The BroadcastShow Tour: a visitors view

Author: Derek Halls

Published 1st March 2014

by Derek Halls Issue 86 - February 2014 It\'s that time of year again and BroadcastShow-the tour registration is now open and I shall certainly be attending.
In October last year my Production Assistant and I went to the London event held within the grounds of Pinewood Studios and wow, what a great time we had. Not only was there a great mix of products and suppliers with a wealth of appropriate knowledge and experience but the venue ¦ so famous and just great ¦ with free flowing tea and coffee as well.
The main purpose of our visit was to catch up with long-term business acquaintances Colin Sanders and Keith Truslove from True Lens Services of Barwell, Leicestershire. Some years ago we started buying from their wide range of matte boxes and accessories. As we are a small video production company it is essential that our equipment budget is spent wisely and, when it comes to grip and the like, True Lens Services help us achieve what we need at a price that is right. With their engineering know-how Keith and Colin accurately visualise what we need even when we\'re not sure!
After purchasing a 15mm bars-attaching lens support bracket we did the rounds of the other exhibitors. Sadly we missed the sessions with the world-renowned film maker Philip Bloom as the blithering M25 had made us too late to attend ¦ shall I scream again?
Great success was had, however, when we chatted at some length with representatives from Gearhouse Broadcast, PAG, Holdan, G-Technology, Atomos and H Preston. A number of other exhibitors were there but, as their particular services are beyond our current need, we didn\'t take up their valuable time. Plenty of others did though and they all looked suitably engaged by what they were being shown. The event was well visited by all manner of attendees; small outfits like ours through to those with much grander needs but at no point were we made to feel unimportant. Sure, as a small independent production company we aim high whilst knowing our spend isn\'t vast but who knows what is around the corner and what services we may need as the year unfolds ¦ and that is how we felt treated on the day.
Once the business was done, new information gleaned and products of interest handled we went for a breath of late afternoon air outside. Here we were spoiled again by Gearhouse Broadcast. The patio area was home for the day to a couple of the Hitachi range of cameras fitted with Canon box lenses feeding a small but well appointed OB van. Hands-on one could see close-up details of the magnificent Heatherden Hall where the exhibition was winding down.
To be truthful, the venue within Pinewood Studios was reason enough to attend, add to that the chance to see, nearby, new product shown at IBC and the opportunity to meet new and old colleagues ¦ how could we not attend!
See you at BroadcastShow - the tour 2014 perhaps?

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