8mm Forum: how i miss derann

This is topic how i miss derann in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Kevin Hassall (Member # 2352) on July 22, 2012, 03:22 AM:

i really miss derann nearly every time i went over dudley i use to pop in and have a chat with gary ,ged steve ,and adrian and have a brows through the second hand films in the boxs i wish they still going even if they where on the internet

Posted by Yanis Tzortzis (Member # 434) on July 22, 2012, 07:00 AM:

.....likewise...about this time they'd have their Open day... that'd be the best time of the summer;miss them indeed...

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on July 22, 2012, 07:05 AM:

Gone but not forgotten. I wish they were on the internet also. I really looked forward to their new list. [Frown]

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on July 22, 2012, 07:33 AM:

Oh yeah!

Those lists used to show up at lunchtime Friday at my job. I bet the people I worked with wondered why I only went out to lunch with them Monday through Thursday!

You're a lucky guy Kevin. I always wanted to visit Derann, but an entire Ocean got in my way!

Posted by Austin Holcomb (Member # 2507) on July 22, 2012, 08:07 AM:

I wish I would have got to ecpircence having derann around [Frown]

Posted by Joe Balitzki (Member # 438) on July 22, 2012, 08:24 AM:

Austin, a spell checker would make your posts more effective. And if Derann was still around, I have to wonder if the cost of a new print would be affordable today!

Posted by Paul Browning (Member # 2715) on July 22, 2012, 02:56 PM:

Hi guy's, like kevin i live within a short distance of derann (within 3 miles) and use to go and have look around at the secondhand s8 films and equipment.Back in early 80's it was also open on saturday's and i would purchase the 400ft extracts new at the time from the late man himself, he always had time for every one and would chat with you.I only learned of it closing from ebay when adrian put up one of the gs1200xenon projectors for sale and i recognised the address so i just had to go up and see if it was true , and sadly the rest is history.I often thought that all the people here on the forum we could have got a co-operative together to purchase the equipment to keep those film's rolling off the printing machine's ,with all the talented people here and the know how would have had no problem and with a captive audience to purchase the end product. You can dream carn't you.

Posted by Simon McConway (Member # 219) on July 22, 2012, 03:44 PM:

I wonder who bought those historic GS1200 xenon machines? Was it you, Paul?

Posted by Jonathan Trevithick (Member # 3066) on July 22, 2012, 04:06 PM:

I used to go to their Open Days in the early to mid 90s. I could rarely afford much!It was always worth it for the film shows upstairs. I remember the first time they ever incorporated dvd - a documentary from Psycho. I helped Derek get the dvd player working as he wasn't sure how to operate it!

Posted by Paul Browning (Member # 2715) on July 22, 2012, 04:21 PM:

Hi Simon , yes i bought them . I alway's made myself a promise that if one came up on ebay that i would bid on it, having missed a couple of these in the past.This seemed like the ideal situation for me living so close i could just collect them . I didn't know at the time that there were two for sale so i made adrian an offer he didn't refuse !!!!. I also had two spare lamps the correct toshiba one's and the elmo f1.0 lens and the elmo f1.2 long throw lens 25-50mm . Believe when i say that as ged was demo-ing one to me someone was on the phone to gary asking the price for other and how much to send to germany!!!!!.I have no regrets at all , for me the best s8 projector ever made .

Posted by Simon McConway (Member # 219) on July 22, 2012, 04:37 PM:

Hi Paul

Thanks for your reply. Imagine how famous those machines are though! They were used at pretty much every Blackpool (at least, the ones that Derann organised!) so must have entertained thousands of people there over the years. Then, there's the open days...and all of the other events that Derann organised. And to think that Derek himself operated them. There were many, many pictures of these machines in FFTC magazine too over the years. Absolutely superb items Paul. Are they good runners? They should be as I recall Ged saying that only Bill Parsons had sorted them out/serviced them over the years.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 22, 2012, 04:44 PM:

That Joe is a very good point,I think that the price of film was in a
way self defeating,you've got to sell a lot of the stuff to pay for
staffing costs,heating,taxes etc, and lets be honest,the business
wasn't there,It's one thing to buy a used feature for £200.00,
quite another to pay £400-500 for one new,and I would guess that's being conservative.No,they had had their day,and it had
been a good one,but nothing is forever.At least you have pleasant memories of dealing with them, and their prints in your collections.

Posted by Paul Browning (Member # 2715) on July 22, 2012, 05:09 PM:

Hi Simon, one of the machine's developed a fault about a month after the purchase , one of the gear's that is fitted to the arm split, common on the gs1200 plenty of articles on the forum about this.No problem tho i had some made at a company in birmingham but solid bronze,not like the plastic on brass fitted to the elmo, got the correct bearing from a company in walsall and now no problems, in fact bill bought one for a repair he was doing to a gs1200 at the time and he was more than happy with it.The other machine was virtually as new or not used on a regular basis (week to week ) they both have the two blade shutter fitted too so increased light output.Sorry kevin didn't mean to high jack your thread mate, but if a forum member ask's a question i like to keep it real and answer honestly .

Posted by Yanis Tzortzis (Member # 434) on July 22, 2012, 06:15 PM:

......does anyone know,btw, whether the 600'white card boxes DERANN used to sell are still available somewhere?

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on July 22, 2012, 07:22 PM:

I really miss Derann too. I still have all of their Email lists in my inbox I still look at from time to time. I was always on the phone to Ged and Gary with my order but my big regret is that I never made the effort to visit the shop as it always looked a bit too far for me. But I did see Derann at the BFCC and Blackpool.

Has anybody got any previously unseen photos of Derann they might like to place here on the forum.

Graham S

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on July 23, 2012, 09:37 AM:

Yanis, yes I would also like to know if anyone has any spare 600ft white card boxes. [Cool]

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on July 23, 2012, 10:57 AM:

quote:
......does anyone know,btw, whether the 600'white card boxes DERANN used to sell are still available somewhere?

Just want to clarify why you need that box? As far as I know it was made from thin paper which will look bad (clumsy) after several years.

You can make your own box using the cardboard material available in the market. I make my own cardboard 400' and it is good. Even we can print on the top of the box making it like the original artwork.

Here is the step by step:

http://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=007185

If I can make for 400 feet, I don't see any problem for 600 feet.

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on July 23, 2012, 11:06 AM:

Does anybody have any stories about what happened after September 2011?

Did the guys move on to other jobs?
Is the building occupied again?

My thing about Derann will always be that is was fun while it lasted. I was a slightly serious film collector until just around the time I went off to college. Then between that and getting married and buying a house and establishing a career the money and the time were never both there at the same time to pursue it seriously again. If you'd asked me around the year 1999 I would have told you my film activities would probably be watching my few silents once or twice a year until my only projector died (or me personally..whichever came first!)

Then I found out about this bunch of guys selling brand new Sound prints (including features) and I became a kid in a candy shop!

I probably spend as much screen time in a week as I did in a whole year 12 years ago. I don't need to look for a projector when I'm in the mood for a film, but I do need to stow them when company is coming!

Posted by Yanis Tzortzis (Member # 434) on July 23, 2012, 07:04 PM:

....the 600'boxes-like all card boxes!-are light & take little storage space,compared to the plastic ones;I usually mount films that came not in original cases, on 600'reels & the card boxes are ideal for storing not-so-long films...

Posted by Alan Rik (Member # 73) on July 23, 2012, 09:28 PM:

I remember asking Derek if he knew where I could get a 110v Motor for a Bauer T600 that I had purchased. Next thing I know I see it listed on one of his lists. We would email and he would send me pictures of his personal screening room. Such a wonderful man who was very generous of his time and knowledge. He was to me the Walt Disney of Super 8. When you combine his encyclopedic knowledge of the hobby, his passion and dedication, his craftiness at getting us some Super 8 prints even before they went to Videocassette...there was no way he could fail. He is missed very much. And now that he is gone and his baby, Derann is gone, the world is just a little bit colder.
But we still have our other dealers - Perry's, Ian's, Paul's, Classic, Reel Image..they are continuing the hobby and thank god for them. It can't be about the money...it is about the love of Film.

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on July 23, 2012, 10:53 PM:

Regarding the 600' (and some other) boxes, my guess was that Derann probably got them made to order from a box manufacturer. They would have been ablke to order eniough to make that viable.

Regarding what staff went on to do, I recently read somewhere that Steve is going into selling 16mm films, but I'm not aware of him advertising yet.

There's still the mystery of the significant amount of unsold films (many new S8 shorts) that were left at the end of the last day. It was clear they didn't want to drop the prices much, so for some reason they were willing to hang on to them.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on July 24, 2012, 04:10 AM:

I'm just amazed at the prices some films seem to be fetching now since they'v gone,i'm sure most of the people paying scilly money on the internet are clearly not aware that there are still dealers around selling at normal prices!!!!

On the white box issue, here in Plymouth there are a few companys that are happy to make them for us, i did post on here some time ago in regard to 800ft boxes but only had a few replies, it appears that most companies who are able to do it will need a good original which we have on 200,400,600,800 and 1200's but a minimum order of a 1000 was required. When i asked Ged at Derann some time ago when the 800ft boxes ran out he did say the company who made them for Derann wanted £2000 to replace the part on the machine that was used for them hence Derann said no and the 800ft were one of the first sizes to run out but there are definatly companies that will do them, both here and abroad.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 24, 2012, 05:26 AM:

I think Winbert has a good attitude to the film box issue,he isn't
going to be put off,he makes his own, and from what I saw of
the cartons he made for "BLUE WATER,WHITE DEATH", he ought
to be doing it professionally.I take the same view,if I can't get it
from the pro's, I'll manufacture something myself and it does
give another facet to our hobby.

Posted by Yanis Tzortzis (Member # 434) on July 24, 2012, 07:27 AM:

Tom, that's interesting-am always after 800' & 600' boxes for the reels I have,the only thing I guess is, it's a bit hard to find enough of us to place an order...
....PS too lazy to make my own boxes [Razz]

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on July 24, 2012, 10:46 AM:

me to [Big Grin]

The card boxes were an easy option, the problem with card of any kind is over the years they absorb moisture, ive purchased films before even from derann where dots of mould are present so ive ditched the box and used a new one, what i tend to do is make my own art work using a copy of the original,using a paint programm on my PC i basically renew it, print it to size, pritt stick it to the box and then i cover the whole box, front, back ,sides and flaps with a single piece of stick backed plastic, this stops moisture getting thru as well as making the box lovely and glossy, yum yum, [Big Grin]

At first covering it took me ages but now its a 5 minuite job. The artwork as previously mentioned adds another part of the hobby.
Where possible though i do prefer plastic or metal containers, although they take up more room i feel they give better protection.
Heres one i did earlier

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on July 24, 2012, 11:58 AM:

One time, I saw on Derann's used list a copy of the slightly edited scope feature of "My Name is Nobody" on super 8. I didn't have any ready cash at the time ...

What I did have was very good condition LP's of some of the Beatles earliest Albums, not mint condition, but pretty darned good ...

I mentioned them to Gary and that handsome lad that he is, said that he would be willing to trade the Beatles Albums, (I think there were four of em) for "My Name is Nobody". We made the trade ...

... and I hope that Gary is enjoying them to this very day. I know that I'm still enjoying that "Nobody" scope feature!

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on July 24, 2012, 12:34 PM:

Osi, thats a great feature version of My name is Nobody, ours is still in our collection, not the sharpest of scope prints but it certainly hard to get hold of today.

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on July 24, 2012, 04:14 PM:

Tom

That is excellent work. I am a big lover of box art. I make my own boxes for my 800' and 1200' reels. I also make them for others when the film cpmes in the ugly can of nothing at all. I find it is fun and rewarding when it is done. Plus, if you decided to sell the print it will get you a little more money even if it is not original.

PatD

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 24, 2012, 06:11 PM:

Pat,I think you and Winbert should go into business making these
things,you've already got your customers.

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on July 24, 2012, 07:04 PM:

Hugh

Thanks for the compliment. I thought about it. But, it's one thing to do it for yourself, and quite another to do it for somebody else. Plus I couldn't make money on forum members. I enjoy doing it for myself.

PatD [Wink]

Posted by Yanis Tzortzis (Member # 434) on July 25, 2012, 10:16 AM:

...great job Tom!
....Pat, I second Hugh...

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on July 25, 2012, 11:46 AM:

Pasquale/Yanis, thanks foy your comments, here is just one more example, and if there are any titles i can help you (or anyone else) with and i have them please let me know. I think i have around 250-300 saved at present.
I always try to use images that are actually in the super 8 version.
This one was done 800ft size as we have both parts of the Holy grail.

Posted by Jonathan Trevithick (Member # 3066) on July 25, 2012, 03:55 PM:

Nice artwork, Tom. I only have part one of "Grail" and the trailer.
The original certificate was actually an "A" by the way and then mysteriously altered to a "15" when the system changed.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 25, 2012, 04:08 PM:

Tom where were you when Walton were putting out those
bloody awful cereal box labels and some of Deranns were just as bad.That is exemplary,as are Pat and Winberts boxes,you fella's
are hiding your light under a bushel.Talent will out.

Posted by Panayotis A. Carayannis (Member # 1220) on July 25, 2012, 05:56 PM:

An early Derann rarity from another fondly remembered dealer.

Posted by Gary Brocklehurst (Member # 606) on August 02, 2012, 02:03 PM:

Hello Everyone!

Just to let you know that I am now happily working as a sales administrator for a local rubber company, following a well earned rest from 35 years at Derann. I still have a fondness for the film business, however and hope to meet lots of familiar faces at Blackpool in November. Mine's a Guinness if you are buying! All for now and thank you for your previous custom plus all the happy
memories

Kindest Regards Always

Gary Brocklehurst

Posted by Mark Williams (Member # 794) on August 02, 2012, 02:25 PM:

Hi Gary,

Its nice to hear from you mate,glad you managed to get a job sorted out.

How was the Isle of Wight?

I hope to see you @ Blackpool for a few pints of Guinness then.

Cheers Mark W

PS-How is Ged doing?

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on August 02, 2012, 03:14 PM:

Well done Gary. It's nice to hear that you are back in the land of the "employed".

Working for a rubber company?

I knew you would "bounce back" in the end [Smile]

Did it take you long to "mould yourself" into the job?

I hope your wages are not paid by cheque? Especially the type that "bounce". [Big Grin]

Hope to see you at Blackpool. Take care - best wishes to the missus.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on August 02, 2012, 03:35 PM:

Great news Gary, do you know how Steve and Ged are?

Posted by Yanis Tzortzis (Member # 434) on August 02, 2012, 07:26 PM:

....well done Gary, see you in November! Say hello to Ged & Steve if you're in touch!

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on August 02, 2012, 07:40 PM:

Gary

Great to hear from you! Good luck with the new career. Thanks for thinking of us in the forum.

PatD [Wink]

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on August 03, 2012, 09:58 AM:

Gary - Congratulations on being back in work. I'm sure you can apply your own style of humour to being a man in rubber!
If you're staying in Blackpool over the weekend, please consider booking for the Saturday night dinner for collectors I'm organising at the Savoy!
By the way, I've just made sure that the Collingwood are open that weekend.

[ August 03, 2012, 12:10 PM: Message edited by: Adrian Winchester ]

Posted by Gary Brocklehurst (Member # 606) on August 03, 2012, 12:52 PM:

Hi All

Thank you for your kind comments

We had a fantastic time on the Isle of Wight in January, staying in Shanklin, with nice weather too

Ged is close to retirement age and will probably not work again, although I am not sure about Steve's position

We are not sure where we will be staying in Blackpool, although it has crossed our mind to take a stall

Please keep in touch!

Kindest Regards

Gary Brocklehurst

Posted by Mark Williams (Member # 794) on August 03, 2012, 01:43 PM:

Great to hear from you Gary!

A stall would be a great idea,have you load of films to flog then?

Posted by Bill Brandenstein (Member # 892) on August 04, 2012, 02:18 AM:

Gary, so pleased to know you're doing well and are gainfully employed! I will always be grateful for your kind and efficient service with my occasional orders.

Posted by Barry Attwood (Member # 100) on August 13, 2012, 05:28 AM:

Steve,

Ged has taken early retirement, he's on Pension Credit, which is a fanciful way of taking him off the unemployed register.
I've heard that Steve is working in a Supermarket, I see from Gary's post he's got a job (well done), but I have no information about Adrian and the rest of the staff, and I still wonder how my little business is still here and Derann have gone, it's a strange old world.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on August 13, 2012, 12:45 PM:

Nice that Gary is still going to the Blackpool convention. He was the face of Derann for all us export buyers, and seeing him there in November will, I am sure, bring the Derann nostalgia out in full force for a lot of people.

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