film Festival). Eight films were watched and then discussed after each viewing. We were very pleased to be joined on Zoom by two new prospective members one who has some film making experience and one who is involved in amateur dramatics, they both contributed their valued and interesting views on the films they watched during the club evening. A film by Bradford Movie Makers
- [Documentary Challenge](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2024/01/03/doc_challenge/):   The Documentary Challenge is open to all members of the Surrey Border Movie Makers Club. There are four simple Rules: #1 The Documentary must be about something or someone local, and made by a group of members. #2 It must include an on-screen interview. #3 It must include an on-screen presenter for at least part of the time. #4 It must include some motion graphics. For example to help explain or emphasis aspects of the documentary. The finished Documentary will be shown at the 5th July meeting, and must be completed by 30th June. There is no firm restriction
- [Annual Member's Competition 2023](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/12/10/members-2023/): Judges comments: "This gang of four of produced an excellent, humorous and entertaining film through the use of puppet animation.  The subtle music track and clear vocals synchronise with the ongoing action, supported by clear, along with very creative graphics and slick editing enhanced this comedic film." 
- [Member's Survey - Feedback](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/12/08/members-survey-october-november/): Thanks to all who responded to the online survey we held during October and November. Update from our Club Member On-line Survey – October / November 2023 It was no real surprise that the results tended to be split between those who wanted to create films, and therefore learn more about video making techniques; and those who enjoy watching club made films.However, what was equally clear was how many members expressed an interest in sharing ideas and listening and learning from others about their video making experiences. In addition to the standard responses, many useful suggestions were also added in
- [Interclub Competition](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/11/30/interclub-competition/): The Surrey Border judges for the evening were Alan Hussey a former BBC Cameraman who has been a club member for over 10 years and John Thompson who has been a member since the 1990’s and has always had an interest in film making since an early age. Reading Film and Video Makers – ‘The Eagle and the Owl’. A film about con men double crossing each other with a main female character as a gangster. The judges found little to criticise with this well written film which also had good acting standard.   Staines Video Makers – ‘The Weather
- [Animation](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/11/14/animation-workshop/): Dave Skertchly’s : Animation Workshop Slides Animation  Animation Workshop 1 Limited Animation Introduction Workshop 2 Working with layers Workshop 3 Character Design Workshop 4 Sound for animation September     Return to Surrey Border HOME page
- [](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/10/16/sbmm-competitions-and-challenges/): Click the Text above to open the Home page
- [Online Upload Form Selection](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/10/15/online-entry-form-selection/): Access links to the Online Upload Forms: Select by clicking the orange text below. Note: If the text is not orange, then the option has either closed or is yet to start. Use ‘General Video Submission‘ for videos you might like shown on Club Night, or if you wish to update a previously uploaded video providing any relevant comments. 2026 Spring Video Challenge Xmas Challenge (Short Clip Competition) Annual Members Competition Annual Documentary Competition General Video Submission Interclub Entry Form If you need to contact the competition officer either email : Competitions@surreyborder.org.uk or contact via the website by clicking HERE.
- [How to use WeTransfer to send files](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/10/15/how-to-use-wetransfer-to-send-files/): Using WeTransfer to upload files and create a link for SBMM is very straightforward. Its free to use for files up to 2Gb per upload, which should be more than enough for most videos together with the three images.  It does not require any registration but it does require your email address for validation. This 6-step guide shows how to extend the transfer expiry to 7 days, and create a link to your video file and images ready for the SBMM online application. Use the link in ‘Step 1.’ to open wetransfer.com directly by using your computer browser. Please include
- [More Details ...Online Uploads](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/10/15/the-details-2/): The video upload page typically* requires the following information: Video Maker(s) or Group: This is the name of the individual or individuals or group making the film. Email: Email address of the primary contact for the film. This should match with the email we hold on record for that member. Video title:  NOTE: It would be useful if you could include your name as the first part of the actual video submitted video file name eg ‘John Smith Travelling in Time.mp4’.  Length of video: in minutes and seconds Synopsis of Video: This may appear in press reports, on the website,
- [Annual Members Competition Rules  & Awards](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/10/15/annual-members-competition-rules/): Surrey Border Movie Makers hold regular Annual Competitions: Documentary Competition usually held 1st Friday in September. Documentaries should be 20mins or less  6-minute Members Competition usually 1st Friday in December. Films on any subject 6 mins or less. The 1st time trophy is only open to members who have not won a movie trophy of any sort in the club before.  Other competitions and challenges are frequently announced during the year. 1. General rules: • The SBMM Club Members Competitions are usually held on the first Friday of the relevant month, unless delayed by circumstances beyond our control. • Due
- [Sample Online Upload Form](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/10/15/sample-online-entry-form/): This a TEST example of a TYPICAL online upload form for submitting videos to Surrey Border Movie Makers.  PLEASE NOTE: This is solely for users to test. The inputs are NOT stored. Please trial it here to become familiar with how it works. Note that the fields with a red * are a required input. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Video Maker(s) or Group *Please add the name or names of the Video MakersEmail (required) *Please provide an email address for contactVideo Title (required) *Length of video min : sec (required) *Synopsis of Video (required) *A
- [Feedback to Competition Officer](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/10/14/feedback-to-competition-officer/): The competition officer can be contacted via the email address : competitions@surreyborder.org.uk. However this form provides an alternative, and possibly easier, means of contacting our competition officer to raise any questions or provide feedback regarding SBMM competitions. It requires the members name and email address for identification, and offers a free form text area for any questions, comments, or suggestions. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *Club Member nameEmail *Please provide an email address for contactRequest or Comment *Your request or commentGDPR Agreement (required) * I consent to SBMM storing my information so they can manage
- [Judging Films - What's involved?  6th October](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/10/06/equip_evening-2/): Surrey Border Movie Makers club welcomed special guest Tom Hardwick who is a BIAFF (British International Amateur Film Festival) judge at their October meeting. There were many questions about judging a film including: Have you ever wondered what it is like to judge a film? Why do the judges sometimes seem to get it wrong? What criteria do they use? What do the BIAFF star ratings mean? And what makes a good critique? Together with Tom Hardwick, Tim Stannard who is the Surrey Borders club Competition Officer and also a BIAFF judge explained the methods used to obtain the requirements
- [Programme for 2024](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/10/01/programme-24/): Monthly Programme for 2023 - Surrey Border Movie Makers. 
- [Documentary Competition 2023](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/2023/09/10/documentary-competition-2023/): Documentary Competition 2023 The annual Documentary Competition was held in September 2023. There were 4 entries: Great Cockrow Railway by Peter Frost 15’15” The Outer Hebrides by Peter Stratford 11’45” The Making of Mr Punch by Peter Stratford and Jack Visser 11’05” Whitehaven by Peter Stratford 3’33” The winner was decided by the SBMM Committee, who agreed that Peter Stratford’s video, ‘The Outer Hebrides’ was outstanding. The Overall Winner – ‘The Outer Hebrides’ by Peter Stratford The Outer Hebrides by Peter Stratford A beautifully shot record of the Outer Hebrides, showing the splendor of the islands during the summer months,

## Pages

- [Previous Members Videos](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/members-videos/past-members-videos/): Videos made by previous members that might be of interest. Click on the images to view their pages. Past Members Videos  Jim Reed Past Members Videos  Tim Stannard
- [](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/how-to-upload-videos-using-smash/): Using SMASH to upload files and create a link for SBMM. Link: https://fromsmash.com/ SMASH is free to use to upload files of ANY size and is an alternative to WeTransfer as explained in this SMASH link.  It’s the same as WeTransfer in that it requires your email address for validation, but it does not require any registration. It has the advantage that the uploads are much faster, there are unlimited transfers (WeTransfer restricts free users to 10 uploads in a rolling 30 day period), transfers are valid by default for 7 days, but can be extended to 14 days. This
- [](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/elementor-18199/): Welcome to Surrey Border Movie Makers’ on-line Brain. Surrey Border Movie Makers have developed an easy to navigate and very intuitive resource enabling quick access to a wide selection of incredibly useful and often essential video making assets. This free to use resource contains masses of third party tutorials, hints, tips and much more. Settle down, click the image below, and immerse yourself in our Brain! Click the image above to get started in new window Or, Visit the Aiveo Brain to discover links to a range of useful Ai Programs Many yearly subscriptions offer discounts over monthly payments, but
- [](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/ai/): Surrey Border Movie Makers Focus on Artificial Intelligence (Ai) ‘It’s not that the future is happening so fast, it’s more that the past has happened so slowly’ Scientists believe that human (biological) intelligence evolved over between 70-100 thousand years.If we consider that artificial (digital) Intelligence began with the first computer, then Ai is still less than 100 years old. Just think about what that might mean. Now consider this; compared to biological intelligence, digital intelligence is immortal. It can be replicated in an instant, whereas biological systems can’t. Our life knowledge, learning and experience is lost when we die. There
- [Artificial Intelligence](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/resources/artificial-intelligence/): Latest Ai News Ai  Dr Geoffrey Hinton – the godfather of Neural Networks Ai  Move 37 : Dreaming of Electric Sheep Ai  A simple Guide to Ai Terminology Coming Soon!             NOW LIVE!  Click Here! Meanwhile, have a sneak preview!  Examples of Text to Ai Generated images (Each image generated in less than 4 secs using FLUX.1 Dev) Visit the SBMM Brain to discover links to a range of useful Ai Programs
- [How to Join Surrey Border Movie Makers Club](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/membership-details/): Find out more about our club or complete the form below to become a member: New Membership Application Form 2026 NOTE: Any item on the form with a red * is a required field. The form will not be submitted if all the required fields are not completed. Please check carefully. You will receive a confirmation note on the screen when your entry has been successfully sent. There might be a very slight delay between pressing ‘Submit’ and receiving confirmation.  If you still need help, please contact the Membership Secretary  Benefits of Becoming a Club Member Being a member of
- [Interclub Competition](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/competitions-2/interclub/): Inter-Club Competition For many years, Surrey Border Movie Makers invited four local clubs to submit a film into a friendly competition judged by experienced members of the club. We hosted the evening at the St Joans Centre and enjoyed meeting and chatting to members of competing clubs who were invited to attend. We also enjoyed a bit of a feast. Covid caused us to meet online and in 2021 we took the opportunity to invite clubs from further afield. We now meet with six clubs online, and enjoy the greater variety. More about Club Competitions Inter Club Competition – 2025
- [SBMM C](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/sbmm-c/): This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password:
- [Resources](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/resources/): Artificial Intelligence ‘It’s not that the future is happening so fast, it’s more that the past has happened so slowly’  on the WebsiteThere are two aspects to Ai for our purposes: A. Those programs and utilities that enhance our video making.B. The wider implications of Ai and the impact it will have on our lives and the world in general. To a large extend these two aspects are inseparable, so we cover them both.  The Image on the right opens a simple guide to understanding the Ai jargon in plain English. Click here to open our Ai Resource Home page
- [Videos](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/videos/): Club and Members Videos All about SBMM ‘Film in an Evening’ (FIAE) The concept behind Film in an Evening is simple – shoot, edit and screen a completed film to the club within a few hours. The club is split into three or four groups and given a theme a couple of months before the event. They then write, prepare & rehearse so that everything is ready to shoot to a very tight schedule on the evening of the competition. Members decide among themselves the best film. The resulting films are often re-edited after the event to iron out any
- [Club Videos](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/club-videos/): SBMM Club Videos There is a Cub Video currently underway, and a report on progress expected imminently. Below are the previous years Club Videos Sarah’s War Whilst not strictly a club film, it’s included here because of the support from several SBMM members. It was club member Brian O’Connell who was the driving force behind this epic of a film. Brian originally wrote it as a stage play that was performed in locations around Guildford in 2015 and subsequently embarked upon the task of making it into a full-length feature film. Using his own funding, Brian wrote, produced, directed and
- [Videos made by members](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/member-videos/): Videos made by Club Members Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Dave Skertchly January 7, 2023January 7, 2023 sbmm Dave Skertchly Edit Exercise :  Requirement for 2022 – Create a Montage From the Studio Binder website: “A montage is Border Post 2023 January 3, 2023January 3, 2023 sbmm September May January October June February November July March December August April   Return to Border Post Home Page Members Competition 2022 December 18, 2022January 6, 2023 sbmm Member’s Competition 2022 The annual Member’s Competition held on 2nd December 2022.
- [Members Videos](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/members-videos/): SBMM Members Videos Home Page A selection of videos, chosen by members to showcase their work.Each has provided a brief description of their journey in the making of these videos, together with details about their contributions and involvement with the club. Click the images to open their pages. Click here for videos made by previous club members. Members Videos Videos  Philip Morley I started making videos in the mid 1980’s. Since then, I have remained a passionate videographer. My journey started with a focus on holiday films and then moved on to wedding films, mostly for friends and family and, over
- [Border Post](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/borderpost-2/): The SBMM Border Post The Border Post is a monthly on-line magazine produced by Surrey Border Movie Makers. Each issue features about 10 pages of news and events.Border Post articles also contain clickable links to open more information, such as videos or features. Up to 12 editions are available on each screen below. Each can be opened in a new tab by simply clicking on either the Month Header or Image. Scroll Down to View Previous Years Editions 2026 September October November December May June July August January February March April Border Post Issues – Prior Years Border Post  Border
- [Competitions](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/competitions-2/): Competitions & Challenges Our competitions and challenges provide a platform for members (or groups of members) to showcase their videos, receive feedback from their peers, rather than from family and friends (which might not be 100% truthful or knowledgeable). Our challenges are not competitive, but competitions can also provide the opportunity for videos to be awarded one of the many different categories of SBMM trophies. Competition Rules and Awards HERE Submit your Video to our Members Competitions and Challenges HERE. SBMM Annual Member’s Competition The annual Member’s Competition is currently held in December. It is open to individual members or
- [Club News](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/club-news/): Club News Events & Meetings Club News  Summer BBQ 25th June 2023 The annual Summer BBQ was once again hosted at Al and Rita’s house and, once again, the weather was excellent! The Summer Social has always been a great place for members and their partners to spend a relaxing afternoon chatting and making new acquaintances. And, as always, it was accompanied with the freshly cooked food from the BBQ together with a glass or three of their favourite tipple. It is also somewhere partners can experience first hand the (sometimes) obsessive interest in film making that many of our
- [Home](https://surreyborder.org.uk/): Surrey Border Movie Makers Updates Club News clubnight  Club Meeting July 2026 Club News clubnight  Club Meeting, June 2026 Competitions Documentary Online Entry  2026 Documentary competition upload page Challenges Summer Challenge  Summer 2026 Challenge Club News Artificial Intelligence Ai Video Making  Ai as a Script Writer One of the greatest challenges in making a club film is not enthusiasm, talent, or technical skill. It is finding a good script. A weak script will result in a weak film, regardless of how strong the cinematography, acting, sound, production design, or editing may be. https://youtu.be/b14AxFw3rAg So how does this relate to Ai? What many people fail to
- [FIAE (Film in an evening)](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/fiae/): ‘Film in an Evening’ (FIAE) The concept behind Film in an Evening is simple – shoot, edit and screen a completed film to the club within a few hours. The club is split into three or four groups and given a theme a couple of months before the event. They then write, prepare & rehearse so that everything is ready to shoot to a very tight schedule on the evening of the competition. Members decide among themselves the best film. In 2023 the club members decided by an overwhelming majority to extend the time for making videos, particularly since some
- [Documentary Comp](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/competitions-2/documentary-competition/): The Documentary Competition Home Page The annual Documentary Competition is open to individual members or groups of members and is for documentaries of up to 20 minutes in length.  Club Competition Rules and Awards. The winning film is decided by a poll of members present, immediately after all films have been screened.  The video makers discuss their videos, and the audience give constructive feedback. More about Club Competitions The Documentary Competition by Year 2026 Documentary competition upload page The documentary submission page:The max length is 20 minutes but the average is about 3 minutes to 10 minutes.If its longer it
- [Members Competition](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/competitions-2/members-competion/): Annual Members Competition Home Page The Annual Member’s Competition is currently held in December. It is open to individual members or groups of members. Films must be six minutes or shorter. Any category, any subject. The films are judged by a panel of non-members, often members of other film & video making clubs. There are a total of ten awards, including Best First Time Winner. Competition Rules and Awards. To submit your entry into our members competition, go to our ‘Video Upload’ Page. Member's Competition Trophies and Awards The Surrey Border Movie Makers Member’s Competition Trophies and Awards. List of
- [Challenges](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/competitions-2/challenges/): Club Challenges Club members create short challenge videos based on a specific theme or aspect of filmmaking. These challenges are designed to help members develop their skills in a supportive environment, without the pressure of competition. To enter the challenge please visit our challenge upload page. Current Challenges 2026 Spring Video Challenge The Spring Video Challenge Films to be shown on the BIG SCREEN in the Club – Friday 1st May.  Entries must be in by  Sunday  26th April. They must be shot at 25fps or 50fps (if you don’t know how to do this please ask me or other
- [Contact Us](https://surreyborder.org.uk/index.php/contact-us-2-2/): Complete the form below to contact Surrey Border Movie Makers Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *Email *Message *GDPR Agreement * I consent to having this website store my submitted information so they can respond to my inquiry. Submit

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