Happy Birthday Tony Mallon - 25 April Celebrating our GBCT Retirees

Tony started out building computers in the 1960's before the internet for ICL (International Computers Ltd). ICL was an initiative of Tony Benn the Minister of Technology, to create a British computer industry that could compete with major world manufacturers like IBM

He joined the BBC World Service Sound Studios (Bush House, London). The salary in those days was paid by the Foreign Office! Therefore Tony was known as 'Mallon of the FO'. He moved back to Belfast and into more engineering, microwave links (before the existence of satellite communications) and outside broadcasts.

Photography by Graham Veevers: In Iran shooting Valley of the Assassins with Jeremy Paxman

Tony became a Film Sound Recordist, moving back to BBC London and the National 6 O' clock news for approximately 2 or 3 years. In those days the sound recordist doubled up as the 2nd camera, as they always carried a clockwork windup camera, which would allow the sound recordist to do cut aways for the main camera.

Tony went freelance while working for the US networks, primarily ABC news.

He eventually moved back to Belfast as a film cameraman with ENG (Electronic news gathering) video experience, as the move from film to video was happening and Tony's engineering background helped with the new technology.

During the troubles in Belfast

In the late 1970's Tony formed his own company, TMTV Broadcast Ltd, supplying crew and facilities to the broadcasters. He travelled the world and took part in several Sundance/ Moondance Film Festival workshops. Moondance was an offshoot of Robert Redford's Sundance Festival. At Moondance he shot proposed movie scripts with young directors. Big named directors also flew in from LA.

Tony spent 10 years teaching a workshop at various schools, adults and colleges, which he also provided the equipment for, called 'Talking Heads'

Happy Birthday Tony!!

Please help raise funds for Cancer Research UK

Russell Allen (Director of Business Development at ARRI Rental UK)

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/lucys-giving-page-36818

We live in a world where cancer affects so many lives. Like many, I never thought it would hit so close to home - until recently when my Dad, Russell Allen was diagnosed with lung cancer. It’s a heartbreaking reality that no family should have to face.

While cycling 200 miles might seem like a small effort in the grand scheme of things, I want to do everything I can to support those fighting this cruel disease and the incredible people who dedicate their lives to helping them.

This March, I’ll be taking on the Cycle 200 Miles Challenge to raise money for life-saving research. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. If you can, please support my journey and help fund vital cancer research.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity - it truly means the world.

Luce x

Please complete the PACT/BECTU MMP Agreement Survey

The Major Motion Picture Agreement (MMPA) hasn’t been updated for some years, and in comparison to the newer TV Agreement there are some disadvantages.

In light of this, there is a survey that was previously sent out and only gathered about 16 responses to date. However, now is a good time to gather more opinions and views on how things might be changed in future negotiations.  

Please fill in as much as you can and when we reach a decent level of response we can post some of the results. The survey is anonymous and no email addresses are collected.

Don’t forget that BECTU, love them or not, do negotiate the agreements that we all work under, whether or not you are a union member. So, please fill in the survey!