Canon RC1 Release button only works when camera is "awake".

This is also a guessing game. Your experience in the use of the camera? If you are new, I suspect the settings may have something to do.
One simple method to prevent your camera from switching off (timed out) is to do some dummy manipulation on any of the buttons on the camera while shooting. eg. press the menu button or turn the wheel every few seconds to keep the camera awake. Make sure the button manipulation does not actually affect the recording of the movie.
OR re-set the camera settings to its defaults - (factory settings)

Dear Richard,

It sounds like the release button is damaged on the camera. Try taking a little windex and cleaning the area around the button. It is possible that some residue got inside and causing the switch not to make connection. If this does not work; I suggest you take or ship to authorized Canon Repair center. New York City is convenient for me with Photo Tech Repair Service; www.phototech.com

Paul

You can download the manual (and more) from the manufacturer's web site at
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/digital_cameras/powershot_g_series/powershot_s1_is#BrochuresAndManuals

Make sure any movable rings on the lens are in the proper position. Also, try moving the AF and Manual focus setting on the camera.

After setting the camera to the self-timer mode, start the timer by pressing the shutter release button.

I have same problem with my Rebel XTI and asked the problem to Canon USA. Here is the answer of Canon USA and it seems worked with my camera.

Resetting the camera back to default standards may solve the problem.
Please put the camera in AF mode instead of MF. In order to reset the camera back to default standards, we recommend you perform the following
steps:

1. Turn the camera ON in the P (Program) Mode.

2. Press the MENU button.

3. Scroll over to the Tools2 menu, then scroll down to Clear all settings.

4. Highlight the Clear all settings option and press the SET button.

5. Highlight the OK option and press the SET button.

At this point, the camera should be reset back to factory standards.
Also, try a different lens. If the camera still does not work, then the camera will need to be serviced.

Hoping to help finding a way to solve your problem.

SEARCHING FOR YOUR CODE
If your device does not respond to the remote after
trying all codes listed for your brand, or if your
brand is not listed, try searching for your code. For
example, to search for a code for your TV:
1. Press TV once.
2. Press and hold P until the red LED blinks
twice, then release.
3. Enter 9 9 1. The LED blinks twice.
4. Aim the remote at the TV and press Power.
The remote sends IR codes from its library to
the selected device, starting with the most
popular code first.
5. If the TV responds, go to step 6. If the TV
does not respond, press CH+. The remote will
try the next code. Continue until the TV
responds.
NOTE: Press CH- to try the previous code.
6. To lock in the code, press P once. The LED
blinks twice.
7. To search for other device codes, repeat steps
1 to 6, substituting the appropriate device
key.

Press the self-timer button (marked with a one-handed clock). Use up/down to select an option. Start the self-timer by pressing the shutter release button.

In most film cameras, a battery is not necessary to manual advance film using the lever. Your Canon AV-1 is no exception. I have owned two cameras from the same group, the AE-1 and the Canon A-1. Neither required a battery for manual film advance.

Make sure the ring around the shutter release button is set to "A", otherwise the shutter won't release and the film lever won't work correctly. If the ring shows an "L", the shutter release is locked.

Here's a graphic of the batteries that can be used in your AV-1:

there is a switch on the back of the remote, a number 2, a dot, and an L in a square, set the switch to the dot mode and then try.