FIAT/FOCAL Summer School July 1 - 5, 2002

The University of East Anglia was the starting point for our week. David Cleveland, the director of the East Anglian film archive and his colleagues, gave us an outline of the week in store. We were an eclectic mix of students; Eric, Ole and Bente from Danish TV/Radio, Gunilla from the National Film and Sound archive in Sweden, Louise, a producer/researcher from Canada, Jarmo who worked in IT for Finnish television, Maggie, consultant from St Albans, Marinda from BBC Northern Ireland and myself from the National Maritime Museum's film archive.

Our two days at the University were fascinating. We learnt about the complex history of film and television and developments through the twentieth century and beyond. Hands on learning was the order of the day, David was very brave to let us try the magic lantern, which had we stopped turning the handle would have burnt the precious film irretrievably. We were taught how to splice and mend broken film, how to wind on benches and how not too. David was ever the patient teacher and his enthusiasm was infectious. The two days flew by and we left Norwich with a real understanding of the technical complexities and care needed to conserve these unparalleled records of history.

Our time in London was spent at the annual FOCAL International Copyright Conference and visiting a myriad of locations, naturally all linked by their relationships to film and television. Arriving by coach we visited the fascinating National Film and TV archive in Birkhamstead, British Movietonews in Denham, and Canal Plus in Pinewood Studios. We also visited the Recall Eisenhower Centre storage facility and the BBC and ITN News Archives. Each location was extremely welcoming, showing us their daily operations, sending us away reeling with the sheer number and quality of their holdings.

Thursday evening was spent on HMS Belfast, at the FOCAL social evening. This proved a fantastic opportunity to network and impress the gathering with fancy footwork on the dance floor; special mention must go to Anne Johnson and Eric of Danish TV and their merengue.

From personal experience the FIAT/FOCAL summer school was a privilege to attend. Extremely well organised and structured it was ideal for an overview of the complex world of film and television. It was a great opportunity to make new friends, however I do have one complaint, the week went far too quickly!!!

Amanda Mayne
Visual Media Manager
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.