3 minute read
ARTS
STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK
“Last Flight to Pluto”, the Porthcawl and Bridgend-based rock band, release their new album, “Random Karma, Fate and Destiny”, on White Knight Records. This time around sees the band playing their ace card with singer Alice Freya’s sublime vocals the driving force on this brilliant album. The songs are more radio friendly than their last C.D., and there is plenty to offer, like rockers “Stop Yourself From Turning Into Dust”, “White Noise”, “Some of Us”, “Around the Corner” and the chilling “Stay Out Of My Head”, the band’s new video. If there is a standout number, it’s the sad and poignant ballad “Any News”, a song about a double loss with Alice’s emotional voice making it all the more haunting – it would make a good single release. Alice and drummer Daz wrote all the songs and the musicianship is exemplary. The C.D. is available from the record company or the band’s website. “Pluto” will be playing the Phil Fest at the Hi Tide on 1st July in memory of Phil Jones along with many more acts. Finally, well done to Nin Rixon and the Tusker Rock team for their recent Ukraine charity event held at The Seagull, Rest Bay. It was a packed evening and a huge success!
Stag Marks 07549 728356
Photo: Alice Freya
A FILM MAKER’S POINT OF VIEW
Special effects have existed ever since the earliest days of the cinema because the need has often arisen to produce scenes that are too expensive, or difficult, or even simply impossible to achieve using conventional methods. Many of the earliest effects were carried out “in camera”, such as stop motion, or glass shots, where part of a scene is painted on a sheet of clear glass, which is then mounted carefully in front of the camera. The more complicated optical effects, such as “travelling matte”, required the involvement of the laboratory. And then there was the use of scaled-down miniature models. The introduction of computer-generated imagery (CGI) radically changed the world of special effects and opened up fantastic new opportunities hitherto considered impossible to achieve, but there is still a place for tried-and-tested methods for producers like myself who continue to work in traditional celluloid. My documentary “Dangerous Coast” had a number of special effects shots, provided by General Screen Enterprises of Uxbridge in 1997 and now, twenty-five years later, I am planning the effects needed on my Llandow Air Disaster film and I will have more to say about that in Seaside News next month.
Anthony Hontoir Downwood Films 07510 934299 Picture: Anthony Hontoir
ART EXHIBITION
Porthcawl Art society opened their new exhibition at Easter. Society members from the local area displayed their skill, which was judged by the mayor, Tracy Hill. The worthy winner was a beautiful pastel painting of a ‘Majestic’ stag by Jan Hoskins. Jeff Barnes’ portrait of ‘Jo’ was second and third prize went to a local scene of Moor Lane by Wendy Davies-Williams. The competition paintings on a theme of ‘spring’ are judged by the public visitors. The gallery in John Street is open most days 11-3pm, all welcome to come along and enjoy the artworks. We are also open to new members if you wish to join this friendly group.
www.porthcawlart.co.uk
PYLE & PORTHCAWL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
We’re a very friendly camera club with a mix of male & female members and welcome new members of all ages and skill levels, it’s all very informal so if you have an interest in photography why not join us, we meet on Thursday evenings at 7pm at St Clare’s School, Newton CF36 5NR.
