First Visit | Services | Council | Festivals | Fellowship

Welcome to the IAC from Chairman Alan Atkinson FACI.

IAC stands for Institute of Amateur Cinematographers - we usually say: IAC - The Film & Video Institute.

Welcome to the IAC website.
For those of you unfamiliar with IAC – The Film & Video Institute, we are the organisation representing people in the UK making films on an amateur basis. Our membership includes complete beginners with simple camcorders, serious non-professional enthusiasts who make films to international standards and even many professional videographers who want to make the more creative, but non-commercial films that their normal work does not allow.

In addition to getting six editions each year of our glossy magazine, Film & Video Maker, members have access to our low cost music copyright licence scheme, they can use the music advisory service and the technical advice forum and hire videos from our huge library of the best amateur movies.

We hold competitions and festivals where you can have your films assessed by panels of expert judges and then see them on a big screen in front of large appreciative audiences. Festivals are arranged on both a regional basis and nationally. Our major national event is the annual British International Amateur Film Festival (BIAFF) that attracts entries from filmmakers around the world. The next one is BIAFF 2009 in Chesterfield. It runs from 23rd to 27th April. Details are available on this site. The IAC also represents the UK internationally and submits a programme each year to UNICA – the world body of amateur moviemakers – for their annual Festival.

And, as if all that was not enough, we are a large group of friends, who share a passion for film making. If you are not already a member, why not join us now?

Alan

First Visit

Let me tell first time visitors something about us. The IAC, the Film and Video Institute, has around 300 affiliated clubs as well as a couple of thousand individual members – all interested in the great hobby of movie making for the sheer FUN of it.

The IAC is arranged in seven regions with many clubs as well as individual members in all parts of the country. These Regions and clubs usually have their own annual events, often including a movie competition and festival where non-commerical movies are shown to their best advantage.

The IAC also organizes an International Movie Festival every year. These used to be held in London, but nowadays the Festival weekend moves around the United Kingdom from Region to Region.

The IAC is a member of UNICA, the UNESCO supported international organization devoted to our hobby. UNICA holds a Congress in a different country each year, built around the prestigious movie competition. Member Nations’ 70 minute programmes are assessed by an International jury of seven, who award bronze, silver and gold medals. It’s great fun, film watching, debates, outings, shared with people who also love to party.

Whatever your own level of involvement or skill, I can assure you that the IAC is here to help you. We can put you in contact with your nearest club, which can be a rewarding way to meet fellow film makers.

They’ll give you a warm welcome, and who knows, they may be able to help you with any film making problems you have encountered. You may even be able to share your own skills with them. They will know the ins and outs of the local equipment scene, and will almost certainly be able to provide you with a place to see your work in a more public venue than your telly in the corner.

Drop a line to our mailbox if you need more information. We look forward to hearing from you!

- Introduction by Reg Lancaster, IAC Vice-President

This website contains information about IAC, filmmaking clubs around the countries, festivals and events, and discussion on filmmaking techniques and award winning films.

What is the life of a typical amateur filmmaker like? What is the life of the IAC chairman like?

Links

Read about a past Chairman, John Gibbs, FACI, here

Reg Lancaster's "Filming CV"

Good Reasons to Join IAC

Page updated on 18 November 2008

Authors' views are not necessarily those of The Institute of Amateur Cinematographers

Free JavaScripts provided
by The JavaScript Source