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Over time, articles were introduced and the subscription base started to grow. Once we exceeded about 100
subscribers, the task became too large for Barb and I to produce RD by home photocopying and it became
necessary to have it commercially printed – which of course increased the subscription costs, but it also
meant a better quality product. It was also registered as a Print Post Publication to keep the postage costs as
low as possible.

Reel Deals was always intended to cater for film collectors and the home projectionist. As a result most
articles have related to the semi-technical side of the hobby. Subjects such as the history of film and
equipment, repairing and servicing of projectors, repairing and maintaining a film collection, identifying the
various types of film and in particular the subject of color fade, all have been covered a number of times.

Call it a personal indulgence, but video / digital projection has not received much attention in RD. It’s not
because I’m a Luddite, it’s just my interests lie in film and I figure there are enough magazines covering the
digital side of the hobby.

For some odd reason, the collecting of films for home use has been regarded as a semi-legal activity by many
in Australia – even collectors. Within the first couple of years of publication, I had a visit from an officer from
the Film and Video Security Office. There was a great deal of huff and puff about it being illegal to even own
films.

The poor guy really had no idea; his statement was blown to pieces when he was shown a list of Super 8
films for sale outright in various magazines. He thought ‘film’ meant 35mm theatrical releases and had no
idea of other gauges.

When I produced a copy of The Big Reel, with its 60 odd pages of films for sale, many of them 35mm, I think
he just gave up. He said he would report everything to his boss and get back to me – I didn’t hear any more!
At a later date, we even had one of the major film exchanges advertising their non-theatrical offerings in the
pages.

There have been a number of problems over the years with a small number of subscribers that I can only
describe as outright crooks. Fortunately, over the years their subscriptions have lapsed and not been
renewed. Those types made it necessary to print the disclaimer on the inside back cover of every edition.

The Future
The RD subscription base is holding at about 240, having reached a peak of just over 300 about five years
ago. Although the little magazine is barely breaking even at present, I am keen to continue it into the future.
It is obvious that the next increase in either printing costs or postage rates will necessitate an increase in
subscription rates. Of course more articles from readers to help fill the pages and give a bit of variety would
be most welcome.

Just how long our hobby will survive is anyone’s guess. The end of this year will see the end of commercial
film distribution in Australia, resulting in no more 16mm or 35mm prints finding their way into collectors’
hands.

The great hobby of film collecting and home exhibition has given most of us many hours of enjoyment. In
my mind, the screening of a DVD can’t possibly be compared with the thrill of threading the projector,
darkening the room and screening a film on the big screen.

A Happy Christmas and the Best of Health for 2014 to all RD readers
Mike and Barb