FAQ

Courses - Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a beginner; so which is the best course for me?
What are the differences between Shooting Video and Experimental Film & Video?
I'm travelling to Oxford for a course - where can I stay?
I'm on benefits - are there any discounts or reductions on OFVM courses?
I want to book - are there places available?
I am involved with a community group or charity; can OFVM come and run a course with us?
I am a non-EU international student and I want to study on one of OFVM's courses.

General - Frequently Asked Questions
What does OFVM do?
I want to transfer my super 8 film or video onto DVD or digital tape (or other way round). Or I want some duplication done.
How Do I get to OFVM by Public Transport

Production - Frequently Asked Questions
Will OFVM support me with my production?
My organisation needs a video; can OFVM help?
How can I work/volunteer in local film & video productions?
Can I advertise for Cast, Crew, Producers etc. for my production?

Screenings - Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see locally made short films?
I have made a film can I get it screened at OFVM?

Courses - Frequently Asked Questions

I’m a beginner; so which is the best course for me?
What are the differences between Shooting Video and Experimental Film & Video?
OFVM run two main introductory production evening courses: Shooting Video and Experimental Film and Video. On both courses you learn how to make films by actually making one, but they each have a different approach.
Shooting Video is our main digital video production course (we also run an intensive version called Shooting Break), it concentrates on making a narrative based digital video production (i.e. a drama or a documentary). Typical reasons for students taking this course include: * They want a first taste of what film & TV production is like. * They aspire to make video’s that tell a story. * They are (or will be) students of full-time media courses elsewhere want practical production experience) * They have a digital camera and want to add professional touch to family or holiday films.
Experimental Film and Video uses both digital video and film (super 8), and so gives an introduction to using both media. The course concentrates the visual side of film & video production and much less so on storytelling. (For example students may make a film of beautiful images or perhaps disturbing images). Typical reasons for students taking this course include:
* They are an artist or have an artistic leaning. * They have photographic experience and want to try moving images. * They are looking to get into film school. * They are interested in narrative productions but what to develop their visual style. * They want their first go at using film.
I'm travelling to Oxford for a course - where can I stay?
OFVM is near the Iffley Road where many of Oxfords Bed and Breakfasts are situated.

Bed and Breakfasts + Hotels

http://www.stayoxford.co.uk

Oxford Tourist Information 01865 726871

Oxford City Website

Google - B and Bs + Hotels near OFVM with map

Hostels

YHA Youth Hostel 01865 727275

Budget Backpackers Hostel 01865 721987

Caravan/Campsites

Nearby campsite at 01865 244088

Flats (usually by the week but they may do weekend?) jean.whaley@virgin.net 01865 241324
I'm on benefits - are there any discounts or reductions on OFVM courses?
OFVM is a registered charity which is grant aided by Oxford City Council, Screen South and Oxfordshire County Council. All of its courses are subsidiaries and are well below similar commercial prices run in London and elsewhere.

People who can prove they are receiving the following benefits can obtain a 50% discount on courses:

JSA,

housing benefit,

income support,

under 19 and over 16 on August 31st 2009,

Pension credit - please supply your pension credit award notice - only learners in reciept of Guarantee Cred (on its own or with savings credit) will be eligible

Working Tax Credit - must have income less than £15,276 and this must be on award notice which you must suply.

Please email/call the office before booking office@ofvm.org. In addition for people who have been on benefits longer than 1 year we offer discretionary bursaries. Applicants need to fill in an application form and if accepted will be able to book any course for 20 Pounds. (There can a waiting list for some courses as there is one bursary place per course. Usually we only let people do a maximum of two courses on the benefit bursary scheme.)Download application form here.

In addition OFVM runs occasionally an introductory video production course called Shooting Video Intensive for those on benefits. (Incl. Income support, Disability allowance, JSA and Housing Benefit,). The course runs over two weeks, complies with JSA rules and is accredited. Students must also have an OX postcode (i.e reside in Oxfordshire). Benefit place 20UKP.

We also aim to regularly run extra Shooting Video Intensive courses with various target groups (e.g. Women on benefits, Pensioners, Disabled groups etc.). These will be advertised on the web site and mailing list as they become available.
I want to book - are there places available?
If you can see the course dates, on the main courses page of the OFVM web site, then there are places available for that course. Once a course becomes full, the course dates are replaced with "fully booked"
I am involved with a community group or charity; can OFVM come and run a course with us?
Yes; OFVM regularly does this please email Richard Duriez from our Contact page for details or call him on 01865 792731
I am a non-EU international student and I want to study on one of OFVM's courses.
Non-Eu citizens with indefinite leave to remain can pay subsidised rate - proof required.

OFVM only runs part-time short courses; see each courses further info for dates and times. We run no full-time courses. We do not recommend someone travelling to Oxford just for one of our evening classes only, and suggest a full-time course may be more appropriate. (See BFI or National Film and TV School on our links page for other places offering courses.)

None of our courses will make you eligible for a UK student visa, to get a visa you must take a full-time class.

If however you are coming to Oxford (or nearby) anyway, perhaps to study at the university or other establishment or for a holiday, then you will be more than welcome. Prices are usually quoted for EU and non-EU citizens on the course page but contact OFVM via contact page if you have any questions

Due to a number of attempted fraudulent transactions we do not accept bookings from the following countries: Ukraine, Indonesia, Yugoslavia, Lithuania, Egypt, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, Vietnam, Russia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Israel, Iran, Cameroon, Gambia and Ghana

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General - Frequently Asked Questions

What does OFVM do?
OFVM MISSION STATEMENT

OFVM aims to develop and maintain a community of skilled film makers in Oxfordshire through offering training, production support, networking opportunities and screening events. Underpinning our work is a commitment to equal opportunities and positively encouraging individuals from socially or economically marginalised groups.

OBJECTIVES

OFVM achieves the above through offering:
- a programme of training from entry level to advanced
- production and training advice
- a production bursary scheme
- regular networking opportunities with people from the industry
- an information service on film activities in the region
- a web based data base of skilled practitioners in the area.
- equipment hire at accessible rates
- project work with socially marginalised groups
- a production service for educational, charitable and local government bodies
- screening events
- support for local film festivals
- subsidised access for those on low income
I want to transfer my super 8 film or video onto DVD or digital tape (or other way round). Or I want some duplication done.
I want to transfer my super 8 film or video onto DVD or digital tape (or other way round. Or I want some duplication done.

OFVM does not do this. For professional transfers and duplication including the pro tape formats like Beta go to profile video in Cowley http://www.profile-video.net/

A good cheap local duplication company we use is http://www.theduplicationcentre.co.uk/ Also Computer assistance also acts as an agent for a company that does all sorts of transfers from current and long forgotten formats including super 8, Hi-8 or VHS to DVD. http://www.computerassistance.uk.com/ I notice that Boswells and Boots in Oxford also do a similar thing

For copying DVDs most home computers will do this - if yours doesn't you can upgrade to a dvd burner for about £20 (again ask advice at Comuter assistance). For copying the annologue formats like VHS, buy a usb analogue capture device, try Amazon I have seen several including one called easyCAP for 5.99 pounds including software.

The main company for all thing super 8 in the UK is the widescreen Cenre http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/Catalogue/Motion_picture_division.html
How Do I get to OFVM by Public Transport
Catch bus heading to Rosehill. Get off at Howard Street. Walk up Howard Street (outside a small co-op shop), OFVM is on Corner first on Left, on corner of Howard Street and Catherine Street (next to Community Garden).

Oxford Bus Company buses leave from Railways Station (Frideswide Square opposite Station entrance)

Oxford Bus Company - Route is no 4 (Also 4A, 4B, 4C), but make sure it is in RoseHill Direction (eastwards)

http://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/main.php?page_id=48

PDF Map

Stagecoach also have buses go from City Centre to Rosehill via Iffley Road

http://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables/3w160906.pdf

Oxford Rail Station - http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/OXF.html

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Production - Frequently Asked Questions

Will OFVM support me with my production?
For details contact Production Development Manager Gary Shenton Gary Shenton
My organisation needs a video; can OFVM help?
OFVM specialises in making productions for charities, NGOs, community organisations, local government and other non-commercial organisations. OFVM doesn’t undertake commercial work for businesses, but we will be able to point you to local filmmakers who may be able to help you. To discuss your needs email Geron Swann or call him on 01865 792731
How can I work/volunteer in local film & video productions?
Join OFVM's emailing list we regularly post out call from filmmakers seeking crew, cast, writers and collaborators. To join our emailing list, go to

http://www.ofvm.org/lists/

(You can also email our production development manager Gary Shenton at Gary Shenton

 
Can I advertise for Cast, Crew, Producers etc. for my production?
Yes - send the a short advert to us (using the contact page) and we will send it around to our emailing list of over 400 local people interested in filmmaking.

If you'd like more help with your production you can book a free consultation with our Production Officer Gary Shenton email Gary Shenton

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Screenings - Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I see locally made short films?
OFVM screen films in Oxford at Venues like the Zodiac Nightclub, The Pegasus Theatre, The Phoenix Picturehouse and at OFVM its self. We also screen work at Oxford’s Film in the Parks and a Summer Festivals in Leeds and Reading. We also screen work with other organisations around the County. OFVM also runs a “Reel One” networking night where a guest speaker comes and shows his work and answers questions.  We are also looking to have more screenings at other venues and are always looking for new ideas. To be informed of all these events and more, make certain you join OFVM’s emailing list,(see our homepage, and regularly check the news section of the web site.
I have made a film can I get it screened at OFVM?
OFVM runs several screening opportunities for independent filmmakers. Priority is given to: work made by or supported by OFVM, filmmakers from Oxfordshire and neighbouring Counties and to films with a local connection.

Contact Gary Shenton email: Gary Shenton

OFVM also screen work at Reading & Leeds Music festivals and we are interested in screening films that will that will play well to a music festival crowd. (e.g. Films that are short, snappy, fun and cool).

Contact Geron Swann Geron Swann

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