Same old problem, and it keeps on cropping up. It is there with all forms of art, there has to be something to say, and it must be said well, and clearly understood, otherwise it won’t sell or win any competitions. I know this all sounds very obvious, but I admit encountering this problem. Compare it with an artist sitting with a blank canvas. If the artist has strong feelings about a subject, for instance drugs in his home town, people smoking in public places, the environment, a dangerous activity or perhaps the misery of warfare, there are so many subjects, both morbid or very bright and cheerful that will win or sell.

If a writer sits before the keyboard or with pencil and paper with not a plot in his or her mind, it’s called “writers block.” Or a composer can have the same problem.

So what about when we make a film? When we look at the award winners and the judges comments, if our film is a winner, we say, “that was a good judge!” and if it gets no recognition, we often blame the judge. But of course, there are different categories as we all know.

1. Those that come top and win everywhere.

2. Those in the middle that might be lucky and win a cup somewhere.

3. Some that just pick up a commendation certificate.

4. And those that get nowhere.

To analyse this in the categories...

1. There are usually several reasons for success. Mainly there will be a significant stance as a clear message or meaning combined with good technique and editing. Just good photography and technique or even good acting alone is still not enough. One of the best aspects is if the story leads up to a surprise impact at the end.

2. Sometimes we see an idea with a great beginning and it falls flat at the end. So the audience is left with a feeling of disappointment because there is no impact. Like a damp squib, it just doesn’t get off the ground.

3. There is probably an idea lurking there, so it gets a

commendation certificate and the judges are blamed for not getting the point you were hoping to bring home. Or it could be let down by poor editing, so it is praised for photography alone.

4. Quite often films are just thrown out because it is perhaps a holiday video with just lots of shots, like looking at holiday snapshots, but that is all it is because it has not been edited. To make a good travel film, it must be planned before you set out. So it is worthwhile writing out a rough script, and you won’t forget those vital cutaways. A journey can be very interesting in this way with a good commentary. So to finish up, in order of substance,

1. Your film needs to make a point.

2. That the point is clearly understood.

3. The idea has to be made into a story, that’s the hardest part.

4. Just making a record may be all you want to do.

To end with, we are not all competitive, some want just to enjoy their hobby.

Good shooting. Jon