A MESSAGE FROM THE INCOMING PRESIDENT

As the incoming President, I would like to thank Ross Linton and his committee for the tireless work they have put into the Guild over the past two years.

During this time the ASSG membership has grown steadily and the Guild has continued to gain industry respect as the representative body of screen sound professionals.

The ASSG is now part of the Australian Federation of Film and Television Associations (AFFTA). This new alliance is made up of all the film and television industry associations (Producers, Directors, Writers, Sound, Cinematographers & Editors) as well as MEAA . AFFTA has been meeting regularly to discuss current concerns and problems with the film and television industry and is currently representing those concerns to Federal Government.

This is an organisation where the ASSG has a representation equal to the other organisations. This has presented us with an on-going opportunity to present our specific sound-related concerns to the rest of the industry.

Over the past two years we have also seen the introduction of the ASSG Sound Awards, to recognise excellence in screen sound. This event takes a tremendous amount of organisation and the out-going committee needs to be congratulated on the success of the Awards.

There have been many other events staged over the past two years and some already planned for next year, such as the ASSG seminars at Entech 2000.

As the new President I intend to continue promoting awareness of the ASSG, awareness of screen sound as well as the ASSG's activities.

Once again, thanks to Ross Linton and his committee.

Stephen Smith

President ASSG