Training

The GBCT provides an all-encompassing approach to training and education that:

  1. Takes care of its existing membership by providing information and regular training updates
  2. Runs professional training courses for its members and non-members
  3. Has a GBCT Trainee Scheme (Camera, Script Supervisors – direct, and Grips – via new entrant training organizations). These Schemes run at key stages throughout the year to provide productions with trainees in their different roles as and when required.
  4. Is extremely proactive and continually analyses industry developments so that all its training remains highly relevant and current.

The GBCT is an active member of the CGGB and MITA*.  And because of our considerable experience of developing and running a variety of different training courses, the GBCT is able to design a jigsaw of courses for different levels of knowledge - not just in cinematography but across a host of different specialist areas.

The CGGB (Cine Guilds of Great Britain) comprises the following organisations:

BSC – British Society of Cinematographers; GBCT – Guild of British Camera Technicians;
GLM – Guild of Location Managers; GBFTE – Guild of British Film and Television Editors;
BFDG – British Film Designers Guild; AMPS – Association of Motion Picture Sound;  
GSAC – Guild of Stunt and Action Co-ordinators; NASMAH – National Association of Screen Make-Up

MITA (The Moving Image Training Alliance) comprises the following organizations:

B3 Media; BECTU; Big Up Films; Cineclub; Documentary Filmmakers Group; DV Talent; Film It; Film London; First Light Movies; Four Corners; FT2; Greasepaint; GBCT; Hi8us South; Indie Training Fund; Phoenix Cinema; Playful Innovations; Praxis Films; Profile Media Services; Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication; Raw Material Music and Media; Red Kite Learning; Shaun Moore Design; Short Courses at the NFTS; Skills Channel TV; SPACE Media Arts; Spectacle; TAPS; The Film and Video Workshop; The Production Guild of Great Britain; The Video College; VET (Video Engineering Training

TRAINING COURSES FOR INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

We provide our Membership with very specific half, one and two-day courses for small groups on subjects that are currently relevant. Most recently we have run courses/events on the ‘Red Camera’, ‘HD Grading’, ‘Working on the D20’, ‘Viper and Genesis Specifics’ and ‘The Work of the Laboratory (1) – From Rushes Received to Chaptered DVDs’.
In addition, for members and non-members we provide incomparable, highly relevant and cost effective short training courses both in the UK as well as overseas. With our own experienced GBCT members providing tuition and guidance, we guarantee that each participant will obtain a wealth of information and new skills.

When courses are scheduled, more detailed information is provided together with dates, venue and cost. In the meantime, here is a sample list of some of the courses we offer:

Steadicam - 5 days - 9 people - Aimed at existing camera operators
Steadicam Assistants - 3 days - 9 people – Aimed at camera assistants
35mm Camera Workshop – 12 days – 12 people – For those with no knowledge of working on 35mm, this course takes you through the entire process from loading to lighting
16mm and HD Camera Familiarisation - 6 days - 12 people - Aimed at those wanting to become film and HD clapper loaders or those who have worked solely on video and need to increase their skills .
The Basics of Camera Operating - 3 or 5 days - 5 or 8 people - For those who want to learn more about the craft and aesthetic skills required to become a camera operator.
Effective Focus Pulling Techniques - 3 days - 6 or 8 people - Aimed at clapper loaders who are on the verge of moving up.
Shooting In-Camera Effects - (models & miniatures - 5 days - 6 people) – For those who would like to learn about the skills involved in shooting in-camera effects - Part One.
Grading the Film (2 days - 6 people) - Learn more about grading your film - whether shot on 16mm, 35mm or HD.
The DI Process (Half day - 12 people) - Digital Intermediate - what, why and how.

Training Diary for 2009
Please refer to the Home Page for a sample of what is currently on offer. Our Skillset subsidized courses in HD FUNDAMENTALS will be scheduled very soon. Watch this space!
GBCT Trainee Scheme – Camera and Script Supervisors
A Contact List of all GBCT Trainees living all over the country is available in the Guild Office for crew and productions that need trainee support.
GBCT Trainee Script Supervisors: This non-formalised scheme has successfully been in operation for quite some time. The trainees are specifically recommended by GBCT Script Supervisors to join the list either because they have worked with them as trainees in the past or have actually been trained by them on one of the short courses run by the National Film and Television School. The Trainee’s progress is monitored by the Script Supervisors Group as is all their work experience.
The new GBCT Camera Trainee Scheme launched in 2009:
The GBCT recently launched a completely overhauled Camera Trainee Scheme with the primary aim being to provide productions with camera trainees of varying knowledge, skill levels and experience to help work on films and television programmes. This is a project that a number of Guild members have been involved with and dedicated a lot of their time to make sure everything works properly!
GBCT members have:
  1. Sifted through over 250 applications and provided interview short lists
  2. Sat on the interview panels and selected people for the training course
  3. Provided their skills as tutors for the 6-day training course
  4. Observed, tested and assessed trainees on their skills
  5. Become mentors to the trainees
Competition on the 6-day training course was fierce but all the trainees have now agreed to either join us – or - in the case of the existing trainees, stay with us. Over the next 3-18 months (the duration of the individual’s ‘trainee-ship’ depends on existing experience), they will be trained in all aspects of camera assisting, be placed with and mentored by Guild members as they gain more knowledge and experience of working on different productions.
The GBCT has a remit to pursue the highest of standards and that means a solid foundation in the basics. The training course was extremely comprehensive in nature and many of the trainees had quite a steep learning curve, although all the tutors were highly impressed by the quality of everyone who attended the course.
Since their initial 6-day training course:
The trainees have been working on dailies for “Bo and the Spirit World”; “Criminal Justice”; “Gulliver’s Travels”; “The Forgotten Fallen”; “Poirot”; “Marple”; “Casualty”; “Holby City”; “M.I. High”; “Life Goes On”; the VFX Unit of “The Prince Of Persia”; “Inception”/”Oliver’s Arrow”, “Nanny McPhee 2” as well as a variety of low budget films, pop promos and virals
The GBCT Camera Trainees are:

(Existing Trainees who will shortly be completing their time with us are also included below)
Angel van den Akker – Based in London
Niall Cullinane - Based in Dublin and London
Tommy Holman – Based in Brighton and London
David Palmieri – Based in Berkshire and London
Jamie Starr – Based in Berkshire and London
James Watson - Based in Devon and London
James Blann - Based in Manchester and London
Nick Crew - Based in Surrey and London
Svetlana Miko – Based in Bristol and London
Martyn Culpan –  Based in Yorkshire and London
Paul Keating - Based in London
Milos Moore – Based in London and Hereford
Christopher Nunn - Based in London
Roland Phillips - Based in London

Any production requiring a Guild Trainee should contact the office and state their requirements.  (020 8813 1999 or email: admin@gbct.org)

The Trainees will continue to be provided with help and guidance and further training throughout their time on the Guild scheme – at no further cost to the trainee (apart from the initial 6-day course fee). 

The aim is to get trainees paid work on 1 feature film (35mm or HD), 1 television series (on 16mm or HD), at least 1 documentary and 1 commercial.  Each trainee will be assigned a mentor - someone they can call for advice and guidance on a regular basis.  Reports will be kept on each trainee and the work placements they get.  Trainees are also expected to find their own work.  The office should be kept informed.
Trainees will be informed of all Guild events and are entitled to attend. There will also be regular information updates and seminars to keep people up to speed technically.

Once their time as trainees has ended, at an exit meeting, trainees will receive guidance on their proposed careers and may be invited to become new GBCT members once can provide evidence that they have been working in their chosen grade for sufficient time to be able to state they have considerable experience.