Here comes the Judge... what to be aware of in judging video competitions.

The meeting BMM Club meeting of 15 May 2025 was opened by acting President Glenn at 7.30 with just 7 members present. Apologies were received from Peter and Nigel. Disappointingly, it was probably the lowest number in years.

Highlights of the meeting were looking at the criteria for judging for videos, 360 degree cameras, Broom interclub competition, and planning for the end-of-the-year video production Humans of Brisbane.

Film Bite Glenn kicked off the meeting re-visiting The Fishing Pole, a club video shot some years ago, written and directed by Col. The idea was to look at the elements a judge would use score a movie. But first, we delved into what these elements would be. Glenn suggested the main points for assessment would be:

• Impact – how the movie makes you feel;

• Cinematography – the visual element of camera, not just the basics of focus and lighting but also shot selection and angles

• Sound – clarity, consistency, natural background sound and the use of music which can make or break a film because it sets the mood.

• Story – a clear evolution of the story, the use of language and characterisation

• Editing – creating energy, pace, mood, and the sometimes contentious issue of using effects such as dissolves to cover bad conjunction of shots, as well as fading to black to denote elements such as time passing or change of direction in story lines.

Members discussed and voted on The Fishing Pole, and it was obvious that judging throws up very subjective views, as has been seen in video competitions which are usually assessed by three independent judges. There is also an interesting “behind the scenes’ video of The Fishing Pole if you would like to see the variety of techniques and equipment used and the active involvement of a large number members in making the video.

Broom - Paul showed Dark Chocolate, his take on the video for interclub competition based on the theme "Broom". Incorporating footage shot at the previous meeting around the concept of pollution created by chocolate wrappers, Paul went into the history of chocolate from its discovery by the Olmec of South America where it was so revered it was used for special occasions and rituals, even as currency, its introduction to Europe and the issues that came with its increasing popularity such as deforestation of the African rainforests, child labour and the more contemporary issue of plastic pollution. But a new “broom” (cue the boom sweeping up wrappers) is sweeping through the industry to reduce deforestation, eliminate child labour and significantly reduce plastic pollution by introducing recycled wrappers. As this was the only video made so far, members agree to put it forward for the interclub competition.

360 degree camera. Hermann brought along his 2019 version of his 360 degree camera which he has used on a number of club shoots including the premiere of Together and the Scottish festival. He explained that it has two fish eye lenses which capture a global view of the scene. It’s spectacular in its capacity and versatility. It was suggested the 360 degree camera would be very useful in supermarket security video, and is frequently used by real estate agents to enable potential buyers to walk-through without leaving home. Hermann said he is anxiously waiting to take delivery of the latest version of the 360 degree camera. There are some good videos on YouTube explaining its workings.

Humans of Brisbane. Glenn led a lengthy discussion for our proposed end of year event Humans of Brisbane. Potentially it could be an amalgamation of a short stories (between 8 and 15 minutes) highlighting the human element of Brisbane. They could be about individuals or groups of people in either interview or narrative style. Some of the ideas put forward were the evolution of the Asian communities in Brisbane’s southern suburbs, a men’s group which Murray organised in the residential community he lives in where there are 169 apartments, artisans such as woodcrafts and woodturners, iconic organisations such as the Brisbane Jazz Club, and volunteer groups.

We need to get moving on bringing forward ideas about people doing unique, cutting edge, amazing things. Research is going to be the first priority to bring forward new stories and new ideas. Members are strongly urged to bring forward suggestions to our next meeting so that they can be put into action as a whole of club project.

Despite the vigorous discussions, the meeting wrapped up a little earlier than usual at 9.20pm.

Our next meeting will be on June 5 -the first Thursday of June. Keep an eye on the club's

website for details https://www.bmm.org.au/