APRS NEWS
13-Feb-1998: PAD Group in Talks with MCPS
PAD, the pressers and duplicators association within The APRS, is holding talks with the MCPS over matters of licensing and regulation.
PAD Committee members, Mel Gale, Martin Maynard, and Trevor Southam met recently with the Director and Managers from the MCPS Copyright Enforcement Department, Graham Churchill, Carole Howells and Carmen Porter, to discuss the Code of Practice for sound-carrier manufacturers and how the principles of the code might be extended to cover effectively multimedia CD-ROM duplication.
Graham Churchill confirmed MCPS recognition of PAD as the manufacturers' Industry Association. `There is immense value for us in working with a recognised trade body,’ he stated. `PAD is the organisation set up specifically to represent sound-carrier manufacturers in the UK, and, from our point of view, if we can find ways in which it's possible to co-operate further, that's most welcome’.
PAD membership is made up of twenty-five companies, all of whom hold a significant investment in a UK manufacturing base, estimated in total to represent around 80% of national output. Under consideration presently is the eligibility of international companies who maintain a UK office and also the position of brokers in the market - their responsibility to rights holders and to the manufacturing suppliers.
Martin Maynard, Secretary to the PAD Committee and a director of The APRS, comments `I think there are a number of useful ways in which we can continue to build our relationship with MCPS. We can help to promote standard data-submission formats, for instance. Dialogue with MCPS is important to us, and meetings are being arranged with other bodies representing the music and multimedia industries. Generally, we are promoting the benefits of networking and sharing information, which is possible with a group of reputable suppliers participating actively in self-regulation.’
The current PAD Committee members are :
The Committee meets again on February 25th and will hold a further round of talks with MCPS on March 24th.
For further information contact :
13-Feb1998: APRS Venture set for AES Amsterdam
Action by APRS, The Professional Recording Association, is to make it easier for British pro audio firms to participate in the next European AES Exhibition (Amsterdam 16-19 May).
The 'Joint Venture' packaged by APRS has been approved by the DTI, to guarantee financial help to all qualifying Exhibitors (of British-sourced equipment, or services). The deal will mean reimbursement of around 50% of the stand rental cost, as well as promotion and on-site support by APRS staff. Non-members of Association can join the group as well as APRS member-companies (but members enjoy a discount on charges).
The APRS has run regular Joint Ventures to the USA and Europe on behalf of the pro audio industry, and expects good support for the Amsterdam event.
Companies interested in the Venture, or in membership, are invited to contact the APRS promptly.
9-July-1997: APRS Broadens its Appeal - with new Chief Executive
The Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS) has appointed Mark Broad as its new Chief Executive, with effect from 14th July 1997. Well-versed in the music business, Mark joins the APRS from Barnes Music, a production company focusing on music publishing, which he co-founded in 1986.
Commenting on his appointment, Mark said: "I want to develop and promote the benefits of the APRS for the UK industry, which makes a great and highly-regarded contribution to the world of professional audio. There is always scope for fresh thinking, and this will be my main point of focus in the coming months - upgrading the Association's services and gradually broadening the membership. The APRS has a unique opportunity to bring together the concerns of each specialist sector in its membership. We can extend this further to all the themes and issues which affect our businesses, ensuring that the Association is a truly dynamic forum. The bringing together of Vision and Audio for the 1997 APRS exhibition is particularly significant at this time and very exciting for the industry - our aim is to sustain and develop the show to everyone's advantage."
Mark is succeeding Philip Vaughan, the APRS Chief Executive of some ten years' standing, who is retiring this year. Chairman Adrian Kerridge highlighted the contribution of the Chief Executive role: "Philip has worked extremely hard for the APRS and the industry as a whole during his tenure and we wish him a fruitful and enjoyable retirement - he deserves the rest! Mark joins us at a very interesting stage in our development - as the APRS celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is well aware of the need constantly to move forwards in line with the fast-changing pace of the music business and its technology. The APRS is extremely active in pursuing issues which are of topical importance, listening to the concerns of its members as well as acting as a sounding board. We believe that Mark, with his combination of management expertise and industry knowledge, will take the Association forward in a positive, evolutionary way. We welcome him and look forward to engaging his enthusiasm and talent for the challenges ahead!" APRS membership embraces a wide cross-section of interests, including the APRS Studio Accord; Re-Pro (The Guild of Recording Producers, Directors and Engineers); the Suppliers Group; APPS (Audio Post-Production Studios group); PAD (Pressing and Duplicating Group); the Educational Group; and Associates (individual members from all parts of the audio industry).
Aged 41, Mark is married with two children. He is a member of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, and includes music, art and exploring the countryside amongst his wide-ranging interests.
14-Feb-1997: APRS Celebrates 50 Years of Audio Excellence
1997 marks the 50th anniversary of the Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS). The Association announces a wide-ranging programme of events to celebrate its continuing role as the champion of audio excellence in the UK and internationally. Reinforcing its mission to promote the highest standards of professionalism and quality within the audio industry, the 1997 activity includes a high-profile conference, participation in international events and a gala dinner, culminating in the annual UK exhibition - Vision & Audio 97- in London this November.
APRS Chairman Adrian Kerridge commented: "It is a particular privilege to be chairing the APRS at this vital time. The Association has a prestigious and extremely successful past, with a catalogue of achievements to its name. Whilst we wish to celebrate our history, the APRS of today is very clearly focused on the future. We continue to have a fundamental role to play within the industry, working to set new standards, represent new interests and to reinforce at every opportunity the global importance of the UK music industry in its widest sense. During 1997, we invite everyone to celebrate the successes of the past by looking forwards, taking part in a series of highly relevant, dynamic events."
The APRS programme for 1997 currently comprises: A significant presence in April at the London Music Week, representing the whole range of members' interests "Recording for Profit" - a major conference, of critical interest to the entire music production industry, focusing on studio marketing and new technology Special summer social events, including a barbecue with live music Vision & Audio 97 (the APRS Show) - with new activities, in parallel with the main exhibition, to enhance its higher European profile Gala Dinner and Awards in November, with the President of the APRS, Sir George Martin Continuing membership support, ranging from developing new membership categories, to discussion forums, an improved and enlarged Internet site, lobbying, new networking events and more.
Since its foundation in 1947, the APRS has steadily expanded to reflect the evolution of the professional audio industry and currently embraces: recording studios, post-production including broadcast and film, mastering, replication, pressing and duplication facilities, as well as record producers, audio engineers, providers of education and training, manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants.
