Second meeting - London Ontario

highlights - Election results and
discussion of OPVA future.

SECOND MEETING - MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

SOVA Board of Directors for fiscal April 2004 – April 2005.
Joe McManus – President
Tony Singh – Vice President
Rene Defayette – Secretary
Florin Marinache – Web Master
During the voting/polling process placed on the web site, there were no other accepted nominees for the above positions, therefore, the above individuals were accepted as elected and assumed their nominated positions. Thanks to all who participated in the nominating and polling process.


Entrance to the Library

Association Name.
There was a brief presentation for the members on a number of different names of which to vote for. A name that would best represent what we are all about. There was a vote take via show of hands, for the first suggested name, but, that quickly opened up the floor to discussion, feedback and constructive criticism which was present at the last meeting. This has also been discussed on our forums online at our website. This discussion led to the negating of the earlier show of hands and the floor was again opened to more discussion.

It was decided that this issue needs to be resolved and a goal of ONE TO TWO WEEKS to have a name selected was established. Joe, Tony and Rene will present a limited number of names on the web site for a member poll and feedback. However, we must remain focused on establishing a name that truly reflects what we are, without limiting or alienating other potential members with different disciplines. We must also be careful not to “politically correct” ourselves into indecisiveness.

There was also mention of the use of the word “Professional” in our association name. What is the definition of Professional and how would we govern this amongst members? What would be the criteria for members, in order to protect them from other members whose product may be deemed as “sub-standard”, or “un-professional”? The above being said, all present did agree that the word “Professional” should be in any name choices offered, or selected.



Brides Guide.
It was discussed at the last meeting that our web site should contain a bride’s portal where they can visit to acquire more information about professional videographers as well as our members.
Some items mentioned that should be present within this portal might be a) The reason to hire professional videographers, b) Types of coverage, styles, c) links to member s and their geographic areas, d) a forum to ask questions and obtain answers.
These are just a few ideas that were mentioned, but are certainly not limited to.
Members were asked of their input and were encouraged to contact their board with suggestions regarding this section’s set up, etc.



Future Meetings.
It was asked when, where etc., should future meetings be held?
The majority of the members present expressed concern about making time to meet during the upcoming busy season in our industry.
The general consensus was we would focus on holding bi-monthly meetings after April through to October. After which, we would try to hold a monthly meeting from October until April.

A suggestion was made that we look into the possibility of holding online “chat type” of meetings, which would allow for many members from all over our region to participate with minimal interruption to their busy schedules. The board will look into this as an option, which will allow us to discuss business “in between meetings”. As we determine the possibility of utilizing this, we will post this for the members on the web site.
It was also discussed, that we may take the opportunity to hold a summer picnic style meeting. Members liked the idea and were open to this.
It was also discussed that we may take the opportunity to hold an annual Christmas Party. Members liked the idea and were open to this.
When asked what day would be good for holding meetings, it was determined that Sunday’s are likely the most convenient. However, during the busy season, there was opportunity for conflict as more and more couples are choosing different dates to get married in an effort to get close to their ideal date, or, to save money by doing it on an “off” day of the week. Also, certain ethnic cultures (Greek) wed on Sunday’s. Sunday’s will be our first choice of day for a meeting, with advance notice put to members for feedback. Long weekends were also suggested as potential opportunities for meetings.
As far as venues to hold meetings, we would do our best, to work together as members, to utilize any venue that any of us may have at our disposal. Be it free, or, if there is some sort of fee associated with it. If we are able to utilize free “meeting rooms”, a members office etc., for example it would have obvious benefits to the membership.


Jan and Kevin

Database of Dealers.
As mentioned at the previous meeting, we discussed the possibility of having a database of dealers whom we have experience working with for various supplies (tape, DVD’s, cameras, other equipment/gear).
It was also discussed speaking with some of these vendors to try to obtain “bulk” pricing for our association members.
All present thought these to be valuable to the association and furthermore, thought the database would be a good idea for an area of our web site.


Rene

Database of Members.
It was discussed about having a similar database for our members. Criteria however will need to be discussed further, in greater detail.
Items such as a) how (if) should members be divided within the database? b) One category for all members? c) Separate categories for corporate videographers, freelancers, editors, etc.
All members present agree we should have access to such a database


Joe and Rene


The group listens

Membership Fees.
As at the previous meeting, the discussion was floored for opinion on the association charging membership dues.
A fee of 50$ per company, was asked to see how the members felt. All present agree that such a dollar amount was acceptable, should it be adopted. If the fee were to be slightly more, the general consensus was this too would be acceptable.
It was discussed that any fees collected (if/when it was decided to charge a membership fee) would be placed in a bank account under the association name with the Secretary (who would now also act as Treasurer) and at least one other board member have signing authority. These funds would be used for any number of items, some of which may be to pay for venues for meetings, to pay for some expenses to bring in a guest speaker, to pay for items for use as promotion of our association and it’s members.
Any balance at the end of the year can be utilized, for a group function, or simply continue to be held in the account and added to for future use.


Thumbs up from David

Awards Program.
The idea was mentioned about the association having some sort of Awards Program. Most members present agreed it would be a good avenue for us all to learn from by sharing and viewing each other’s work.
As mentioned at the last meeting, there were concerns about who would judge the footage and what would be the categories. How would this be “fair” to all members?
Another item that was tabled at the last meeting was also mentioned again at this meeting…using a “critique” method to view member’s videos. An anonymous method would be developed whereby a member’s video could be selected by another member for private viewing and critiquing on categories like creativity, videography, etc, etc


Rene wondering if he will get Secretaries Day present

Code Of Ethics.
At the previous meeting we discussed the need for adopting a Code of Ethics. Samples were obtained, by Joe for members to peruse, as well as some other samples were posted online by Joe and Jack Smith.
An issue was raised regarding who would “police” the code of ethics? The customer is our true judge of our being ethical. Perhaps an area of our web site could have a link for public feedback on a bad/positive experience from one of our members?
Although most members thought that adopting a Code of Ethics was a good idea, many felt that it was not a high priority item. They did however feel that we should have something in place that shows the public that we have some degree of Professional Ethics and that our association is collectively striving for Professional standards to “protect” the public’s interest. Whichever code of ethics we adopt as a starting point, our members should use this as a “guideline”.
We will get more input on this over the near future. We will try to adopt a code of ethics soon as a starting point. As time goes on, we can modify it to make it more of “our own”.


David gets his demo ready



Getting the Word Out.
Members were asked how we could get word out about our association and it’s members to the public/clients?
Some members mentioned local papers perhaps may be interested in publishing a brief article for it’s “business” section as a special interest of “local content” news.
A suggestion was made that we consider what we have to offer potential members to becoming a member?
Association could link on bridal sites?
Debate came up on use of the word “wedding” in our association name as a means of promotion/marketing. A higher percentage of our membership concentrates on weddings as their primary source of revenue. Even our member’s, who concentrate on corporate videos, still do weddings within their scope of their business.
This idea takes us back to our original debate at the first meeting and online regarding what we do, being “politically correct” as to not alienate other professionals with different disciplines etc. Although, this may be open for debate, a decision regarding our name must be established soon. (See item # 3 re association name).
More will be discussed on this topic to further advance the awareness to the public and future members of our presence.

Presentations.
Members agreed that they would do presentations regarding an area of theirs that they demonstrate some “expertise”.
It was mentioned at this point that WEVA has expressed an interest in coming to Toronto or the Niagara region to hold a “town hall” style meeting. The reason they are considering this is because our association exists. Many members expressed an interest in attending such an event by WEVA should schedules permit.





Video Discussions.
A number of video clips were shown and the floor was opened for discussion. Most members liked the chosen clips.
Member David Lai from Visions by David shared a number of samples from his body of work. This also was enjoyed by the membership present and this too opened the floor for discussion regarding techniques etc.
Unfortunately, member Alan Boris of White Duck Productions attempted to share some of his work with us, but the dvd players available proved to be uncooperative with his dvds. Perhaps next time Alan? We’ll look forward to you sharing this with us.

There were a couple of thoughts discussed regarding the issue of using copywrited music within our videos. A number of members had many interesting “takes” on this topic. It seemed that generally, our industry was in no trouble of using this music. “If they want us, they will come” was the basic message, until then, keep doing what we’re doing.
It was mentioned that perhaps we could schedule this video discussion segment for each meeting. Members could be asked, or volunteer their footage for the other’s to view. Keeping in mind that we should limit the clips to “short” in nature. This allows us to view more clips, plus allows for time for discussion of tricks and ideas viewed.


David Lai demonstrates his work


Alan Baris of White Duck productions