About us
How the Guild Started
The first meeting of the Society of British Camera Technicians took place at the old Caernarvon Hotel, Ealing Common, on 7 November 1977. The brainchild of four camera technicians: John Deaton (1AC); Geoff Glover (Camera Operator); Terry Cole (1AC) and Mike Fox (Camera Operator), the aim was to form a non-political camera guild that essentially protected the interests and aspirations of a growing freelance workforce. The Society was to be an organization that maintained and increased the best and highest standards for reputable British technicians as well as concerned itself with developing talent for the future success of the film and television industry. Shortly after this, the BSC (British Society of Cinematographers) requested that the new organisation change its title as the two names were very similar.
And so the Guild of British Camera Technicians was born. Samuelson Film Services generously provided office space at their Cricklewood HQ with various technicians and administrative staff undertaking a number of different projects that included writing and editing first the Guild Newsletter and then Eyepiece, starting the Guild Answering Service and running a number of different member events – from golfing days to go-karting to meetings at the pub.
A non-political organisation that strives to be an authoritative presence in the industry, the GBCT is a Company Limited by Guarantee, with a Constitution that is both relevant and fair.
The Company has been fortunate to have the same 3 eminent Trustees since its inception: Lord Attenborough, Richard Lester and Sir Sydney Samuelson.
Since those early days, the GBCT has grown to have a membership of over 500 top class film and television technicians who are renowned throughout the world for their knowledge, talent and ability.

THE GUILD OF BRITISH CAMERA TECHNICIANS (GBCT)
The Care, Commitment and Quality of Cinematography – Through Progress and Innovation -
This is the motto of the Guild of British Camera Technicians – a professional not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to upholding quality and standards in the film, television and related media industries.
The GBCT represents:
Feature Film, Television Drama and Documentary Directors of Photography
  • Camera Operators including Steadicam Operators
  • 1st AC’s (Focus Pullers)
  • 2nd AC’s (Clapper Loaders)
  • Key Grips, Grips, Crane and Remote Head Operators
  • Gaffers
  • Script Supervisors
  • Stills Photographers

And many other camera specialists including:

  • Video Assist Supervisors and Video Assist Operators
  • Underwater Camera people
  • Lighting Designers
  • VFX personnel
  • Wildlife Camera personnel and
  • Aerial Photography experts
  • HD Specialists and Digital Imaging Technicians

With this amazing array of talent and knowledge, the GBCT Management Board takes pride in the fact that its membership comprises some of the very best technicians in the world.
Membership

In order to be a member of the GBCT you must be an experienced and reputable current practitioner in your area of specialization.  To ensure that the best possible quality and professional standards are maintained, there is a selection process that all members go through when applying to join the Guild.  But the criterion is simple – ‘you are judged by your peers’.  Every application for membership must be signed by 4 GBCT members in good standing and accompanied by a detailed CV.  This is then strictly vetted by an extremely proactive GBCT Management Board convened from its membership.
The Management Board
The Management Board consists of working technicians who are all experienced and reputable Guild members.

The current Governors on the GBCT Management Board are:
Chairman Jamie Harcourt Camera Operator
Vice Chairman Tim Potter 1st AC
Board Member Rupert Lloyd Parry Key Grip
Board Member Louise Ben-Nathan 2nd AC
Board Member Steve Brooke Smith Director of Photography
Board Member Trevor Coop Camera Operator
Board Member Sarah Hayward Script Supervisor
Board Member John Keedwell Lighting Camera
Board Member Keith Mead Key Grip
Board Member Darren Miller Camera Operator
Board Member Shirley Schumacher 1st AC
Board Member David Worley Camera Operator
Hon. Treasurer Mary Kyte 1st AC

The GBCT’s Management Board has a very simple three-point plan that will secure the Guild’s future success.  This plan is currently being implemented and involves:
  1. A complete overhaul of the organization to improve efficiency and productivity
  2. The enhancement of the GBCT’s reputation and standing in the industry by increasing and widening its business opportunities
  3. Providing its Membership with more cost effective benefits which represents additional value-for-money for their annual subscriptions

All this will provide a financially stable and secure structure for the Guild to move forward successfully.
Crew at Work, photographer Rupert Lloyd Parry
'Crew at Work' photographer Rupert Lloyd Parry
GBCT Patrons
Close links have been formed with major organisations within the industry and we have several Patrons that support us. With an ever changing industry, our aim is to keep our members informed and up to date technically, aesthetically and practically.
To this end, we are very proud to be supported by an impressive list of Patrons.
Click on the links below to visit our Patrons' websites.
 
Arri GB 01895 457000 www.arri.com
On Sight/Axis films 01932 5892244 www.axisfilms.co.uk
Chapman Leonard 01923 265953 www.chapmanleonard.com
Film Workshops International 0151 708 0250 www.thefilmworkshops.com
FineLine (Media Finance Specialists) 020 8334 2100 www.fineline.co.uk
Panavision UK 020 8839 7333 www.panavision.co.uk
ProVision 0113 222 8222 www.provisionequipment.tv
Take 2 Film Services 020 8992 2224 www.take2films.co.uk
Technicolor 01753 658700 www.technicolor.com
Tiffen Europe 01869 343835 www.tiffen-europe.com
    www.tiffen.com

If you are interested in being a Patron of the GBCT, please contact the Guild office on 020 8813 1999 or email: admin@gbct.org