Viewfinders Digital Video Club

In the mid 1990s Shelby Reyes and Bill Mannion, both members of "The "Better Part" organization that produces programs for Cupertino's community TV channel, were tasked with raising funds for operational expenses. They hit upon conducting a series of classes at the Cupertino Senior Center titled "The ABCs of Camcorders” which brought in $1800. On completion, the graduates asked "Where do we go from here?" Dianne Snow, then head of the Cupertino Senior Center, suggested they start a camcorder club at the center. From this, the Viewfinders Camcorder Club came in to being in early 1997.

 

This loosely organized group, headed by Ray Strong, soon grew to 30 members. Early meetings featured the viewing of members' videos in a small room on a 21-inch monitor using an old VHS tape player.

 

Later, the Club moved to a larger facility at the Quinlan Community Center in Cupertino, our current meeting site. Fred Pfost, our current Club Secretary, joined the Club at the urging of fellow Ampex Corporation employee Roald Didriksen. Fred sought and found a large Sony projector on E-bay which made it possible to fill the large 12' x 15' screen at the new location. In 2010 the Center installed a permanent high-definition rear-projection system and upgraded the sound system for an even better viewing experience. In October 2007 the Club changed its name to the Viewfinders Digital Video Club in order to tell prospective members that we have gone "digital" with the rest of the world in the making of our movies.

 

Each month, the Club meets at the Quinlan Community Center to view members' videos, conduct workshops, listen to guest speakers and compete in Club video contests. The Club's Video Production Group also produces a yearly video designed to help members with hands-on training in all aspects of movie making. The movies made by this group are also entered in regional, national and international movie festivals to compete with other amateur movie/video clubs and individuals.

 

Our monthly multi-page color newsletter keeps members informed about upcoming programs and events, and is also sent to other amateur videographers and clubs throughout the world. For inquiries about the Viewfinders Club, please send your question or comments to Information. For comments and suggesstions for the Club Webmaster, send them to the Webmaster.

 

Watch a half-hour interview of past president Bob Meacham hosted by Viewfinders Club member Phil Lenihan on YouTube.