South Downs Film Makers was founded in 1989 as an amateur film making club, and has held its meetings at Ferring Village Hall since 1990. Technology has come a long way since those days and it is now possible – even for the relatively inexperienced enthusiast – to make professional quality films quite cheaply using digital media.

Our Members
We currently have around 25 members. Many of our members are experienced filmmakers but many are novices who want to learn the art of filmmaking or improve their basic skills. We also have some members who prefer to be in front of the camera, acting. Although many of our members have their own filmmaking equipment, this is not by any means essential as the club has cameras, lights, microphones etc. of its own. We are a friendly club and new members will always be made welcome. Our members are always ready to offer help and support, when needed.

Our Projects
We aim to make all genres of film – dramas, comedies, documentaries, animations and AV presentations (i.e. slideshows). We have many projects currently in progress under the direction of our more experienced members. New members are encouraged to take an active role in these productions, whether as cast members, camera crew, sound, lighting or continuity. As part of our commitment to the community, we welcome the opportunity to make promotional films for local charities and institutions. Our films are shown during club meetings and, where appropriate, the best are entered into regional and national amateur film making competitions. We also show our films to local community groups, and these are always popular, and provide a valuable source of income for the club. Films which promote local interest and worthy good causes, will always be encouraged.

Our Meetings
We meet monthly throughout the year, usually on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, at Ferring Village Hall, Ferring, West Sussex, BN12 5JP between 7:30pm and 10:00pm, and aim to provide a varied programme of talks, workshops, film shows and competitions. As well as our film-making activities, we have a lively social calendar including an annual lunch and prize-giving, usually held in March.  

Our Aims
To encourage interest in film making as a hobby
To help increase the knowledge and technical ability of our members
To have fun and build friendships

The IAC
SDFM is affiliated to the Institute of Amateur Cinematographers (IAC) and we are in the South Eastern Region (SERIAC). The IAC publish a quarterly magazine ‘Film & Video Maker’ and a copy of this is always available for member’s interest.

Our Website
You are encouraged to regularly visit our website: southdownsfilmmakers.org.uk. Here you will find useful information, including a Blog, the Events Calendar and the Club Constitution & Rules. It also contains a password protected ‘members’ page’.

Competitions
Several competitions are held throughout the year to encourage film making amongst our members. Some competitions are internal and others external, where club films are entered into competition against those of other clubs, both regionally and nationally.

Subscriptions (2024/25)
From 1 April 2024 annual subscriptions are £40 for single membership: £60 for joint subscriptions and £20 for Associates and Juniors.