A delightful selection of John Woolmer's hints, tips and video / filming experiences

The Producer's perspective
An Art Director - what for?
How do I write a World beating script?
Conjuring up that 'Good Idea' for a film script
Seeking that elusive punch line for the great film
That all important film script and problems with writing it!
More thoughts on creating that World beating script
They were rotten judges, they didn't like my film!
Storyboard essentials
Choosing a location for a film. That special or exotic location may be possible, you can only ask!
If you ask you can use all sorts of unlikely places as your next film location. How about a prison!
The hard work between the film script and shooting the film
Teamwork for filming and video
So you are needing a film crew - things to think about
Building a film set and all the things one needs to consider
Continuity for film, movies and video is important
A recap on the important rules of video and movies
Basic framing
Think about the edit while filming
Points to remember when making a film
I don't need advice! I'm perfect!
Cut down on those pans and zooms and why so afraid of close-ups?
What makes a good movie and what you can and shouldn't learn from 'professional' tv
Just Point and Shoot" said the shop assistant. Adventures with a new camcorder

Shooting period drama, problems and solutions
Costumes for period drama for film, video and movies
Drama is a serious business and how to set about it
Now Spring is here a filmmakers mind turns to making a film about medieval times

Night shots in daylight/colour temperature etc
Lighting a scene for a film or movie
The use of filters with a camcorder to produce those extra effects
Painting, cameras and alternative perspectives
How some special effects can be done on a budget
Home-made filming dolly and experience of a commercial one

Preparing for a video outing
More thoughts on the planning of that holiday film
Filming in Scotland
Holiday movies
Combining hobbies of painting and filming while on holiday
Preparing for holiday filming - the need for a list
Why join a video club? For help with filming of course!
Go back over all those unused films for the next competition winner

A history of attaching sound to movies
A history of colour as it came into film
Reminiscences of the old days of ciné cameras
A reminiscence back to the early days of amateur film and movie cameras
Reminiscing back to 8mm filming in the 1940s
A nostalgic look back by an old filmmaker
How times have changed and equipment has improved!

A video Christmas Carol in memory of Scrooge
A Christmas story of Santa, a little boy and girl, reindeer and video
A lovely filmmaker's yarn of Christmas Past
A story for Christmas - 'The Tryst'
A simple Christmas story for filmmakers
Video and New Year's resolutions
Filmmaking rules for shooting an excellent video. Written as New Year's resolutions

Cock-ups filming in the Solent, fire on a boat and filming on the Broads
A disaster while filming / camping trip to the New Forest in a monsoon
Filming down on the farm is not that easy!
Problems filming nature
Why did I volunteer to help film a camping club?

Weddings - more hints, tips and a check list.
White balance, filters and weddings
Oh, the things that can go wrong when filming a wedding - be prepared
Experiences of shooting a wedding

John and his wife Joan joined Surrey Borders circa 1991, bringing a strong new talent and expertise to the club that resulted in an enthusiasm for making club films and entering competitions as never before. John was a great writer and his stories became great films, winning Gold awards for The Gold Medallion and Paula, and others. John was energetic, painting for art exhibitions, making props for the next project, writing his book and gleaning data to eventually finalise the book of his family tree, and last but not least, operating the “confounded” computer that held it all together. He was a very talented fun loving man, who will always be remembered by the club and his family.

Who are we in this film/movie/video club? We make films, videos and movies and meet on the first Friday of the month to answer members questions and to discuss ongoing club projects. Well known film makers, judges and film professionals are often our speakers for the evening. We welcome visitors and new members interested in film and video, and there is no need to own digital cameras or camcorders and no need for previous experience, as we happily provide mentors for beginners. Surrey Border meetings start at 7:45pm and end just after 10:00pm with a refreshment break at around 9:00pm. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to the monthly meetings which are on the first Friday of each month (and the first visit is free). Our meetings are held in our new contemporary hall in St Joan's Centre which is in the grounds of St Joan's church in Tilford Road, near the station in Farnham. The hall has a large car park and is within easy reach of Guildford, Farnborough, Fleet, Bordon etc. In Surrey and Hampshire. Read more about us here.