Edinburgh - The Rory Peck Trust Night

Held as part of the 'Witness' series at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, this event was chaired by Sheena McDonald and featured freelance cameramen Gwynne Roberts and Hedley Trigge. Videos of the panellists' footage was shown, followed by a discussion which covered not only the problems that freelancers face, such as insurance and personal risk, but also demonstrated some of the aspects that drive people to do this challenging work - the variety and freedom.

Speaking of his film "Saddam's Secret Time Bomb", Gwynne Roberts raised concern over the future of international news coverage in the current climate. This concern was strongly echoed by the other participants and the audience. He explained that there was currently an unwillingness from broadcasters to invest in international news, and that he doubted if he would be able to make such a film now.

Hedley Trigge's tense footage gave this non-industry audience an insight into the risks that freelancers take in order to get the pictures. The film crew became trapped inside the compound of a Zimbabwean farm surrounded by a potentially violent crowd. As the situation grew increasingly threatening and the crowd began to push through the perimeter fence, the crew, together with the farm-owner, were forced to retreat into the farm-house. They only succeeded in leaving the farm with police assistance, and were forced to leave their equipment behind.

Issue 6
September 1999

• The Rory Peck Awards 2000
• Edinburgh - The Rory Peck Trust Night
• Insurance - Progress Report
• Training Bursaries

• Issue 13
• Issue 12
• Issue 11
• Issue 10
• Issue 9
• Issue 8
• Issue 7
• Issue 6
• Issue 5
• Issue 4
• Issue 3
• Issue 2
• Issue 1

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