It takes a particular type of person to volunteer because volunteering, whether it be for a playgroup, scouts or a larger association means that you put in a lot of personal effort.
I’m into my third year as a committee member of the AVPA and this year I have been responsible for helping in the organisation of the Awards Dinner. I’m also now the Vice President which makes me sound important, but ultimately I will continue working to support the association members.

In organising the night I have had many opportunities to talk to members from around Australia. One very lovely member who is literally in the “back of bourke” is making a special journey from Mourilyan, Queensland to attend. Dean & I will be hosting him as our guest – we haven’t met him but as I have written in a report for the association, the reason I joined the association was a sense of belonging. In that report I wrote about a blog post from one of our members Joel Buncle (Couch Media), who is undertaking a film course in America. He talks about “Spirit”. Joel writes that spirit is “something that is so strong here, it unites people, it brings them together. This is the best part about spirit, what one person could not achieve by himself a large group is capable of completing.”

As committee members we are not only here to provide and increase the benefits to our members, but to encourage the “spirit” of belonging. The association is inspired by members from all sectors – corporate, broadcasting and special event. Their “spirit” is what drives the association to continue to grow and flourish, & it will be the future of collaboration and camaraderie that will make belonging to the AVPA worthwhile.

I’m looking forward to celebrating the wins of my friends & colleagues…roll on Red Scooter

Exposed | Down Under ~ a workshop for wedding producers
Starting out as an assistant to her husband Dean in their wedding video business, Sauvignon Media Creations, Rochelle has become a force to be reckoned with in the Australian video producers’ scene. As this year’s Australian Video Producers Association (AVPA) Vice President, Rochelle is also the Public Relations officer and has been dedicated in her quest to promote the industry through her AVPA work. Her commitment to the development of our industry was recognised when Rochelle was named one of EventDV 25 Top 50 finalists for 2009.

The efforts of Rochelle as a founding member of the Exposed | Down Under team brought some of the great international & local talents together in 2010. We have seen a national unity among wedding video producers with a motto of collaboration not competition. 2011 will be even greater with a schedule that has been well planned and contains as much value in learning and networking that is possible.

“I feel that what occurred in EDU 10 was breathtakingly inspiring. When I stood at the bottom of the theatre and looked up among all those who came, I could feel my heart busting with joy – not only for the success of the event but what it has achieved for all those who have attended. I am honoured to be a founder of Exposed | Down Under.” ~ Rochelle

Photo by Shireen ~ Field of Vision

Craig & Hannah ~ Trailer from Sauvignon Media Creations on Vimeo.

Craig & Hannah travelled all the way from Albury NSW to meet Dean & I. We communicated many times leading to them booking and in many ways, it’s Hannah’s passion for video that brought her our way…she too is a video producer.

So on the 8th October, we made the journey up north. Dean & I stayed the night at the inn where Craig & Hannah were celebrating their reception. We joined Craig in the afternoon with his groomsman whilst they had some “boy” time at Intencity and then made our way to the ceremony rehearsal.

It’s so obvious that Craig & Hannah are one of the most gentle souled people we have met. During their vows, not only were they both crying but the whole of the room. Their words were simple but divine & heart felt.

This is Craig & Hannah’s wedding trailer – enjoy

Ante & Rowena ~ Same Day Edit from Sauvignon Media Creations on Vimeo.

Ante proposed to Rowena on the 10th October 2009 – one year later they celebrated their wedding day.

I will have to say that Same Day Edits are one of the most awesome and exciting experiences ever – this crowd gave us one of the best vocal and energetic reactions since our first SDE.

We have been planning this day since Rowena & Ante chose to book us for an SDE – we knew it was going to be a full on day. The day before we had been filming in Albury NSW and arrived back at 2am. With about 2.5hrs sleep we headed off to Rowena’s family home…crazy, yep but Dean’s cool editing blew everyone away. With 4 years experience in pulling this off, Dean calmly wove the stories of the day.

Having a mixture of Croatian & Chinese cultures made the day filled with fun. The groomsmen undertook the challenges with humour & enthusiasm – as Rowena’s sister said, “Ante was welcome into the home”.

Working with the talents of Josh Lamont from Moments Captured and one of my favourite photographers, Shireen from Field of Vision, we had the most amazing day.