Minutes 16/04/12

Present: Lorcan, Joe, Chris, Cara, Willem, Kathy, Peter, Michael, Katya

Aaaaand we're steering ourselves back...already.

1. Apologies: MJ, for being in Unst. Also Craig...we suspect that he’s sneaking off with his GIRLFRIEND. And Ceidiog had work.
2. Kathy Hubbard extravaganza: Been approached by Dr something-I’ve-forgotten-his-name. He’s organising a project that follows the Olympic torch around Scotland, filming and reporting. But, they can’t afford to go to Shetland. Would we be interesting in picking it up at the Shetland end? Apparently, we sound PERFECT. Haha. Cara will speak to him to see exactly what it’ll be (going back to the whole “Collaboration or Commission” question, meaning we need more info about it). It sounds like a live thing. TRICASTER! *swoons* Hansel: It had a really good launch, then tailed off. 75 films have been uploaded, but they need 2x that. “East Anglia has disappeared into a black hole.” Oooh dear. Kathy’s hoping to see new ones from usssss! We can watch the uploaded films the website. (Recommendations: Zombie Asophalics?  This is it collective. Don’t hug me I’m scared. Bad things that might happen.) Runners include a wooden car shape of boat! And an actual runner (who would be crazy enough to do that?!) CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG IS A RUNNER TOOO!!! Screenplay: Hansel short films will be shown in the following groups: “Best of Hansel”, chosen through public vote and “To Hot to Hansel”, the films that were too explicit and “24 hour film”.Thomas the tank engine, Norwegian and chug boats!
3. Loose ends – what are they and when will they be finished (Macbook situation) 

• Shoormal – press pack. The Shoormal people will meet at 6.30 next week to sort out all the last minute things.
• Cover and leaflet: We will have to choose an image for the sleeve, and two more to cover each of the DVD disks. Our plan thus far is to have screen shots from the films on the DVDs, and a wave-and-shoormal related picture for the front.The possibility of a photoshoot was also mentioned, with people from the cast. And now for an excellently un-PC quote from Chris: “Throw some dirt on them to make them look poor!” The best thing about all my minutes’ quotes is that they are never shown in context. Ever. 
• Docu and drama final edits – DEADLINE: We need to have the sound done by the end of this week. Things that need re-recorded are: Symone’s impact lines, Daniel’s “what the fuck” line changed to “out of luck” and Daniel’s impact. All of the editing needs to be done by next Friday.
• Take 5: MJ was gonna edit this, but we didn’t have the Macbook, oh dear. S’ok, she was waay ahead of us and booked herself and Claire time to get editing done.
• Ninja: The situation as it stands is: 4 shorts filmed, but none edited. Cara can help with editing from 4pm and on, and because they’re short it should be enough time to get one done before 5 in a day. We decided it was crazy to try to film more just now, so we’ll leave it till later and just edit edit edit! Joe delegated Katya in charge of the ninja films...Officially. Oh yeah. Cara and Chris can do the THEME MUSIC. “ninjaaaaaas! nah nah nah nah nah nah!!”

1. Now I know what it feels like to be a frustrated old lady that so technophobic even bullet points are too challenging: I can't get them to work properly with the new blog layout! Aa dis new-fangled gadgets ir joost a lock o' dirt. 
2. Anyway - Entering into festivals:We all have a task for the week: everyone has to look up one festival each that we don’t have to spend too much money to enter into, with deadline April/May. You can choose one UK and one international and then we shall DECIDE as a group. Lorcan: “Imagine if someone told me they had aids and then that song came up “everyone had aids duh duh duh duh duuuuh!” Cara: “Joe’s too hipster to eat open scones....over it.”
3. Future radio shows with Andy: Email Andy cause we are interested. But we should get some ideas going for the actual shows – any suggestions?
4. Sports Week: Maddrim received an email from James Johnson wondering if we were interested in filming something for Sports Week later in summertime. Cara has a list of things to consider before we definitely say YES. In particular, the Documentary group might like this project because it’ll likely be more documentary styled. Lorcan gave a good point: it would be good to give people similar job to before to build up confidence.
5. Serious new film ideas vs. ideas which are far too silly (even for us)/will be shelved for future reference: Hansel films we would like to include so far are: Documentary Film, Drama Film, Take 5, Ninja (x3), Hallowe’en, Osteoporosis Alternative Universe film, Spinster at 17.
6. Any updates on that trip idea we had once? Who wants to go, can we get money or do people have to pay themselves. Where funding?? Basically, we need to put more thought into this. Funding would be tricky to get for a trip – things like using your own personal boat vouchers are a better idea to reduce costs. PK kids go doon sooth all the time. Maybe we shouldn’t make a trip a Maddrim official thing so that Cara can volunteer at the festival and just organise within ourselves...
7. Funding applications – meeting! Next Monday the Committee will have a meeting after school to sort out funding, then have a Shoormal meeting, to finish in time for normal Maddrim! Meeting spreeee.
8. AOB: Mini-series: This will be a collaboration with Joe as leader. An idea we liked was to set roles for each episode and switch them for the next one (eg. director, writer....)
9. Youth achievement awards! GET GOING!!! Those of us completing them had totally forgotten. Oopsies.

Lots and lots and lots. If any single one of you has read all this I’ll be surprised. Maybe I should make a competition where whoever’s read the most minutes gets a cookie. But chances are you haven’t read about that possibility either...

Katya
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Minutes 10.04.12

Present: MJ, JANE!, Chris, Peter, Willem, Katya, Cara

AAAAAAAAAAAALL THE CRABSTICKS!

We had a recap of Grain Media happenings. I’m not going through it again. End of.

We speculated about What If Disney phoned (e.g. what should we do when we get into proper collaborations as opposed to getting someone do to something for our film)

Cara: “...well, I would be like DISNEY!!” But really, the answer is ask sensible questions like “Who has rights to what?”and be careful...

Next topic was distribution of Grain Media films. Yeeah, I know, I thought it was all over too. Oh well! First, we have fine-tuning – teeeeeeensie likle bits of editing to polish it off. Then 150 DVDs will need to be made. Cara will do it, or give it to someone Chris mentioned to do. We’re not releasing it online yet. The sleeve for the DVD also needs to be done. Plus a leaflet, with a paragraph on the initial research, one on Maddrim, one on the drama group and one on the documentary group + the sleeve. We also have a screening: on 19^th. See fb for details.

Then there was Human Sealz...HAHAHAHAA. This was suggested as a Hansel of Film film. HAHAHAHAHA. If you don’t know about Human Sealz, look it up online, then all will be revealed (it’s basically a made-in-a-day short that was done last year when the Kermode children were up, but, yeah, you should watch it.)

After that we considered the Island Idea that cropped up sometime when I was away. In speaking about this, we discovered Chris’ phobia: “And also I’m scared of birds. MANY BIRDS. MANY BIRDS. I got trapped by a sea of birds and I thought I was going to die.” You really shouldn’t be living on Shetland then Chris, or trying to get to an island WITH BIRDS for a film idea.

Marjolein is determined to cut Take 5 to 5 mins for Hansel of Film too. Finally – a “New Maddrim” entry (as opposed to “Old Maddrim”. Mwahaha. )

Willem had the idea of making sock puppet music videos to take the mickey of real ones done by Lady GaGa etc. I really like this idea, but I feel that someone got carried away when they suggested that we dress up in sleeping bags as giant sock puppets, and somehow acquire giant googly eyes to do the job. This could be done without too much hassle, I think, and so we’d hopefully get it done quickly. Hopefully we’ll discuss it better rather than letting it get sucked into to black-hole of film ideas like some of our other ideas.

There’s also the Voar Redd Up film. Again, my notes direct me to fb.

We also came up with an idea that revolved around Chris’ wolf-face jumper. The plot:

A new clothes shop opens, and it only sells clothing with animal motifs.

Someone buys the wolf jumper

They gradually start taking on wolfish characteristics: “Cup of tea?” “Naooooooo!”

Ends with the owner of the shop going on a hunting spree after all his “animals”...

As for special member Jane. We’re not getting her balls. Not one out of the 400. Do not worry if you don’t get the reference. No biggie.

These minutes are all deadly serious (-_-)

Theeen we talked about Joe’s mini-series. He still manages to “steer it back” even when he’s not at meetings – he phoned and through loudspeaker told us to stop getting distracted. Anyway, this idea will probably be for after Hansel.

Aaand back to the Island film. We mentioned the dangers of taking a camera to a different place to shoot the film, where there’s a bog “It just gets into the peat and goes down and down and down....”(Chris: clap clap clap!) “and there’s two geese that life there.”(Chris: SAD FACE of DISTRESS)

I want blood and dancing. I can’t remember who said this, but meh. It sounds like a Lord Of The Flies musical. EUUUUGH. No ta.

After the meeting, I realised that we forgot to speak about lots of important things – like Andy’s radio show, and the Alternative universe ideas. We did awesome for Grain Media, so fingers crossed we raise our game.

Katya

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"Minutes" 13/02/12

Oooft. Well, to start, I have to confess I didn't take any notes as minutes. This is why:

I HATE TECHNOLOGY.

Kinda needed to get that out of my system. You see, dear Maddrimers, I spent a lot of my day last Monday wrestling with the equipment in order to get the Drama Group's Character Profile film on time for Nike. This didn't happen; I arrived at the editing suite for 1, Roseanne had to leave to go sooth (WE MISS YOU ALREADY) at 2, and the equipment couldn't come any earlier than after she'd gone. So, I dutifully uploaded the tape to the Mac, with the help of Cara on the phone (thank yoou!).
But, the stupid thing went and CRASHED. Our footage was lost.
This happened repeatedly.
I was not having fun.

But, of course, Maddrim's still awesome! - Just be wary that sometimes, without warning, computers dislike you. That is all.

The actual goings-on themselves, minus me in a foul mood, were successful! The Documentary Group had a good skype session, and Nike was very understanding that our film wasn't ready and extended the deadline. Also, when the actual meeting started, we saw a couple of new faces! Of course, we loyally played "The Name and Fact Game" to get started - of which Willem's and Daniel's BOTH related to how they BOTH have had leg injuries and are hobbling around on crutches (we send our sympathies, and thanks a lot for both coming at all).

Since many of our newer members hadn't actually seen any Maddrim films, they gathered around Craig's laptop to get a taste of What We Do, while Marjolein collected money, since we're all official now and have the Constitution to adhere to, and we edited the Drama footage.

Yes, as soon as Willem tried, it captured without a hitch.

Minutes 30/01/12

Lookie here - A "Wonderful Selection of Scawlings" by Katya.

Hopefully *fingers crossed* if you click on them you'll get full screen viewing.

I might read over these scribblings and see if they are understandable in even the vaguest sense of the word.

Please ask questions if you don't understand: lots of things get written down if I find them interesting at the time and have very little (or no) relevance to Maddrim at all!

Enjoy (or not.)

Katya

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Minutes 16/01/12

Present: MJ, Joe, Amy, Katya, Gary (a newbie!), Shaela, Roseanne, Cara, Ceileidh, Craig, Daniel, Willem, Peter, Martha, Ceidiog, Chloe W

1. Money was squared for memberships – I, after at least two years or so, am now an official Maddrimer :D
2. Talk about Tees. Marjolein has offered to get us a catalogue from the company that did her university hoodies, range including sweatshirts and, (this could be exciting)...polo shirts. I’d stick with hoodies, but hey – whatever floats your boat. The cost will depend on the fancy-ness as optional features are: embroidered crest, name, year, customised back, logo. An example being: Hoodie + embroidered logo + name + date + other logo + print (on back?)= £22.Though we’d have to agree on the logo (JUICE GUY! You see where my loyalties lie) and not make it too complex.
3. Grain Media Workshop – well, it’s been and I have separate notes.
4. Up Helly Aa is approaching , flaming brands and all. Today at our meeting (23^rd), we should have a guest to discuss helping to film with this. Cara and I went to a meeting earlier to get some info about it and we want to get involved – whattabout you? They’ve got top-notch equipment we can have a go with *TRICASTER * *iphones to interlink between the team* , and our involvement depends on what people are willing to help with – whether it be filming, managing video feeds, operating sound, interviewing the public...etc.
5. Oh god – it’s that time of the minutes where I write about The Last Viking, again, and say once more how I should get something done. There may be some progress on acquisitioning a boat; MJ had a good suggestion involving a cardboard boat and some sneaky trickery. Also – thoughts for Daniel Aquilina as Viking? Hmm..we seem to be using the pk group A LOT these days.
6.   Bringing me swiftly on to the ninja film. Luke Aquilina has valiantly volunteered to be our main ninja, and our next scene in mind is the morning sequence. We can use MJ’s brother’s kitchen (which is in toon – 1 up on convenience) and the AHS.
7. YouChoose funding. This can give us £1000-£1500...and we could spend it on a Maddrim Trip Away! We could go sometime between June 20^th and July 1^st (Edinburgh Festival), and use the Shetland Card

The Shetland Card:

“oh, we’re disadvantaged young people who are unable to attain our full potential due to the fact we live on what can only be better described as a small rock)”

Note – all of the above is true.

AYE!

The deadline for funding is Feb 3^rd, and for a trip the adult:child ratio must be 1:8. And we should get the train from the Deen, not the bus. Buses are messy (and we don’t have trains)
       8. Our current structure of BRAINSTORM...WORKSHOP...BRAINSTORM...and continue seems to be working well, so we’ll stick with it. Next workshops could be:

Editing

Sound

Animation (stop motion)

Lighting

Improv

Willem has said he would be able to take one-on-one on Thursdays sometime. Cheers!

And MJ is supposed to send me a link to a film called “The Wizard of Speed and Time”.

[LINK TO APPEAR HERE]
or perhaps here...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4yW4_376GM

        9. AOB

a)      The recurring idea of having Alternative Universe teensy shorts (a.k.a 5 secs long) was brought to light: A World Without Osteoporosis – Old ladies rollerblading; A World Where Onion Juice Induces Laugher  - speaks for itself really; A World Where Dodgeball is Unfair – something involving the substitution of dodgeballs for exercise balls...and so on. I’ve just had an idea (don’t look too surprised now).

My Idea is that these would be a brilliant way to do a storyboarding workshop. If anyone was interested. Hardly the stuff of genius, but it might be useful.

b)      Film Club! After Cara’s horror when she learned I hadn’t heard of Scott Pilgrim, I’d like this to happen more than before. Don’t wanna feel like I’m missin’ out, ya know? We need to find out if there’s a way to do this without paying a licence or not.

c)       MJ has been requested to ask us if we’re willing to help with a few minutes long film about the NHS. We might get paid, which is attractive. Although, we are busy peoples, so Willem might take it up in his own time instead.

d)      And now we come to the ideas for future films. But, as we don’t want spoilers (and my minutes are getting real long now) I’ll not put them here. Instead, a FLASH NEWS UPDATE: In case you didn’t know, the inaptly titled “Improv Film” is now, more appropriately,  called “Take 5”

See you all tonight!

Katya

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Ninja Academy Filming - Take 1

Present: Mareel Halcrow, Chloe Warner, Bronwyn Mathieson, Cairn Turberville, Ben Holland, Caitlin McKearney, Sam Pearson, Connor Preacher, Corey Pearson, Jordan Clark, Calum Lindsay, Andrew Georgeson, Kieran Glaser, Ceileidh Mercer, Liam Anderson, Craig Meheut, Curtis Williamson, Ceidiog Saxelby, Shaela Halcrow, Luke Aquilina, Marjolein Robertson, Daniel Aquilina, Barry Meheut, Chris Halcrow, Cara McDiarmid , Peter Keay, Willem Cluness, Katya Moncrieff. A Grand Total of: 28 people!

This was, in comparison to any other meeting I’ve ever attended, a completely different kettle of fish. What happened, you ask?

As supposed Director of this particular Ninja Academy film, the “WRONG SCHOOL” short, I was meant to be the decision maker. It was scary.

To start off, I let the PK lot show-off their skills and practice possible filmable moves, while we hastily set up – Cara cut black headbands for ninjas, others got the cameras out and ready etc. Then, it was time to attempt filming *tremble*

Luckily Tim wasn’t there really, because the camera got fairly close to various backflips and cartwheels, and other fancy lightning-fast moves that others and I attempted to catch on film – I think this went decently, though I haven’t watched the footage. Actually, I hope I am the one to deal with it, because there is A LOT of my raised (and screechy) voice recorded, when I was trying to get 20-odd people’s attention at once, and I don’t want anyone to hear...

Chris helped with suggestions, and came up with a good clip starring the Sensei/Ninja teacher – Ceidiog – and the useless ninja – Marjolein – with everyone else doing good cartwheels...except her. Bless. She also proved her worth(lessness) at the Ninja Choir, which is conducted in absolute silence until she sings out “DON’T STOP ME, DON’T STOP ME, DON’T STOP ME-” before being hit with a shuriken (made by Ceileidh). For the “WRONG SCHOOL” sketch, with Ceidiog teaching a class on "How to break necks" and using his pupils to "demonstrate", and Liam Anderson as a wonderful Harry Potter (costume courtesy of Shaela), I’d say it went well. :)

When can we do this again, you may be wondering?

I don’t know. We shall see.

A sincere thanks to everyone who helped :D I needed all the assistance I could get!

Katya

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Minutes 12/12/11

Present: Ceileidh, Cara, Sanna, Craig, Chloe, Ceidiog, Marjolein, Joe 

Guests: Emma Perring, Lauren Peterson

So as we had special guests at Maddrim this week, we kicked off with the traditional Name and Fact Game, huzzah!  Sadly, the majority of the facts were really REALLY depressing…

Then we moved onto the first item on the agenda, which was the poverty research group and Maddrim’s possible involvement in one of their new projects.  Lauren and Emma outlined their proposal, which is for Maddrim and others in the poverty group to attend two weekend workshops in January and March, and in between these make a film about the poverty research and the case studies, combining elements of drama and retrospective documentary (ooooh).  This will have several benefits to Maddrim, including working with a London-based production company, learning new styles of filming and BECOMING SUPER FAMOUS (I assume) (Well, the film will be shown around Shetland and possibly further a field) (Double OOOH).

One possible downside discussed was that it is a big time commitment, but everyone at the meeting agreed that they would make the time for this project (with the possible exception of Marjolein and Chloe, who may be leaving us in the New Year… WHYYYY). Another downside discussed was that we would not have full creative control.  However, the workshop plans include time to brainstorm ideas for the films, so we should not end up making films we don’t want to.  YAY!

We need to get a number of people definitely interested by Christmas, so remind me to do that!  Joe, Katya or I (me/Cara) will be attending planning meetings with Emma, Lauren and their group, so will keep us updated, and there will be a contract drawn up so we know exactly what we’re doing.

NEXT.  Cara spoke briefly about the Young Scot Handbook, which was given out to all first years last week.  It has a section about Maddrim, and we’ve had one person already ask for more information, hooray for potential new members!  We’ve decided to write back inviting them to the next meeting and to tell them a bit about the current projects.

NEXT.  Marjolein gave us an update on how the Improv Film (working title) is going.  Saturday’s filming went very well, and got Ceileidh out of the cold and hail.  However, there were some problems with the equipment, which hopefully Shetland Arts will sort out.  We will be filming the final scenes on Monday before the Christmas Party, and the schedule looks something like this:

1545 – 1630: Inside the submarine, at Dirk’s house

                                    Main Cast: Chloe or Amy, Sanna

1630 – 1700: Man who is scared of FROOT, Islesburgh somewhere

                                    Main Cast: Joe, Roseanne (as special guest), Cara, Katya

1700 – 1800: Marjolein’s Hour, Islesburgh somewhere

                                    Main Cast: Katya, Ceidiog, Craig

More people are probably needed, but I don’t remember… Marjolein will email out closer to the time!

During this discussion we somehow got sidetracked talking about my acquaintance/friend Stephen, who was voted RTE Guide’s Hottest Male Celebrity and works at RTE, the equivalent of the BBC in Ireland.  Marjolein decided he is ‘not that hot’ and listed WILLEM DAFOE and JACK BLACK in her top five attractive men.  The unanimous decision (maybe?) was that she is weird.  Then Joe steered us back on track using his steering mime, which will totally become a thing.

We accidentally skipped the next two things on the agenda so we could talk about the Christmas Party… so excited! We’re going to play party games and have food and watch a Christmas Film (‘Elf’ not ‘Santa Goes to Court’) and also watch some rough cuts of the films we’ve made since September!  If Cara gets them edited in time… Anyway, 19^th December, after Improv film shoot until 9pm!  So probably 6-9 at Islesburgh.  Bring food! Make cookies!

Then we discussed the New Year. We decided Wednesday 4^th January was fine for the AGM, so Cara will put a thing in the paper.  Items for the agenda include:

• Electing a new Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary
• Talking protocol so people don’t talk over each other (introduced at the beginning and monitored by Harry… probably)
• Maddrim ideology
• Recap of the year, watch Screenplay 2011 films again because they are excellent
• Funding
• Future projects

Then Joe sang like an old man, and Ceidiog was mean about something (according to my wonderful note taking… oh, I miss Katya).

Joe, Marjolein and Cara will be filming a flash mob this weekend, and some Maddrimers are needed to film another next week, so we’ll speak about that at the party.

And to finish off the meeting, we danced around and ate mince pies.

See you next weeeeeek! 

Cara x

Minutes 28/11/11

Present: Shaela, Chloe W, Katya, Willem, Marjolein, Joe, Craig – and two new faces: Daniel and Ceileidh (Ya got that MJ? Ceileidh.)

So, after the successes of last week’s filming in the Garrison for MJ’s Improv Film, we decided to set the rest of the filming days – get these in your diary! :D

Filming in the Anderson WOW Room will be in next Maddrim’s meeting time on the 5th December (though possibly starting earlier than 7 – advanced warning will be given). Named actors needed are Ceidiog, Mathew, Joe, Craig, me and someone else to be a bouncer (we were thinking BARNUM here).

Filming in the Town Hall will be on Saturday 10^th; named actors being Shaela, Mareel and Liam.

Islesburgh failed dramatically on cable supplies. Our plan to edit this year’s Hallowe’en film was not possible.

But we did decide on this:

PROPER DEADLINE FOR NINJA FILM STORYBOARDS – 12^th December. This is our next project after Improv Film so we need to get these done. Remember to speak get in touch if you want to ask about anything :) If you’ve forgotten what scene you’re doing email back and I’ll tell ya – I’ve managed to avoid massive spoilers thus far so might as weel keep going.

I got another email from Lauren Peterson about getting us to help film that documentary I mentioned a few weeks back. She’s asked if Emma Perring could come to our meeting to tell us more about the project on the 12^th. Why does that date ring a bell, you ask? NINJA DEADLINE. But yeah, we’ve got enough interest within the group so expect a visitor that day!

FirstLight Funding.

Yes, I know, this has been an ongoing fail since the dawn of time, but this year we will be more organised. And Joe’s Granny’s best friend’s daughter works in professional filming – we got connections! – so she could be our mentor.

Sandyburn Singers.

This group is having a flash mob on the 17^th, and Joe will be filming. A couple of others will be needed to help oot – speak to Joe :)

Then, we played a game. No – not “The Name and Fact Game”. This game is much, much better, and it is called “Mafia”. I shall explain later…

See you next week - Ciao!

Katya

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Present: Chloe W, Cara, Craig, Sanna, Liam, Willem, Ceidiog, Joe, Mathew, Barnum, Katya

Cara, once again, had an agenda of things to speak about. GO CARA!

Next year, for the 2012 Olympic Games, Shetland Arts are organising “A Hansel of Film – Shetland to Southampton and Back”. This will involve a relay-race of films going around the whole of the UK – started on the 10^th when the Olympic Torch reaches Shetland. More detailed info can be found here: (read it if you don’t know about it – it’s exciting!) http://www.shetlandarts.org/hanseloffilm

This is relevant to us because we will be making films! Though, instead of our usual August-ish deadline, we’ll need to have films made for April instead. No more than 5 mins each. A Challenge; Bring it.

Jacqui has been contacted. She says sorry for not replying (she apparently needs constant reminders) but there’s hardly any money left – though she will try to get us some. HOORAY! Thus, me and Cara are going to constantly remind her. A Plan (Y).

Willem has bought www.maddrimmedia.com, www.maddrimmedia.co.uk, www.maddrimmedia.info. TAKE THAT BALLERS THROWIN’ DOWN. Also, an in-joke must be made in the sports day Ninja scene. That would make my day.

And, we need to rejuvenate the Maddrim website a little – more pictures and such. Job for Willem and Craig methinks.

Also, what are people’s thoughts on having Film Critique time set up? This would have to be outside of Maddrim hours, and non-members could be invited (recruitment drive GO), and we could watch things like “Star Wars” and “Jurassic Park”...which I have yet to see. *slaps wrists in absolute shame*

Cara, this is for you:

Then had a run through of MJ’s improv. film script, and went into groups to edit bits...

• -          Take out “They’re taking the Hobbits to Isengard; the audience will be suuy confused: change to “I love her the MOST!” type lines
• -          Make a scary face out of fruit for the Man Who Is Afraid Of Fruit to be scared of
• -          Too many Mathews! As much as we appreciate Mathew, there are too many for us to cope with just now
• -          Make Chloe’s prisoner character have a homemade tee with her “love”’s face on. Creepeh.
• -          Change turtles to tigers (we have access to THREE tiger suits, but no turtle suits)
• -          Use the WOW room in the Anderson for MJ’s Hour sequence (I shall inquire tomorrow)
• -          Give Ceidiog’s Italian a new line: “Pasta la vista, baby!”

(Cara, if I’ve missed any edits/anything email me and I’ll stick them in :) )

Then we played Who Stole My Pencil, Winkie Murder and Heads Down Thumbs Up to round off the meeting :D

Keep your thinkin’ caps on (after this, Ninja film is happnin’ - we have to be on the ball!) and I will see you on SATURDAY!

Katya

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Minutes 07/11/11

Present: Joe, Marjolein, Chloe W, Mathew, Cara, Katya, Willem, Liam, Sanna, Amy, Craig.

First, we started with the long beloved Name and Fact Game; something I'm not a massive fan of. But, it's tradition...

1. Maddrim.com
Ballers throwin’ down have STOLEN our URL. BOO!
Nothing quite has the same ring to it as maddim.com, but if we can’t buy it back, then we’ll just have to settle for www.maddrimmedia.com or www.maddrim.co.uk.

2. Jacqui

This long-running conflict has been an issue for us since Tall Ships. And we are not happy. She’s been hasn’t even had the courtesy to reply to our emails etc. about payment for our commission in the summer. And she’s never at panto meetings, so I haven’t seen her to ask her directly. DOUBLE BOO!
Cara is going to be seeing her soon and will speak to her then.

Enough bad news.

3. Lauren Peterson

We got an email asking if we want to be involved in making a documentary about Poverty, Social Exclusion and Deprivation in Shetland. Now before you all run away screaming, hear this out: there will be a PROFESSIONAL film company helping - so, it’s more like work experience. And, we only need a few people to be interested, which we’ve got.

4. Film nights/gigs

An idea came up to have a variety concert type thing with Maddrim, Comet Conspiracy, PK kids all together! This is actually feasible too :)

5. MJ’s improv. film

We’re going to rehearse next week in Maddrim time, and on the 19^th from 12-5 in Islesburgh all the equipment will be available for

Filming: 21^st and 22^nd, 5-9, Garrison. I’ve emailed the scripts :D

EDITING...finally.

Do you like Youtube?
YEAH!
Well, go to these channels for super-duper special effects in use AND How-to videos.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CorridorDigital

http://www.youtube.com/user/samandniko

But first – before editing – Willem tells us of the 3 important rules:

1.       Get a good crew, it makes all the difference between an alright and an aaaawesome film

2.       Sound. Willem says this is the highest priority in filming. Watch short films without looking and you’ll see! It makes some sense really.

3.        Film everything at least 3 times. At college, Willem had to film everything 10 times. TEN. That’s crazy...but it means you have better versions of footage and more to play around with when editing.

Now, this, my friends, is Final Cut Pro.

Drag your clips from the Clip Bin to the Editing Bar to get started!

Razor Tool: (B) cuts your clip into itty bitty pieces!

Arrow: (A) means you can drag the itty bitty pieces wherever you want. Handy, eh?

Effects Tab:

Including greenscreen (good for people and skintones) and bluescreen (good for everything else).

Effects can be found HERE (for free!) à http://www.detonationfilms.com/Stock_Directory.html

Video:  the bar closest to the top takes priority.

Audio: all the bars play so that you can layer sounds.

Motion: Centre/anchor points are useful in getting special effects to move though your film.

Special effects work on an animation basis.

Willem: “So what do you know about animation?”

MJ: “It’s not real.”

...yea...point taken on board...

MJ: “Can we put the ball of fire in italics?”

...sure....

Someone: “Enough nipple talk!”

*sigh* And I thought that, for a while, we’d feigned maturity pretty well.

Also, Willem has kindly offered assistance if anyone needs help – just email or phone him. Thanks for everything Willem!

And to finish, a brilliant little video entitled “Visual Effects: 100 Years of Inspiration”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP_hAszQPgk

Katya

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Maddrim Minutes 17/10/11

Present: Cara, Ceidiog, Chloe W, Katya

Not so many attendees today :( Too many people away on HOLIDAYS...tsk tsk tsk. No matter, we made a fabulous advert...

But first, Cara reminded us about the Volunteering Award ceremony, which is on the 25^th, and that we need to pick 4 representatives to go. I was thinking that since, as far as I know, www.maddrim.com is still not fixed we should make a poll on Craig’s Maddrim website to decide who gets to go.

And, Kathy has offered to give us money in exchange for tutorials for people who use Shetland Arts’ cameras. Ah, Kathy, what would we do without her?

So, the purpose of the meeting – Advertising.

First, we looked at adverts that displayed various persuasive techniques and had a variety of different tones etc. So, after a terribly depressing tangent about car crashes that somehow managed to worm its way into conversation, we decided to lighten the mood and get going!

Out of the bag of random stuff Cara brought, the Racoon Hat was selected as our product. Oh yes, there is indeed such thing as a Racoon Hat.

So, we considered the Vital Questions:

Who is your target audience? Predominantly young people who are not serious or dull.

What is it that you are trying to advertise? A Racoon Hat

Why would someone want it? Why WOULDN’T you want one? They’re pretty damn adorable.

How will you persuade them to buy it? We decided to play on the cute/light-hearted/comedic route...

These questions are useful when making short films, only think of them instead in terms of conveying emotions, storylines and characters etc.

Our film basically consisted of Ceidiog sneaking around Islesburgh – wearing the hat – and acting as if he was an actual racoon (much to the amusement of the general public). He then stole from me, Cara and Chloe, but of course we couldn’t see him because the hat made him SO SNEAKY. He then takes off his hat, we finally notice him and exclaim in surprise, finishing with a final shot of Ceidiog sauntering off and flinging the hat over his shoulder...captioned “Walk on the Wild Side!”

Note- this WILL be edited and uploaded. And that’s a wrap!

Some of the best adverts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzRKEv6cHuk Levi’s (this is a Maddrim favourite - a stop-motion masterpiece!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4vkVHijdQk Google Chrome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-6njVFEq2A Polo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdkcsDueSMM&feature=player_profilepage Twining’s

Katya

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Minutes 10/10/11

Present: Cara, Shaela, Mareel, Marjolein, Ceidiog, Joe, Eilidh, Willem, Chloe W, Barnum, Mathew, Peter, Katya. e.g - lots of people!

We had an AGENDA today. I have to say, Maddrim is turning into quite the organised little group!

So...

We got the “bad news” first – First Light funding is impossible for us to get. We’d basically have to write a ridiculously detailed report on EACH 90 sec ninja short – to the extent of including CVs and stuff. So, no. But that’s ok! There are plenty of other pots of money that we’re going to try for instead. Maybe next year...

Numero 2:

My notes say “Email Jacqui!!!!” with a lot of intense underlining to help me remember. I’ll go do that. Right now.

...

Okay, well that’s that done. Now to wait...I’ve asked her politely whether we’ll can get some money for our Tall Ships commission, because then we are much closer to buying a camera of our own, which would be SO COOL.

Next Workshop! - Monday, Islesburgh, yes: reminders will be sent as per usual.

This will be the Advert Workshop that we’ve apparently already had, way back in the dawn of time, and was good fun! Marjolein has an idea for a ridiculously OTT version of the Galaxy advert. (Y)

I think Willem will bring his camera too. 

This week’s weird anomaly in my notes whose origins I don’t understand:

“Plane sponge. do do do”

Ninja Academy!

We added some more ideas, delegated them, and went into threes to develop them. I even saw some STORYBOARDING :D (This makes me happy, if no one else).

We were wondering if we could make us of an actual Chinese restaurant for our Noodle Competition and Canteen scenes. Which reminds me, I’ll speak to Ellen from Baroc...

NOODLE PIE! *over-excitement*

Oh, and we want the school bell to be a massive gong. (Not cymbals.)

The deadline for properly developed ideas is the 24^th. Filming soon! :D

And, Liam (one of the PK people) has gotten back to me saying that some of his friends were interested in taking part – this would be brilliant as they can do fancy impressive ninja-like moves that we are, sadly, incapable of...but we can learn! (Totally...)

Think that’s everything!

See ya,

Katya

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Maddrim Minutes 28/09/11

Present: Marjolein, Chloe W, Shaela, Mareel, Craig, Joe, Cara and Katya.

Okay dokey, well, this was the first meeting that I took myself. *Excitement*

And, we welcomed Craig, who’s interested in helping out with the technical website side of things that we know very little about. In fact, since the meeting he’s gotten a new website up and running! It’s a work in progress; here’s the address: http://maddrimedia.wordpress.com/

We need a good ol’ project to get working on and get FILMED. This would keep up momentum as well as help maintain the attendance and recruitment drive. See below!

NEW: Ninja Academy

A fabulous idea that came from mid-air – courtesy, if memory serves, that was spontaneously suggested by Shaela. Good going! This is the idea we’ve split up and delegated some pieces to members to “flesh out” and work on the planning stages as described by Chris and Cara’s workshop the week before.

Basically, we want to do a collection of super short films about a ninja school. Our brainstorming was hilarious – non-attendees missed out!  But, f you want to add an idea, just send me an email on the Maddrim account, and feel free to develop unclaimed ideas below:

1. Breakfast scene: Our character is getting ready for school – using every opportunity to karate-chop! Including when doing tasks as menial as getting a spoon for his cereal. (Shaela)
2. Establishing characters: We want to incorporate as many different cliques as possible! Namely emo ninjas, cheerleader ninjas, geeky ninjas (casually calculating projectile motion, of course), chav ninjas, twi-hard ninjas, gleek ninjas (Chloe W), a gay ninja and a “Magnie” Shetland ninja. Details may be revealed AT MEETINGS. No big spoilers here, m’afraid.
3. Class: A favourite character accidently stumbles in where he doesn’t belong. Known as the “WRONG SCHOOL!” scene. Any guesses? (Katya)
4. Quest: As part of his qualification, our ninja has to complete a rescue. Will he succeed? (MJ)
5. Canteen: Noodles, noodles and more noodles. NOTHING else. Oh, and conventional cutlery is out of the question.
6. “How to Disguise your Weapon”
7. Chaos in Home Ec.

Joe’s Series

This is a project that we’ll have to plan more and need longer to make, so we can work on other stuff (a.k.a. Ninja Academy...) simultaneously. A plot has yet to be decided, so suggestions are welcomed! The idea is to create characters that are so developed we can just put them into situations. And, there is a rough plan to follow for the 6 episodes that will make up the series. (More bullet points :D)

            Episode 1: Introduces characters and is full of emotion to hook the viewer.

            Episode 2: Not too serious, and shows that a sequel is just as good as the first
            episode!

Episode 3: Builds emotional connection between the characters and the viewer, and puts the plot into motion. Shown from an interesting perspective.

Episode 4: Big Event! In Joe’s words: “Shit goes down”. Very OMG.

Episode 5: The Aftermath of the Big Event. Not as exciting as 4, but with a twist.

Episode 6: Keeps up excitement – with loose ends or rounded off nicely, or an intriguing mix...

MJ and I still want to do our films, the “Devil’s Gate” idea and “The Last Viking”...On that note, if anyone wants to be a Viking (Yeah! Sure you do!), or has a boat I can burn (so I don’t have to wait till UHA) then let me know, pretty pretty please.

Autumn Leaves

Joe’s film was shortlisted for the “Discovery Youth Screen Award” National Competition!!! We’re getting mentioned on Radio Shetland – haha, we’re getting famous! Seriously, big congrats and thanks to everyone who contributed to the film :) Have a look: http://www.shetland.gov.uk/news-advice/MaddrimShortlistedforNationalFilmAward.asp

And remember, there will be a writing workshop on Maddrim Monday (Yay alliteration!)

See ya there!

Katya

x

Minutes 07/09/11

Present: Harry, Chris, Joe, Roseanne, Cara, Martha, Katya, Chloe W, Marjolein, Ceidiog, Freya and Peter. 

Well. As you may have seen on Facebook this was a very INTENSE meeting. In fact, despite our hastily scribbled agenda that appeared disorganised, we spoke about some pretty important and deep stuff.

1. Congratulations!
 As a nice start to the meeting we spoke about the successes of this year’s ScreenPlay. We certainly showed “quality not quantity”: the films were undoubtedly much more professional than in 2010 and seemed well appreciated by the (almost) full house. Also, Mark Kermode really enjoyed new Maddrim attendee Marjolein’s contribution to the festival – a documentary investigating the Adam Heart Appreciation Society and starring John Haswell as the Chairman of the group. Well Done!

Also, to avoid the situation of Lost Cake Film Tapes reappearing in future films, Cara has taken on the role of Tape Person. Basically, she will keep an eye on all the tapes and look after them.

I now have written in my notes “Ware-horse!” I’m not sure what this means...

 2. Nomination 
Avril Nicol has put us forward for a youth volunteering award! This is the same one that we went for last year but didn’t win. So, fingers crossed, and thanks to Avril for appreciating us :D There will be a ceremony on the 25th of October to see who wins the awards.

Cara also took Martin’s place in the meeting and is actually being PAID to go to Maddrim. She told us about the Youth Achievement Award. More and more universities are recognising this as a way to choose between students with similar grades on their applications. We, as Maddrimers, can get Silver awards; we get to decide our own 15 hour challenges to complete. And we can backdate the whole past year’s efforts. And in the end we’ll get a lovely certificate. AND a party! I like the sound of this. There will be a meeting with Cara to discuss the award in Islesburgh on Monday from 6 if anyone’s interested :)

3. Tall Ships 
Jacqui hasn’t paid us yet for our Tall Ships film. Oh dear. Cara’s on the case and will give her an email reminder. However, we’re not sure how much we’re due as our commission was changed from two films down to one.

4. Recruitment 
This is important for Maddrim’s future as we’re lack new and younger members that will keep the group growing after everyone else gets too old. After much discussion, we decided we will actively focus our time and energy on this in the next few months until Christmas. Our conclusion was to get film-related workshops up and running in order to encourage new people to come and have a go, which will also help current Maddrimers learn vital skills that they might not posses, or, indeed, improve those they do. Since now Maddrim has made a name for itself, we’ll be able to maintain our reputation and keep the quality of our films up.

Workshop ideas were:
• Filming Masterclass – hopefully happening on the 21st, thanks to Chris and Cara, to help with the basics of filming.
• Script Writing
• Editing
• Premier Pro
• Sound + Sound Editing
• Lighting
• Jib and Steady Cam
• Greenscreen and After effects
• Mareel Digital projection screening (when the building actually opens!)
• Repetition film – to write a short film, make it, edit it, and repeat the process with the same short film to track progress and improvement.
• Recreate – take a small section or scene from a favourite film and try to recreate it as closely as possible. 

Chris: “CAN WE GET A GIANT CONFETTI CANNON AS WELL?!” Ummm...

 We thought we might need some help with this colossal list. Jono Sandilands may be willing to offer assistance if we asked nicely, and as we saw from the music video he collaborated on at ScreenPlay this would be helpful! Also, Lorcan and Roseanne have gained useful wisdom at university that is relevant to producing films. And, next summer filmmaker Tim Barrow might be resident in the Isles for two weeks. If this becomes more concrete we could ask him for some tips. Providing transport to workshops etc. would be useful as well, as this would encourage people to come along from more obscure parts of the islands *Accursed lack of decent public transport!*

5. Equipment 
On Monday some of us will go to Shetland Arts to see what equipment is available and what we would like to get for ourselves. Here is the brainstormed list of possible purchases that will be revised:

• Video SLR Canon 7D camera - costing about £1300 - Ouch. But if/when we do get this, we will need to keep it safe, in a distinctively SAFE place. Youth Services and Mareel were suggested, and lending it out to others is also a possibility.
• Camera Bag
• Microphones and boom
• Dolly (although there are internet tutorials so you can build your own! DIY Maddrim time?)
• Steady cam So, what we need to do is FUNDRAISE.

6. Future Ideology 
Ideology, according to Collins: a body of ideas that reflects the beliefs and interests of a nation, political system etc. and underlies political action. Agreed Chris?

This was the intense part. Older generations are leaving – should there be a distinction made between the newer members and the graduates? And, if so, how?

Joe voiced that he would be worried that a distinction would create a gap between the more experienced and less members, since the older members compromise – NO, COMPRISE – most of Maddrim. He also said that the line would be unclear to draw, as he would consider himself right between the two groups. Chris said however that we would all be clearer in our heads about what we’re doing and where we stand in the group. Distinction might help make sure that less-comfortable-with –film-making members, such as myself, don’t have the “Oh, well when the uni people get back (then they can sort us out)...” mindset because we would have to contribute more ourselves to keep the group going. Another point is that sometimes Maddrim members sometimes make films individually, or without actual Maddrim much involved – should they still be under the Maddrim umbrella?

While defining positions might boost motivation and responsibility, division might harmfully separate the group. But, as this is a topic that we are quite divided on we’ll leave it till Christmas. This will give everyone to make up their minds and decide what they would like to do about it.

 I got absorbed into the debate and hugs and forgot to write for a tad. Bad Katya. If there’s anything vital I’ve forgotten let me know  :)

 We also thought to try to include other forms of media, i.e. music and drama. This could happen because most Maddrimers are involved in other artsy things. For example, Maddrim is planning to film a music video for young local all girl band “Comet Conspiracy” in the near future.

 Maddrim tee-shirts are to be thought about in Christmas.

7. Future Ideas & Projects
Joe: A six part mini-series of 5 minute films. This would be a collaboration that would bring the whole group together.
Freya: Filming Live Events. Although from past experience this is supposed to be boring and not worth it. :L
Marjolein: A film involving Devil’s Gate, in which Marjolein is very up herself and talks about re-achieving her “peak” in life. She collaborates with Dirk who wants to make a scary film, they hire a PA and bully her mercilessly. The arrive at Devil’s Gate to create their masterpiece when it is demolished before their eyes. PA – “Thank God!”
Roseanne: The Waiting Room. A film that shows two people in hospital waiting rooms worrying about their loved ones. A young man is waiting on his wife who is having a caesarean section and an old lady whose husband is having major heart surgery. Both have difficulties in surgery and it becomes clear that one will die. In the end, the baby dies and the wife and old man survive :’(
Chris: The Man who Touches People and Then They Dance Until They Die. On a similar vein to The Man who is Always on Fire.
Ceidiog: The Cup Film. Yes, Ceidiog, this is happening.
24 hour film: Would be a great opening for next year’s ScreenPlay.

Next meeting is the 21st – which will hopefully be a Workshop! – hope you can make it :)
Apologies for writing ridiculously long minutes, just skim if it’s all too much :P

Thanks,
Katya
x

Minutes from meeting 08/06/2011 - ideas that will change your life

Meeting 08/06/2011

 Present: Joe, Lorcan, Katya, Roseanne, Chloe, Chloe, Emma, Eamonn

Joe began the meeting with use of the word “pontificating”; a sure sign that great things were ahead.

First up was the discussion of two recent emails; one was a proposal for Maddrim to join a new project, the other a reply to the Moving Image Archive proposal. The new project pitch was asking Maddrim to take part in filming various monologues that envision a future Shetland, with roughly a dozen or so monologues being filmed throughout the summer. Although it sounded like an excellent project, we came to the decision that our time was simply too limited during the critical Screenplay months to be able to spare any time.

We are in the process of arranging a meeting with Joanne to discuss the talks for the Moving Image Archive project further. In her reply she said that we can take on as many talks as we are able, and that time is similarly flexible.

 Lorcan has suggested that all Maddrim films be dubbed this year (particularly dialogue, and also diegetic sounds). We agree that it’s about time we forayed into these unknown waters. Lighting is also something we should use more of this year. For some excellent tutorials on such subjects, watch this guy: http://www.youtube.com/user/polcan99. We’re also going to try filming the majority of our films in HD this year, partly because it looks cool, and partly because messing with the settings of the cameras in order to film in SD makes transferring footage an unhappy affair, and Jono may not always be there to save us.

Discussion turned to the cup film, where we got slightly distracted reminiscing about our favourite mugs from childhood. Lorcan told us about his retro Harry Potter mug from before the movies, through which he has managed to hone his hot-chocolate making skillz. The colour of the cup for the film was then discussed, which led to Roseanne sharing the wonderful adobe tool called “kuler” (http://kuler.adobe.com/). It’s a tool that allows you to create colour schemes for projects, examples of works that have used kuler can be seen by clicking on the “community” link on the webpage. Thinking about the set colours of a film can add that extra pizzazz – Amélie for instance uses the colours of red, green and yellow, and if Amélie isn’t a film with pizzazz, well I don’t know what is.

Again there was a slight interruption for the sake of nostalgia, where we watched Froot – The New Fragrance and The Chad Miller Show (yeah I put those in italics, no big deal). Mhairi was white with grief!

We got back on track and agreed to try and film some of the cup film next Wednesday. However, Ceidiog still needs to be contacted about this, and Roseanne now has to attend a meeting in Lerwick and will have to be there on the two bus from Sandwick... so this proposed time may need to be rescheduled.

We discussed filming dates for Autumn Leaves. Kathy has been contacted about when the Bonhoga is free, so Joe will hopefully be able to find a date then.

Then we watched a seahorse giving birth. It was awful. Although Chloe found it hilarious...

We remembered briefly that we still have to film “Mhairi! Barry! Larry! Steve.” NEVER FORGET.

THEN we had a truly awesome idea. It would be a shame if you missed the meeting because it literally changed my life for the better. Sadly I am not at the discretion to reveal the idea. It was damn good though *sighs happily*.

...

Just kidding! If you have been a Maddrim member for a while, you may be familiar with the make a film in 24 hours idea that’s been kicking around. During discussion of the mockumentary, Joe suggested filming it alongside an actual film that was getting made. We decided to combine the two ideas into ONE IDEA OF MEGA EXCELLENCE. I don’t want to reveal any spoilers to our massive fanbase who religiously read our minutes *cough* so the rest of the details will go in the body of the email.

We had a brief rant about facebook being silly and sucky (I’m sure you’ve all noted the commenting as an Admin problem on the Maddrim page).

If people could email us when they’re going on holiday, we’ll be able to create some kind of calendar that will show us people’s availability during the filming schedule for June and July.

Ta very much

Roseanne x

Minutes for Christmas Special 2009!

Greetings Maddrimers! Through a temporary and exciting(?) change of personnel, your minutes are being written by me, Roseanne!

The evening kicked off with our routine name and fact game, a custom dating back to the club’s very beginnings, though perhaps was not received with as much enthusiasm as in the olden days of media-club yore (excuse me while I take a deep draw upon my smoking pipe and in a wheezy voice reminisce about the Good Old Days When Maddrimers Enjoyed The Name And Fact Game.) Consequently, the name and fact game was diluted to just the “name game” as we were very short on time, as there were SIXTEEN of us present to partake in the excellent tradition of: The Maddrim Christmas Special.

There was momentary panic when it became apparent that a dreadful miscommunication had occurred between Jenna and Joe and we found ourselves to be entirely camera-less. Luckily, Willem seemed to have anticipated such a disastrous occurrence and had brought with him his Sony Handycam. Three cheers for Willem!

Then it was decided that we would split into two groups and each would have 40minutes each with the camera to make a festive film. The splitting up of groups was a complicated business, which involved deciding mechanisms such as us lining up according to trouser colour, which was soon deemed too complex due to the time consuming nature of judging the gradients of denim, and also the risk that those wearing skirts (i.e me, the skirt wearing girly girl that I am) would be excluded from the exercise. Finally, it was decided we would line up according to height, and the one-two-one-two technique decided the two groups. We witnessed some rather unpleasant shortophobia from Group One, who happened to contain several of Maddrim’s taller members, but once again the proceeding films proved that quality is dependant on teamwork and friendship, not height.

Since Group 2 finished planning their film first they claimed first go on the camera, and what a first class film they made! Members decided it would be in everybody’s best interest if a Maddrim-esque rendition of that old classic, the story of the nativity, was made.

Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear.

After some questionable casting, that saw Ceidiog once again playing the prominent lead-female role (as the Virgin Mary herself), a plot was thrown together that was both hilarious and entirely blasphemous, the consequences of which will probably result in the eternal damnation of all members of Group 2. There were great performances from all, and a certain twist at the end that saw three minute old baby Jesus battle the evil king Herod and his…er… stick.

Yup. Eternal damnation is imminent.

After completing their film Group 2 went to Tesco to purchase fizzy pop and chocolate. Group 1 set to work on their Christmassy masterpiece. It was a grand affair indeed, with a plot said to truly embody the spirit of Christmas with cake and presents and a little bit of gangsta. Some green face paint applied to “Wiggles” and the character of Mr G.Rinch was born, except he couldn’t really be bothered to steal the Christmas they had invented. Chris became a gangsta and showed off his mad gangsta skills, Keith was type-cast as a hobo based purely upon his looks (I suffer the same fate with these silent moody roles Keith, I must go around looking like I’m a Seriously Woesome Mute). The film was “quickly wrapped up” (pun supplied by Chris).

 Upon the arrival of Group 2 a party began, Jenna had kindly brought cake for us and we remarked upon the general inappropriateness of the picture on the side of the cake box, which depicted a slice of cake with an unfortunate piece of the iced santa. The word “castrated” springs to mind. Then there was a group photo, worrisome pouring of ginger beer and pink lemonade (an unusal selection of drinks for an unusual selection of people). Of course, there was laughter too, but that is a common feature of all Maddrim meetings!

Next week we shall be discussing the Anne Cleeves competition more thoroughly, so bring as many ideas as you like! Think hard about what Shetland means to you. Anne says on her blog that she is looking for a film that displays “the kind of insight only a local could give” and definitely doesn’t want anything that appears too “touristy”. This doesn’t mean it can’t be a comedy or parody though! It’d be nice to see a few serious film ideas in there too, just for some variety :)

So, until next Wednesday, Viva la Maddrim! Viva la Maddrimers! Viva la Platinum Members! *does secret platinum membership handshake – even though it has yet to be invented*

Roseanne

Minutes: 16th September 2009

Maddrim Meeting
16th September 2009

Present (in order of fact game!): Ceidiog, Chole, Eilidh, Joe, Keith, Ray, Chris, Susan, Mathew, Freya, Willem, Martin, Jenna

Business

First of all, we played the fact game (hoorah!). We learned a lot about each other. For example, Ceidiog had pizza for his breakfast (FREAK). Martin introduced us to himself (for those new dudes) and then introduced us to Jenna the new Martin! (Which signals that media club is coming up to it’s FOURTH year?!??)

Chris told us all about memberships and the perks of a platinum membership. Everyone took home membership packs except Eilidh who I forgot to give one to at the bus stop.

Then we moved on to the fun things!

Pleasure

The evening was a bit of a test run, to see how a brief filmmaking workshop would pan out as we plan to have a large one on Wednesday the 30th of September. We split into two groups to make films based around the common theme ‘rolls’.

Group 1 (Willem, Joe, Mathew, Eilidh, Ceidiog and Keith) made a film that involved a roll with a hole. I didn’t see anything else. Maybe these minutes will be edited in the near future? Who knows!

Group 2 (Chris, Chole, Susan, Ray and Freya) made a riveting tale of love, rolls, rings, robbing and many other snazzy sounding words.

It was decided that these films would be put on the new “CrapMaddrim” YouTube page (the unofficial poor movies one...) and you can view them soon for your pleasure. Remember that they are not designed to be high quality...

Everyone agreed that the workshop went well and will be better with more cameras, more time and more props. No major changes planned for the big one.

Upcoming

The next meeting for Maddrim is on Wednesday the 30th of September from 6-9 in Room 9 in Iselsburgh. Tell your friends! And enemies! Tell everyone! Before then Chris is going to Anderson High to play films at lunchtimes in the WOW (I am told it must be spelt with only capitals) on Friday the 25th and Monday the 28th of September. He will also get some posters made up and distributed. Good work Chris! He’s the man.

By Chris