Oli Frey & Roger Kean talk at Replay, 6th November 2011

Professor Brian Strain · Mon Oct 31, 2011 5:39 pm

BAFTA Presents: Pages of History - A Look Back at Newsfield

In the 1980s the magazines from one company were the best-selling and most distinctive, thanks to their cover artwork and reviewing style. Newsfield’s titles Crash, Zzap and Amtix captured the enthusiasm of the rapidly changing software market and for many became a guide to which games to buy.

Behind the scenes was ROGER KEAN, the executive and publisher. And creating the fabulous artwork was OLI FREY. On Sunday 6th November at Blackpool's Replay Expo, join freelance writer Andrew Fisher – whose career started with Newsfield – as he looks back at the gore, the rivalry and the hard work that created the affection that endures to the present day.

Post by **Iain** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 12:39 pm

Sounds very interesting. Will the text of the talk or a video be available after the event?

Professor Brian Strain · Tue Nov 01, 2011 5:48 pm

The talks were videod last year and put on Youtube (officially and by members of the audience) so I'm sure this year will be too.

Post by **Iain** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 11:37 pm

Great. I look forward to seeing it.

Post by **Iain** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:55 pm

So any links to videos etc. for us? Too lazy to search myself I guess

Roger said it went well.

Professor Brian Strain · Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:23 pm

I'll post video links when they are uploaded. Had a lovely e-mail from Roger saying that he and Oli enjoyed doing the talk, which was nice. And I got lots of good feedback from people who heard it, so I'm pleased it went well.

Post by **Iain** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:43 pm

Should be a nice intro to reading all about it in a book about Newsfield at some stage

I hear it's not just me badgering him about getting one written!

Will it be a sanitised version when it's coming from the "inside" though?

Professor Brian Strain · Thu Nov 10, 2011 12:13 pm

The main thing will be to get as many of the staff involved as we can, to give a balanced view. And yes, it would be "warts and all".

Post by **Iain** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 8:38 pm

Definitely, you need piles of interviews with editorial and other staff.

What's your possible angle? Detailed history with lots of daily insights? I want a text heavy book but also with plenty of room for photos, scans etc.

So Long Ago · Post by **So Long Ago** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 10:05 pm

Professor Brian Strain wrote:And yes, it would be "warts and all".

I some how doubt that, I don't think anyone who was there necessarily wants all the dirty washing aired.

Post by **Iain** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 1:37 pm

Guess Chris Anderson won't be interviewed then...

Professor Brian Strain · Fri Nov 11, 2011 5:18 pm

Roger and Oli shared some interesting anecdotes during the talk, but what I'm trying to say is that by getting the ex-staff involved, they will be able to say what they want revealed.

So Long Ago · Post by **So Long Ago** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 8:03 pm

Professor Brian Strain wrote:Roger and Oli shared some interesting anecdotes during the talk, but what I'm trying to say is that by getting the ex-staff involved, they will be able to say what they want revealed.

Which makes it a sanitised version. I for one am happy with the history already published even though it is factually incorrect in places. On some things it's best to let sleeping dogs lie

Lloyd Mangram · Post by **Lloyd Mangram** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 11:57 pm

So Long Ago wrote:
Professor Brian Strain wrote:Roger and Oli shared some interesting anecdotes during the talk, but what I'm trying to say is that by getting the ex-staff involved, they will be able to say what they want revealed.
Which makes it a sanitised version. I for one am happy with the history already published even though it is factually incorrect in places. On some things it's best to let sleeping dogs lie

I hear you and I have to agree.

Also... why bother, really.

Iain wrote:Guess Chris Anderson won't be interviewed then...

LOL!

Professor Brian Strain · Wed Nov 16, 2011 11:29 am

A sanitised version would be "Life at Newsfield was all smiles and happiness, with everyone getting to go home on time to their loved ones". Warts and all can include "There was tension between person A and person B" without mentioning a specific incident, or revealing something that should not be in the public domain.

Roger himself is interested in the project, so we'll see what happens...