Annual Report - 1996 and beyond.....


On more than one occasion over the past few years, I have been impressed by a recurring theme which, by virtue of the job that we do, describes our position in the industry by the role we undertake. We are conciliators! We are used to being in that unenviable position balancing between the 'talent' and the business. There are some who accuse us of 'running with the hares and the hounds' and suspect us of wanting our cake and eating it too and, in a way, it would be churlish to deny the care with which we have tried keep all sides to all arguments and issues talking to each other. Although it is often easier to reside in the comfortable bosom of one 'side' or another, we have maintained our responsibility to our members who we cannot allow to become victims of any ill-considered, rash or partisan positions we choose to take on their behalf.

Whilst this attitude does not yield quick results or press headlines we shall, as your representatives, continue to take a long view - believing that, eventually, the respect we shall gain for making a mature and consistent contribution to the industry will reap rewards which recognise the growing role that our profession is set to play.

Perhaps you will allow me one word of caution. Re-Pro is only as good as the support of its members and the people that serve it. We have been particularly fortunate over the past four years to have a collection of dedicated members and helpers who have done a truly magnificent job but we cannot always rely on these individuals having the time to spend on Re-Pro activities. This year is the second year of my second term as Chairman and in December you may decide (or indeed, I may decide) that it is time for someone else to have a go.

More importantly, you must - to quote the BRPG's last Chairman, Bob Hine - decide for yourselves what you want from your organisation. Do you want more events? If so, can you help organise them! Do you want more contact with overseas producers? If so, can you please write some letters and make some phone calls! Do you want discounts, cheap insurance and free information 'Hot-lines'? Do you want health and pension schemes? If so will you please pester all your Producer friends to join so that we have enough numbers to set up such schemes! It is up to you! We are only here to respond to what you want us to do on your behalf!

There is just one slightly sad note that I must make. You may have heard through the press or the grapevine that 3M have decided to withdraw from the professional audio-tape manufacture. Contrary to rumour, the 3M decision is not, I understand, directly the result of the excesses of their Re-Pro promotional budget. However, we are indebted to 3M for the enormous support they have given us since 1992 and we owe a very special 'thank you' to Joe Clerken and also to Richard Wilson for their unerring loyalty. I wish them the very best with whatever their future holds and hope they will remember the Re-Pro Forums with as much pleasure as all of us who attended them.

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