Wednesday 25 November 2009

Xmas lights switch on's...

Sunderland, Andover, Preston and then Sheffield...totally cream crackered after 4 days on the road!

Just some clips from a couple of the switch on's...

Preston with Jamie Archer


Sheffield with Beverley Knight


and Cheshire Oaks the week before...note the little light tubes the kids were waving...some decided these made good missiles - should get danger money really!

Sunday 8 November 2009

It's been a while...

I know...but it has been so busy - which I guess is a good thing given the current climate, but the downside is I haven't had a minute to catch my breath. The run up to Christmas isn't going to see any let up either.

This week I've been to Hull and Sunderland filming various events and next week sees me down in Stoke and Cheshire Oaks and then the week after Sunderland again, Andover and Sheffield in that order!

In between all that filming, I've also quite a lot of editing to do... and that's before we get to December...needless to say my blog posts may be a bit sparse over the next couple of months. Roll on the Christmas break!

Monday 19 October 2009

Stop Press...we did it!

Press release from the IOV...

Local video production company wins prestigious IOV Award

The IOV (Institute of Videography) announced the winners of their annual awards on 14th October at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. The IOV Awards cover six key areas of video production, namely Best Corporate, Best Wedding Day Film, Best Documentary, Best Film, Best Music Video and Best Open - and are freely open to all IOV members. In addition, a new award was introduced this year for Best Overall Production.

Chris Dell of ABC Video Facilities Ltd, based in Leyland, Lancashire was awarded third place in the Corporate category against extremely tough competition. With over 1,000 members throughout Europe, the IOV Awards has fast become the leading showcase of talent in professional videography and attracts sponsorship from the leading manufacturers and suppliers to the industry.

Presented by former Tomorrow’s World star, Maggie Philbin, the Oscar-style ceremony took place alongside the IOV’s Annual Convention held in the Jaguar Halls at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Almost all the short-listed entrants were in attendance, and as the final running order is not announced until the night it creates a wonderfully exciting atmosphere for all participants.

Chris recieving his award...

Their entry, Adventure Play, was one of only five short-listed titles within the Corporate category – which is a significant achievement in itself. Judges were not only looking for exceptional video production standards, but also originality and creative flair which demonstrate the value to customers of commissioning a professional videographer.

Chris Dell and ABC Video Facilities Ltd are tremendously proud of their achievement in the IOV Awards and look forward to the additional exposure that IOV Award winners receive each year. IOV Administrator, Kevin Cook, commented on ABC Video’s award, “The IOV Awards get tougher and tougher each year as the general standards in video production rise. To win an IOV Award is a significant accomplishment indeed. I’m really pleased for Chris Dell at ABC Video Facilities Ltd and hope that this achievement will generate more commissions for Chris in the coming year.”

More details about the IOV and its annual awards are available from their website – www.iov.com. Site visitors can request a membership information pack, study guides on commissioning a video – and search the IOV’s database of accredited members.

All the Winners...

And this was the winning entry...

Sutcliffe Play Corporate DVD - Adventure Playgrounds from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.

Thursday 1 October 2009

Leanne & Tom's Wedding Highlights...

Just had time to upload one of this years weddings to our Vimeo web site... It was filmed at the end of May on one of the few sunny days we had this year.

Leanne and Tom Wedding Highlights from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.

The service was held at Inglewhite Church followed by a reception at Stanley House.

Sunday 27 September 2009

Looking forward to a weekend off...

Next weekend...I hope!

Having worked continuously, 7 days a week, since getting back off holiday in August, I'm really looking forward to putting my feet up...

This weekend however, we've been at Shrigley Hall for Gemma and Mike's wedding on Saturday...and then this morning it was a trip to the Trafford Centre to film a message to staff from Daniel one of the directors at Beaverbrooks. I made the mistake of taking Julie with me this time to help out...ooops...she was very taken with the jewellery. She particularly liked the new Colours collection! Not a good move really...given it's her birthday next weekend :-)

Saturday 19 September 2009

Wedding Fair Reminder...Beeston Manor

Just a quick reminder that we will be at the Beeston Manor Wedding Fair on Sunday 20th September. The doors open at 11.00am with catwalk shows at 12.00noon and 2.00pm.



Why not come along and have a look around Beeston Manor and see for yourself the The Ribble Valley's newest venue for Weddings, Conferences and Events.

Built out of trees recycled from Beeston Wood, stone extracted from the Beeston Quarry, even the wardrobes in the bedrooms have been built from timber recycled from tumbledown farm buildings.

You can also chat to all the different exhibitors there and pick up one of our sample DVD's as well.

See you there...

Tuesday 15 September 2009

Seeing double at the Waxworks....news footage

The footage that I shot at the Waxworks appeared in a couple of the Granada News bulletins...they were actually quite good pieces.

Seeing double at the Waxworks... from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.



It is quite satisfying when you can get some of your work on the local news...

Saturday 12 September 2009

One Wedding, One Wedding Fair and a Freedom Festival in Hull...

What a fantastic day it was today for a wedding and what a setting - St Peter's Church at Stoneyhurst College, set in some of Lancashire's most beautiful countryside...to say it was idyllic would be understatement!

Louise and Rob certainly had fortune looking down on them today as we were blessed with one of the nicest days we have had all summer.Unfortunately Julie forgot her camera...so you'll have to wait until I've edited the footage to see some of the gorgeous shots we filmed. Although John Hornby who was the photographer today (and also a friend of ours) did offer to e-mail us some of his photos, so watch this space...

But I guess she can be forgiven after the hectic week we have had, both with work and also the kids going back to school after the summer break. There were a couple of mad dashes to shops for trainers, football boots and trousers...mainly due to Alex have had a mad growing spurt these last couple of months. He's now in age 15 trouser with a 31" inside leg ...and he's only 13!!!

This weekend is also a bit hectic... after the wedding today, I'm up in the early hours to travel over to Hull, for a 7.30am start, filming the Freedom Festival there for Big TV. And whilst I'm over in Hull, Julie will be at the wedding fair at Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa.


Sunday, 13th September 2009
Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa Wedding Fayre
12.00noon 4.00pm

Thursday 3 September 2009

Seeing double at the Waxworks....

A busy couple of days ahead as this weekend sees two major arrivals at Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, Blackpool, with Ricky Hatton and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen dropping in to the promenade attraction to officially unveil their models.

Louis Tussaud's Waxworks, Blackpool from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.

I'll be there today and tomorrow filming both of them...with the footage going off to both Granada and the BBC. The LEP has also been in touch for some of the footage for their website - so watch this space!

Both models are over six months in the making and were cast in person late last year by model maker Mike Conroy who has been working round the clock to finish both in time for the illuminations switch on this weekend.

Each model has been sculpted, painted and finished including the individual insertion of each strand of hair which is a process that takes weeks. The models cost up to £100,000 each to produce and Ricky has asked that another one is specially created to take up residence in his games room at home.

Ricky will take his rightful place centre stage in the new ‘Sporting Greats’ area of the five floor attraction. A specially created boxing ring has been created and built so that fans can have their photo taken with the ‘Hitman’.

Laurence also has a set dedicated to him as the king of interior style. A purpose built room has been created containing many home style accessories from his own range and gives lots of opportunities for visitors to capture a picture of themselves and the model in a backdrop that wouldn’t look out of place in OK! Magazine.

“This is the result of months of investment in planning, sculpting and paying minute attention to detail to get the models exactly right ahead of these unveilings,” said Matthew Titherington, General Manager, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks.He continues, “Most people can only dream of stepping into the ring with Ricky or relaxing in sumptuous surroundings with Laurence. Now our visitors will be able to do both and capture the moment on camera. We are delighted with the finished result and know that both will be real crowd pleasers. It’s also great that both have made time in their busy schedules to come and unveil the models in person.”

Tuesday 1 September 2009

Videographers sent to Coventry!

Every October, thousands of budding filmmakers, videographers and corporate producers make their way to the new and impressive Ricoh Arena, Coventry. They gather there for the Institute of Videography’s (IOV) Annual Convention & Trade Exhibition - to attend seminars on the craft and business of videography, view the very latest video technology and enjoy the excitement of the gala IOV Awards Ceremony.

The video production industry has continued to grow in recent years - despite the recession. Boosted by the increasing demand for online content, coupled with a growing public recognition of the benefits of having business and domestic events recorded professionally, the industry is set to expand at an even greater pace now there are signs that the economic climate is changing for the better.

ABC Video Facilities Ltd is one of those making the trip this year. “It’s a great event to attend for a number of reasons. The trade exhibition enables us to get up to speed with the latest technology and best practices, but also the networking opportunities are equally important to us. We often work in isolation in this industry so it’s great to get out and meet other like-minded professionals.”

This year as well Chris Dell (ABC Video Facilities Ltd) has been shortlisted for the IOV Corporate Video Production 2009 for his corporate video ‘Adventure Play’ produced for leading playground designer Sutcliffe Play on behalf of local award winning PR Company MTJ Associates Ltd. The winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on the evening of 14th October.

Now in its second year at the Ricoh, the IOV’s Annual Convention & Trade Exhibition (IOV2009) is being held on 14th & 15th October. IOV2009 will once again provide an opportunity for its exhibitors to showcase and sell the latest video technology and supplies. It will also host a compelling range of seminars, IOV award-winning film screenings and other social events for those from all avenues of professional video production.

Entrance to the trade exhibition hall is free to visitors who pre-register. The registrationform is available to complete online at - www.iov.com/convention. Further details are available from event organisers, IOV Focus, on +44 (0) 20 8502 3817 or by email to
kevin.cook@iov.co.uk.

Thursday 27 August 2009

Wedding Fayre dates for 2010...

We've just confirmed 3 more Wedding Fayre dates in the diary and these are at some quite exciting venues.

The first venue is Concorde which is now housed in its own hanger at Manchester Viewing Aviation Park.
In fact, not only will you get to visit the Wedding Fayre and Bridal Show, but you can also book to have your Wedding Service on Concorde itself, as it is now a licensed Wedding Venue. This is a truly spectacular venue for your Wedding Ceremony. For more details on this visit Manchester Airport Weddings. This is the first time that the venue will have held a Wedding Fayre and Bridal Show.

The Wedding Fayre will take place on

Saturday 6th March 2010, 11.00am - 5.00pm
and
Sunday 7th March 2010, 11.00am - 4.00pm

The 3rd date is at The new Hilton Hotel in Liverpool 1 which looks to be another exciting venue for weddings. That Wedding Fayre is set to take place on
Sunday 28th March 2010
12noon - 4.00pm

We hope to see you there...

Wednesday 26 August 2009

Video in Magazines...what next?

Will this revolutionise magazine advertising or will it be another gimmick that will fade after the initial furore....I guess we'll have to wait and see, but it's an interesting concept.



It apparently uses technology similar to the 'singing' greeting cards ~ small screens with integral batteries will run the video as the page is opened.

Sunday 23 August 2009

Wedding Fayres in the North West...

'Tis that time of year again, as the evenings start to draw in but we're not quite ready to think about Christmas, that we spend our evenings and Sundays exhibiting at various wedding fayres throughout the North West.

So, why not come and have a chat to us about your wedding, have a look at our wedding films demo disc and even take a sample DVD home with you to view at your leisure?

We look forward to seeing you at one (or all) of the following...

Sunday, 13th September 2009
Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa Wedding Fayre
12.00noon 4.00pm

Wednesday, 16th September 2009
Garstang Golf & Country Club Wedding Fayre
6.30pm – 9.30pm

Sunday, 20th September 2009
Beeston Manor Wedding Fayre
11.00am – 4.00pm

Sunday, 11th October 2009
Farington Lodge Hotel Wedding Fayre
11.00am – 4.00pm

Sunday, 18th October 2009
Arley Hall & Gardens Wedding Fayre
11.00am – 3.00pm

Friday 21 August 2009

We're back...

After spending a glorious 10 days lazing around the pool in Turkey.

It has been a bit of a shock to the system though coming back from temperatures of 34+ degrees to just 9 degrees on the way home this morning.

We've kept the diary clear though for this weekend so that we can catch up on the mountain of post that was waiting for us as well as all that lovely washing :-(

Still, it was a good break just need to shed those inevitable holiday lbs...

We spent a day sight seeing and took in the ruins at Ephesus...wow, the Romans sure new how to build in style...we where probably still living in mud huts during the same era!


Sunday 9 August 2009

Two great weddings...

Friday 31st July 2009 was the date for Nicola & Glen's wedding at St Mary's in Chorley followed by a reception at Farington Lodge. How lucky were we with the weather? The rain stayed away until everyone was sat down for the wedding breakfast...phew! After the last couple of months that in itself is a miracle...

Here's a few pics Julie took on the day...



The little flower girl twirling in her dress...doesn't she look gorgeous!





Then yesterday, we where at St Andrew's in Longton followed by a reception at Bartle Hall for Nicole and Chris. And what can I say about the weather...hooray...finally a proper summers day!

They had gambled on the weather by having a horse and carriage...but it was worth it as it really looked fantastic. I don't think I've seen a pair of horses quite so good looking as those pulling the carriage yesterday. So that topped with the lovely colours of the dresses and the fine weather...it really set the scene for a beautiful occasion. I've shot some fantastic footage and what a treat at the reception. We had been told that they were going to put some food on for us but little did we know we were actually having the full wedding breakfast! It was hard work carrying on with the filming afterwards.

Friday 7 August 2009

Shortlisted for 2009 IOV Awards - Corporate Video

We have just received confirmation today that we have been shortlisted in the corporate video section for the IOV Awards 2009. Our submission was 'Adventure Play' which is a corporate video that we produced for leading playground designer Sutcliffe Play.


Sutcliffe Play Corporate DVD - Adventure Playgrounds from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.

Now we have to wait until 14th October for the final results to be announced. Fingers crossed...

Monday 3 August 2009

Some photos...

I managed to take on my phone whilst on the last couple of jobs with Big-TV. It gives you an idea of the shear size of the truck and also the view from up top... where I was stood on Sunday! How do I always manage to get myself in such precarious positions?

Sunday 2 August 2009

Day 3 - Ironman UK

Just a quick update before I set out this morning to film on Day 3 of the Ironman UK Event in Bolton.
I'm actually filming on a freelance basis for Big-TV again, but I feel like I have taken part! It's been a gruelling couple of days so far...but then that's all part of the fun.

Back to normality tomorrow...a gentler pace filming at Beaverbrooks and then getting down to some much required editing the rest of the week...my schedule has seen a bit of slippage in recent weeks due to all the filming I've been doing and I need to catch up again!

Tuesday 28 July 2009

What's happened to the blog?

You may well ask as it has been quite a few weeks since I've posted anything. It has however been a very busy few weeks with everything seeming to come in at once.

We started the month with the Meols Hall wedding evening which was a great success and that was closely followed by the filming of the Alison Jameson School of Dance show at the Playhouse in Preston. The following week I was filming at the NHS with a colleague for a corporate film he had been commissioned to do and then it was up to Grimsargh Pre-school for their end of term music concert.

Then, the week after, I was at Lever House Primary School to film Year 6 and Cats - what a fantastic show by the boys and girls in their final performance at Lever House before moving on to high school in September. On the Friday, we where at Gibbon Bridge for Claire and Rob's wedding - it was a brilliant day despite the weather. In between, I was trying to get some editing done and also purchase a new camera - a very nice Sony EX1 - in preparation for offering Blue ray for 2010.

Then, last week was the busiest of all! Tuesday to Friday was spent filming in and around Portpatrick, Stranraer in Wigtownshire and then onto Edinburgh for 'The Gathering' on Saturday and Sunday filming for Big TV. My claim to fame on Saturday has to be filming Prince Charles and Camilla at the opening ceremony - I was less than 15 feet away and had received some strict instructions on how I was allowed to film!

Despite the hectic schedule, I must admit I really enjoy what I do, if for no other reason than the sheer variety of jobs that I undertake...

Monday 6 July 2009

Waxworks video now complete...

We've just finished editing the Louis Tussaud's web video, which is now available on vimeo to view. Some of the content was filmed last year when Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Ricky Hatton came to the waxworks and the rest was filmed over the last couple of weeks. We are still on with the edit for the Tower and Circus video and hope to have that finished very soon.

Take a look and see what you think...

Louis Tussaud's Waxworks, Blackpool from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.



And finally after several weeks of TLC Trinny has finally relaxed and become part of the family...

Sunday 5 July 2009

Has it been hot enough for you?

Well, I have to say, although I usually enjoy the warmer weather, it's much better if you don't have to work..

Last Wednesday we were exhibiting at the very successful Meols Hall wedding evening. The only down side is that we were based in a marquee and the weather as you will remember was very, very hot. Julie and I had to take turns going outside to cool down. That said though, it was an excellent event and we spoke to lots of couples who were looking to get married next year and also in 2011.

Today however, we were grateful for the slightly cooler weather as we were filming the Alison Jameson School of Dance at the Playhouse in Preston. The show went really well and we will be editing the footage over the next few weeks.

The week ahead is also going to be quite busy as I'm out Tuesday and Thursday, filming on a freelance basis for another video company. It is a short DVD for the NHS. Then on Friday I'll be out filming a production for a local preschool.

In between, the time will be taken up with editing Sarah and Dave's wedding. Hopefully I'll also be able to squeeze in a couple of visits to the gym as I need to step up the training for the Manchester 100 bike ride in September. As a practice run I'm also hoping to take part in the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride next weekend...

Editing the following week may well be a problem as I suspect sitting will be an issue!

Monday 29 June 2009

Wedding pages now updated...

Finally managed to update the website wedding pages with our new packages...

Essentials, Classic, Premier and Premier Plus.

Just in time for Meols Hall Wedding Evening...

Sunday 28 June 2009

Wedding Evening...

Just a quick note on the Wedding Evening taking place on Wednesday this week (1st July) at Meols Hall in Southport. It will be in the Tithe Barn and doors open at 6.30pm. A list of exhibitors can be found on the Meols Hall website. It is unusual to have a Wedding Evening at this time of year but I have to say Meols Hall is always a great success with lots of different exhibitors. Pam has strict rules on only allowing one exhibitor for each type of service so that visitors have a lot of variety.

Looking back on last week which was a bit hectic to say the least...

The week was spent editing, filming and looking at new cameras - again! Thursday was a very busy day - the morning was in Manchester reviewing a Panasonic camera and then it was a mad dash through to Blackpool again to film at the tower. We are in the midst of putting together some short web videos for the Blackpool Tower and a couple of their other attractions in the town working in conjunction with their PR Company.

I'll update on the camera situation at a later date as I am still weighing up the pros and cons between the Panasonic and Sony cameras to enable me to expand into Bluray for next year. Although I will still be keeping my trusty Sony DSR450 and the Z1...just adding to the kit with an additional hi-def camera...more money I can hear Julie say!!!

Friday was up at Stoneyhurst College filming a workshop for Heritage Opera. That place is huge...especially when you have to get from one side to the other for the filming!

Saturday we were out filming Gemma & Declan's wedding...thankfully we managed to skip the worst of the weather although the sudden downpour at about 6pm did cause a few concerns...but well done to all the staff at The Pines for sorting that one out so quickly so that the show could go on...

On top of all of this I joined the gym...or should I say we joined the gym - FX Leisure in Leyland (highly recommended). Now the trick is to get the right balance with everything...As you can see from the date of my last post the Blog has slipped down the list of priorities this week and so has the paperwork! We just need a couple more hours in each day then everything will fit in...

Friday 12 June 2009

Waxworks, Blackpool and other work...

Today was spent filming at the Louis Tussuad's Waxworks in Blackpool. We are putting together a short video which will also contain some footage that we shot last year of Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Ricky Hatton modeling for their wax works.

Earlier in the week we spent some time editing a short DVD for Beaverbrooks and also catching up on lots of little jobs that had come in. These included transferring telecine to DVD, DVD duplication, that sort of thing. It's actually taken a couple of days to catch up on them - it's surprising the time they take.

As well as that we have been adding some more content to the website and hope to have some additional pages up on that next week. We've introduced a couple of additional covers for our wedding packages. The Essentials (as named by Steph Ashton) which is our budget cover coming in at £695 and also our Premier Plus at £1450 which has lots of extras in it such as a video diary room. The idea being that we want to be able to provide a variety of packages to cater for the differing requirements of our customers.

In addition to that we have had a few sleepless nights...as our new cat, Trinny, seems to have her body clock in reverse. She has been sleeping all day and comes alive at night - running round, bouncing on and off the bed etc... As much as I love her running about, I need my beauty sleep and have decided she'll have to 'rough it' in the kitchen tonight!

Tuesday 9 June 2009

Finding that unique edge over the competition...

When reading any good book or articles on business there is always an emphasis on finding a niche market...well, what about finding a unique way of marketing instead?

I found this article on the LEP (Lancashire Evening Post)website and then tracked it down on the BBC...it's such a simple idea and that is what makes it so briliant. Basically, a primary school has shunned the traditional job advert when trying to attract applicants for the Head Teachers post and come up with a lonely hearts advert instead...

'Lonely hearts ad for school head'

I have to take my hat off to people who can come up with great ideas such as this, the advert not only stands out in the paper where it is printed but it is then picked up by the BBC and other news services...which gives it a whole new dimension of free publicity. It's what every PR agency wants to achieve and the school did it themselves...and then I add to it further by blogging about it!

Monday 8 June 2009

A hectic couple of weeks...

I've finally managed to find a bit of time to blog. It's been a really busy couple of weeks...

We filmed the wedding of Leanne and Tom back on the 29th May - that wonderful weekend of sunshine!

The wedding took place a Inglewhite Congregational Church (how small is that!) followed by a reception at Stanley House. Inglewhite has to be the smallest church that I've filmed in for many years and it would have to have been, one of the hottest days of the year so far! That said though, I did manage to get some fantastic footage and Leanne and Tom made a really lovely couple.

The first photo is of Leanne walking into church with her Mum. I'd already gone in to get set up at the front. Julie was able to snap this, as she had to wait until everyone was inside before she could set up to film from the doorway with our second camera...space was so limited.


Leanne and Tom coming out of church into the sunshine after the ceremony looking absolutely radiant.



The dress code for the day was actually black tie (although I hadn't been specifically asked to conform, I did partake, as I would much rather blend in, than stand out!)...however, I must confess to not actually putting my bow tie on...I was just too hot!



It really was a lovely wedding and you could tell that Leanne and Tom were really happy...it will make for a fantastic DVD!



The last couple of photos Julie has taken are at Stanley House. I am quite taken with this venue, especially now that the grounds have started to mature...and on a beautiful day, it's another world...


Leanne doing a quick twirl for the cameras. The photographers on the day were Caroline Holden and her husband. It was lovely to see Caroline again and work with her on such a great wedding.


And finally, one more snap of just Leanne and Tom...I can't wait to edit this wedding with all the wonderful footage that I filmed...watch this space!


After having had such a wonderful day on the Friday we did come down to earth with a bit of a bump on the Saturday, as our dog Tess became very poorly. I have to say a big thank you to the wonderful vets and nurses at Hillcrest Animal Hospital for getting Tess back on her feet again, literally (we had to rush her in to the hospital at about 9pm on Saturday night as her temperature was sky high (41 degrees +). We spent a tense night at home waiting for news and thankfully the vet rang us first thing Sunday to say she was able to stand again and that they had her temperature under control. We're still not sure what caused it, but the most likely thing was some sort of flu virus. Still, she has bounced back and is her normal self again, thankfully.

After such a scare, we decided that we would get another cat. Ebony, our other cat had sadly passed away just after Easter and Tess has been missing him.

So, we decided to take the plunge and get another one...her name is Trinny and she is a British Short Haired Lilac Torte. She's very shy at the moment and finding it hard to get used to our busy family...but she's getting there, although I don't think she has ever seen a dog before so Tess has come as a bit of a shock.

Thursday 28 May 2009

and another one...

This clip is taken from Suzanne & Ben's wedding DVD and was filmed at Blundellsands United Reform Church followed by a reception at Rufford Old Hall.

Suzanne & Ben Wedding Highlights from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.

Just added some more video clips...

...onto our Vimeo site. These are taken from some of last years weddings...finally managed to find the time to get them onto Vimeo!

Sharon and Nick at the beautiful Ashton Memorial in Lancaster and then onto the reception at Stanley House

Sharon & Nicholas Wedding Montage from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.




...and then Claire and Chris at St Stephen's Church, Banks followed by a reception at the beautiful Meols Hall

Clare & Chris Highlights Sequence from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.



We will actually be at Meols Hall on Wednesday 1st July for their wedding fair evening. The doors open at 6.30pm. I'll be posting some more details nearer the time but in the meantime you can visit the Meols Hall website here.

Tuesday 26 May 2009

Just some of the positions you can get in to...

...when filming a wedding!

Saturday was Sarah and Dave's wedding day and the service was held at St Mary's Church in Penwortham. As usual we were made to feel most welcome by the vicar, Chris Nelson. The weather was dry although slightly overcast but everyone breathed a sigh of relief that the rain held off...especially after some of the downpours we have had these last few weeks.


Whilst filming though, I was spotted (by Julie with camera!) lurking amongst the bushes...




...and then crouching on the floor.




However, I did take up some of the more usual positions as well... although it seems Julie managed to get herself amongst the bushes for this one!

The most precarious positions though where at Barton Grange Hotel which is where Sarah and Dave had their reception...


to begin with I climbed on the wall as one of the cars drew up...





and then a bit later climbed onto the roof (with camera) to get the group photo being taken. All was going well until Rob (from Barton Grange) decided to sneak up behind me...

...to say I jumped would be an understatement! You'll notice on the photo though that Rob has made a hasty retreat...I wonder why!


That said however, Rob and Tom did look after us (as always) and kept me informed on what was happening when...which is much appreciated, as it makes my job a bit easier.

The final shot Julie managed to squeeze in was of Rob 'striking the gong' to get everyones attention...if you are thinking of booking Barton Grange then I would highly recommend that you book Rob as well as he really does make the day proceed smoothly. On the day though, he did rib Tom as he had just managed to get himself (at great expense!) some tickets to watch Burnley play Shefield United in the playoffs at Wembley...given that a lot of the guests were Wolves fans, this was found to be quite amusing. Although, I guess in the end Tom has had the last laugh, given that Burnley won and gained promotion...even managed to do me out of a job! I had been booked not once, but twice in anticipation of Shefield winning to go and provide a camera feed for their celebrations...they perhaps should have learnt the first time round...not to jump the gun. Oh well, there is always next year!

Monday 18 May 2009

Gilbert & Sullivan

This week sees us taking in the performance of Princess Ida (albeit from behind the camera) at St Mary's Church Hall in Penwortham. It is being performed by St Leonard's Gilbert & Sullivan Society.

I have filmed lots of these over the years, but I have to say they are actually very good. So if you do fancy a night out then check out St Leonard's website for more information.

The rest of the week is mainly taken up by editing and trying to catch up on the 'little things' as the last few weeks have been fairly hectic.

Friday 15 May 2009

It's raining...euros

Oh dear...don't you just feel for the German motorist who left an envelope full of euros on the back seat of the open top Audi he was test driving...you can guess the results! 23,000 euros rained down on the Autobahn and they only managed to recover 3,000...

That old saying 'more money than sense' comes to mind...whoops! I bet there were a few happy motorists behind him though...

Thursday 14 May 2009

Unusual wedding venues...and blogs

I was reading the BBC blog dot.life the other day and a piece on Bletchley Park. It was discussing the effect celebrities can have when they champion good causes. We only have to look at the effect Joanna Lumley has had with the Gurkha's (and all credit it to her...someone needs to!) and how it can really raise the profile of a cause when a celebrity gets involved.

Well, Bletchley Park was hoping for a similar effect with Stephen Fry as they need to raise a ton of money to try and preserve the huts where thousands worked during the war trying to crack codes. I must admit my initial thoughts were 'how on earth do we let places like this get in such a state...we (the country) only seem to react when something is about to fall down..why?' It was interesting to read though, that when Stephen turned up at Bletchley to be given a guided tour there was a 'Twitter' there who immediately Twittered that Stephen Fry was at Bletchley and the place was then inundated with visitors...interesting the power of Twitter and blogs in general.

Any way back to my blog theme...whilst looking at the Bletchley Park website I noticed that they also did weddings. That got me thinking about unusual wedding venues...what are the most unique? I found a site whilst surfing the net that lists many of the venues with civil licences but wondered what peoples experiences where of unique venues.

For us, I guess it has to be Blackpool Tower...although strictly speaking we weren't filming it as a wedding day film. It was actually for the news and we had been commissioned by the PR company that works for Blackpool Tower. I mentioned this in our very first blog back in January. Generally though most people seem to go for the tried and tested venues...the next few weeks sees us at Barton Grange, Farington Lodge and Stanley House to name but a few.

Saturday 9 May 2009

What have I done?...

Well, nothing too serious anyway, but I have just registered to ride in the Manchester 100 Bike Ride in September. It a 100 mile bike ride and the aim is to try and raise funds for Christies.

I must be mad! Oh well, it now gives me a goal to loose a bit of weight and get a bit fitter. It must be the life changing event of having hit 40...it really did hit me hard! It's one of those mile stones that seems so far off in the distance and then suddenly it was here.

Anyway, I blame Phil at Apple for this one, he happened to mention it and I thought, yer I can do that...now I'm thinking 'what have I done'? It's all in a good cause though.

There isn't actually a set amount that I need to raise as you pay an entrance fee and buy a t-shirt as well...but Julie has set up a just giving page for me...so if anyone feels like sponsoring me, it's all in a good cause and would be much appreciated! The link is www.justgiving.com/chrisdell

Than plan is to stick a little camera on my helmet and film the ride...so watch this space for the video later on...got to really, it's what I do!

Thursday 7 May 2009

Isn't it a small world?

I think we have all used that expression at some time or other when we have bumped into someone that knows someone we know...and it was that thought that caught my interest with the BBC documentary programme Six Degrees of Separation. It was a really fascinating programme about the science of what was thought to be myth but now...maybe...might be true. It's a bit spooky I suppose when you think about it, but I guess the phenomenon may well be a reality.

How many people have found other people they know through a friend of a friend on facebook? I recently got back in touch with a friend who'd I'd lost contact with 8 years ago. I had periodically searched on facebook and friends reunited to no avail and then one day I was registering my details on yet another website when up popped my friends info...mind you after 2 aborted attempts we are still trying to meet up for lunch! Fingers crossed for the 16th May.

Anyway, just thought I'd throw this one into the mix...it seemed appropriate after my last post. I guess the question is, have we always had six degrees of separation and we have just become more aware of it due to the web, social networks and bloggers...? I'll let you mull it over.

Wednesday 6 May 2009

Has marketing gone 'viral'?

So how many of you have watched Susan Boyle on YouTube?

Some, 52 million of you have and I must confess to being one of them! It's hard to imagine that one video clip could travel round the world so fast and be viewed by so many people...but what a phenomenal marketing tool!

It seems 'viral' is the way it's going these days. I was down in London the weekend before last to film a runner in the London Marathon. The guy was being sponsored by Jack Links to run for Leonard Cheshire Disability and was sporting a very fetching yellow outfit...a packet of their tasty X-S. My brief...to create a short story of the visit to London and the run and to give it an amateurish feel... So where was it destined for...you've got it...YouTube!

Take a look for yourself...

Jack Links - London Marathon from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.

Tuesday 21 April 2009

A little bit of sunshine...

Apparently the positive effects of a little bit of sunshine are greater than we realised 'The great health debate: is sunshine a miracle cure?'(The Guardian) so when the sun was shining this weekend, I, for one was making the most of it. Shelved was the VAT return, along with all the other bits of paperwork that have been piling up over the Easter break and out came the BBQ. If nothing else has altered my way of thinking over the last couple of years then the weather certainly has and so now I try to make the most of the sun when it shines! Even if it is shining a bit dimmer than it used to...'The Sun is the dimmest it has been for nearly a century'.(BBC News)

I hope you all had an enjoyable Easter Break - we went to Derbyshire, caravan in tow and stayed at the Grin Low Caravan Club Site (don't tell Jeremy Clarkson!). This is a really wonderful site set in an old stone quarry. We spent our days walking and cycling - it was a very relaxing break, just over too quick!

Anyway, back to reality...this week has seen us buried in the midst of computer parts as we have upgraded the edit machine after a somewhat sluggish performance over the last couple of weeks. As ever the parts came from Scan along with the free advice and guidance - which is much appreciated as always. The new machine is up and running and certainly quicker that it was before...

Later in the week we are out at Blackpool Tower to film some events taking place there and then the weekend sees me down in London to film snipets of the London Marathon for a local PR company that I regularly do work for.

Tuesday 31 March 2009

April fool...

...or maybe not but we certainly have a busy few days ahead.

Friday evening sees us out (enjoying ourselves!) at a Charity Casino Royale & Party Night at the Harris Park Conference and Function Centre. Looking forward to that...bow tie is at the ready!

Then on Saturday I'll be at the Guild Hall just to have a quick sneak preview of the rehearsals for the Amanda Rogers School of Dance as we'll be there on the Sunday to film both performances. In between times I'm travelling over to Harogate to film a band on Saturday evening! Sunday will also see us at the Farington Lodge wedding fair 11.00am - 4.00pm (Julie will be manning the stand for that.)

Monday I'm filming a short message from one of the directors at Beaverbrooks to go out to all the stores on the Wednesday - guess that's me editing Monday night! Once that's delivered though it'll be time to shut up shop for a few days and relax over the Easter weekend before things really start to get hectic...

Given the hectic schedule ahead I may not get much time to update the blog this week so if I don't then have a great Easter and lets hope the weather's kind and we get a bit of sunshine...

Website is live again...

Just a quick update to say the website is now back live and fully functioning...check out the site on ABC Video Facilities Ltd

Monday 30 March 2009

Website down at the moment...

If you are reading this and are wondering what has happened to our website then here goes...it has been suspended due to non-payment by the company who have been looking after the hosting for us! Oops you say...well I must admit our words were slightly stronger than that! However we are working towards getting it back online and are hoping by the end of today it will be. The actual company that host the site is American and unfortunately work some 8 hours behind us.

So please bear with us...as at the moment we have no website or indeed e-mails. You can contact us temporarily on jdell2@sky.com if you need to e-mail or give me a ring on 01772 622522

Wednesday 18 March 2009

Wedding Fayre - Farington Lodge



Another date for your diary...we'll be exhibiting at the Farington Lodge Wedding Fayre on Sunday 5th April from 11.00am - 4.00pm...so why not come along and pick up a free sample DVD of our work.

In the meantime why not take a look at the following clips of Farington Lodge taken from Wedding Films that we have produced...

Helen & Brian Wedding Montage from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.


Wedding Montage - Amy & Neil from ABC Video Facilities on Vimeo.

Tuesday 17 March 2009

The first wedding of the season...

This weekend saw us down in Newbury for Kerry and Tim's wedding, the first of our season...and what a fantastic day, blue skies and sunshine. It was hard to believe we are only in March and a few weeks ago snow was covering the lanes. But spring is definitely on its way, the daffodils are out in bloom and summer is no longer a distant dream. As the wedding was in Newbury we decided to make a weekend of it and stay at Julie's sister's in Wiltshire.


The weather was even better on the Sunday so we stopped until mid-afternoon, making the most of the sunshine by going for a walk with our kids and also Helen and Mike's two border collies,Tate & Lyle. They certainly made the most of having the kids about to throw sticks to chase after. We were exhausted just watching them!

Unfortunately because we had all our camera gear in the car for the wedding we were unable to take our own dog, Tess with us, so she spent the weekend in kennels and had a wash and blow dry whilst there! She's still tired from all the barking she does whilst in kennels - Ebony, the cat on the other hand doesn't bat an eyelid and takes it all in his stride...

The rest of this week sees us in the studio catching up on some editing, apart from Thursday when we have a initial scripting meeting with a new client for a web video we have been commissioned to produce.

Monday 9 March 2009

Dr Who Exhibition Launch...

The details for Thursday's job have just come in...and for all you Dr Who fans I'm going to be filming the launch of the new Dr Who exhibition in Coventry!

It's a freelance job for me filming for Big-TV It should be a great event with one of the Big-TV LCD screens.

I wonder who else will be there...

Sunday 8 March 2009

Congratulations to Beaverbrooks...

The results of The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies 2009 have just been announced and Beaverbrooks has come 1st. Congratulations on a fantastic achievement!(To read the full article in the Sunday Times click here)

Having worked with the company for the last 10 years we know just how much this award will not only mean to them but also how much they really do deserve it.

Last year we produced a new recruitment DVD for the company and much of what is said in the articles in the Sunday Times was echoed by the staff in that DVD...take a look for yourself...

Recruitment DVD made for Beaverbrooks. The brief from Beaverbrooks was to create a video to let people see what it is like working in one of their stores.

In fact if you look closely and then have a look at the montage produced for The Sunday Times you'll see some of our footage in that as well!

Friday 6 March 2009

So we've all to 'Go Bananas'...

Apparently so...

Thousands of people have pledged to "go bananas" in a bid to set a new world record for eating a Fairtrade banana in the run up to Saturday 7th March - and boost Fairtrade products. So don't forget to go and get yours... and click on the following link to join in the fun... Fairtrade Go Bananas

Monday 2 March 2009

March sneaks in ...spring is on it's way.

One minute we were cruising happily through the month of Feb with it's usual heavy workload for one of our major clients and then suddenly the calendar needs turning over and we're in March. As the saying goes 'doesn't time fly...'

Well, now that we are in March we are beginning to focus again on the wedding season. The last two months have been busy with wedding fairs but now it's time for the real thing and our first one of the year is on 14th March. Unusually for us we are travelling further a field for this particular one. Generally, we tend to cover Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire and Manchester but on this occasion we are travelling to Newbury. We were asked if we would travel as we had filmed the bride's sister in 2007 and they really wanted us to film Kerry and Tim's as well. I must admit it is always nice to film when you have had a recommendation such as this.

As always March weddings bring back lots of happy memories for us as it was the 12th March some 15 years ago (yikes!) that we were on the other side of the camera. Looking back I'm amazed that we managed to have such a perfect day for less than £4000! I know there will be some people out there quite envious of that, when these days the venue alone can cost in excess of that figure and that's before the food! I've been brave and added one of our photos from our big day...gosh didn't we look young! I'm looking a bit greyer these days.I've had to scan this photo in as obviously it was taken long before digital photos were the norm...

On a completely different note I thought I'd give a little plug for a conference that I'm due to attend in May - Communication: The Key to Success. One of my interests these days is Asperger's Syndrome (you may or may not be aware that our youngest son was diagnosed with it about 4 years ago - hence the interest.) The conference is at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk on the 22nd May. Last year was the first time that I went and how incredibly lucky was I to go - the key note speaker on the day was Temple Grandin, for those not familiar with her then check out her website. She was such an inspiration and it was incredible to hear how she had overcome so many obstacles in her life to get to where she is today.