The Southend-on-Sea Film Festival will be returning for its 11th year from 23rd May to 27th May. In preparation for the event I got an opportunity to ask Mark Joseph a few questions about what we can expect from ‘Gerry and Sylvia Anderson -on Film!’ which he will be hosting at The Southend-on-Sea Film Festival.
Q. What can we expect from Gerry and Sylvia Anderson -on Film!
An experience that is rarely seen these days. Films shown to an audience on 16mm film. They look amazing in full format on the 9ft x 6ft screen and with the sound booming through the sound system has a quality that is lost with digital media.
The films chosen this year are Terrahawks “Expect The Unexpected” This is the original long version only previously shown when first transmitted and never commercially released. I will also be announcing some very special news regarding this print.
Also, episodes from Captain Scarlet, Supercar and Thunderbirds.
Q. How did you first get involved with the Southend-on-Sea Film Festival presenting the shows?
I got to know the lovely people at The White Bus in Southend who run a film club that show archive films on traditional film formats from 8mm to 35mm. The White Bus run the Southend Film Festival and it is an honour to be part of it.
Q. The films are played using the original 16mm film? Where did you obtain the original reels and how many have you got access to?
A majority of these films were originally used by TV companies for transmission. Some as is the case with Terrahawks are studio copies. As a collector films are obtained from fellow collectors of online. I have approximately 45 episodes from various Gerry Anderson productions on 16mm film.
Q. You have a mixture of audiences young and old who attend your screenings, what is the reactions to seeing the films on 16mm reels rather than digital?
I have had amazing reactions from audiences. Even younger people who may not have seen some of these programs love the experience. I take time to show them the equipment and explain how it is used. For those of us old enough to remember film projectors then it is nostalgic thrill. Applause follows every film and people come up to me and shake my hand and the end of the show. Many times have people commented how wonderful the films look.
Q. There are some obvious difficulties using the original archive reels have you ever experienced any issues at your events?
Yes these prints may not be perfect but that is part of the charm. One of the curses of film collecting is colour shift and some prints require projecting through a filter to compensate for this.
I look after the prints and make sure they are clean and make any repairs needed. I use my own projection equipment. So far there have been no break downs.
Q. As an expert in the field what is your favourite show and episode?
That’s a difficult question. I am a massive fan of these productions and have many favourites.
It is well known to my friends and family that Thunderbirds to me is the best TV show ever and the episode “Sun Probe” is my favourite. Interestingly Gerry Anderson did not like this episode so much.
Q. Do you have any other events you are working on?
The film festival is the only one now. I am open to the possibility of other venues should it be viable.
The Southend-on-Sea Film Festival runs from Thursday 23rd May to Monday 27th May. You can find out more about the event and purchase tickets on the website https://www.southendfilmfestival.com
You can purchase tickets for Gerry and Sylvia Anderson -on Film! here
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
