Another Prestigeous Award....

2011 IOV Award Winners – Standard Press Release
Release Date: 19^th October 2011

Local video production company wins prestigious IOV Award

The IOV (Institute of Videography) announced the winners of their annual awards on 19^th October at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.  The IOV Awards cover five key areas of video production, namely Best Corporate, Best Wedding Day Film, Best Documentary, Best Music Video and Best Open - and are freely open to all IOV members.  In addition, a new award was introduced last year for Best Overall Production.

ABC Video Facilities Ltd’s Chris Dell of Leyland in Lancashire was awarded Second place in the Open 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 media producer and presenter, Philip Hilton, the Oscar-style ceremony took place alongside the IOV’s ProVideo trade exhibition 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.   

Their entry, Federation of Jewish Services Appeal Video was one of only five short-listed titles within the Open 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.  

ABC Video Facilities and Chris Dell 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 ABC Video Facilities and Chris Dell and hope that this achievement will generate more commissions for them in the coming year.”

The FJS Appeal Video.

Finished...finally!

I have to say this has been one of the longest running jobs that we have undertaken - with quite a few edits to shave off precious seconds here and there. But it's finally there and will hopefully have the desired effect to tug at the heartstrings and get the donations rolling in for the Federation of Jewish Services at their charity dinner next week. A big thanks to Graham at Vision 4 Video for all his hard work on the project as well. I guess I get the best of both worlds in this job - I get to work for myself but also to collaborate and work alongside others on the bigger projects.

Anyway enough of my wittering, here's the final film for the charity dinner night - enjoy!

Federation of Jewish Services Charity Video...epic

Get the tissues at the ready, particularly when you watch Laz's story...and when you do I bet you won't believe he is 95 years old. I only hope if I ever reach such a grand old age that I look as good as him...what an amazing person.

The video is to be shown at a charity fundraising dinner next week (or at least a slightly shorter version will be) but personally I prefer this one as the stories are able to breath in it...but I guess that's personal choice. See what you think.

Another web video for Blackburn College

This time it's the turn of the Blackburn College 6th Form Sports courses...been kept very busy by the college this last year or so and still got a few more web videos to complete!

Hot off the press...

Another video for Blackburn College. This time it's the turn of Blackburn College 6th Form...

Still a few more to do for the college and then we will have completed the full suite of courses on offer. It's been a lot of work over the last 12 months but it has kept me out of mischief!

The rest to follow soon...

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.

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.

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...

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

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.”

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.

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.

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...

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?

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!

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...

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!

Wedding Fair at Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club...

Just a quick reminder that the next wedding fair that we are exhibiting at, is on Tuesday 24th February at the Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Club. The fair is due to start at 6.30pm so why not come down, have a look around and pick up a free DVD show reel. There will be lots of other exhibitors there including photographers, cars, table covers, wedding dresses and lots more.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Variety is the Spice of Life...

On Sunday 15th February we will be at the Preston Marriott Hotel Wedding Fair from 11.30am until 4.00pm. Our stand will be showing various clips from weddings that we have filmed over the last year or so and you can pick up a free DVD of our show reel to watch at home. There will be lots of other exhibitors there at this popular venue, so why not come down and join us and take a look around.

We've spent the last week hard at work editing the footage filmed at the Beaverbrooks Conference 2009, the week before. There is over 70 hours of footage that needs to be edited down onto just 5 DVD's...so we'll be spending quite a bit of time over the weekend and next week doing this as well.

Next week also sees us over at Skipton Castle filming The Barber of Seville which is being performed by Heritage Opera

Then in the early hours of Saturday morning Chris will be travelling down to Windsor with the guys from Big-TV who have one of their screens down at The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club for the The Westbury Gold Cup 2009. As the saying going 'variety is the spice of life' and we certainly get that in our business...