Don't Miss out on VIP Access to BSC Expo for GBCT Members on 12 February

Introduction

• Please use this link for exclusive BSC Expo VIP access for GBCT members.

• The VIP event is a great opportunity to network with your peers and have exclusive access to industry suppliers before the event opens to the public. The VIP event takes place on Thursday, 12 February, from 3:30-7pm.

• Learn what's new from our Patrons and industry suppliers by attending and participating in the Expo.

  
  

How to Secure Your Spot: Sign-Up Details

• GBCT members gain special access and privileges by registering early via the link

  
  

Member Participation: Volunteer Shifts

• We need two GBCT members to cover one-hour slots over the two days (Friday and Saturday).

• Time slots are:

- Friday: 10-11am, 11am-12pm, 12-1pm, 1-2pm, 2-3pm, 3-4pm, 4-5pm, 5-6pm, 6-7pm

- Saturday: 10-11am, 11am-12pm, 12-1pm, 1-2pm, 2-3pm, 3-4pm, 4-5pm

• We also need members to assist with clearing the stand at 5pm on Saturday.

• Please contact Lorraine on admin@gbct.org, stating which timeslot you can do.

  
  

Networking Opportunities at an Extended GBCT Stand

• We have a newly extended GBCT stand as a vibrant hub for members.

• Our new stand offers a chance to mingle and network with GBCT colleagues in a relaxed environment.

• Come and have a drink and some casual conversations with your GBCT colleagues.

  
  

Meet the GBCT Patrons: A Special Invitation

• Meet our GBCT Patrons, who have kindly shown their longstanding support for us.

• This is a chance to meet and engage with these valued supporters during the event and an opportunity to build connections and share insights with our Patrons.

  
  

Happy Birthday John Attwell-16 January

John Attwell, Camera Operator and GBCT member for over 30 years will be celebrating on 16^th January.  He worked in the industry from 1981 until 2019, having started out as a studio hand and driver for Clearwater Features in Battersea. He soon realised that he preferred the camera department and was taken on as their inhouse Camera Assistant on Thomas and Friends, the iconic television series featuring Thomas the Tank Engine. It was shot on 35mm and the first camera he loaded was a Fries Mitchel– not the simplest piece of kit. He went freelance in 1986 and 1987 brought his first Clapper Loader credit for A Prayer for the Dying. In 1994, he moved up to 1^st A.C. on the 2^nd Unit of Doomsday Gun. He worked on Space Island One in 1998. It was a Sky series shot over 52 weeks on the Isle of Man.  Half way through the job, Production sent a note to all crew asking if anyone had any good script ideas for future episodes. He progressed to Camera Operator in 2003 on Trinity. In 2009 he was B. Camera operator and 2^nd Unit DoP on Exam. 2013 saw him on A camera for the 2^nd Unit of A Good Day to Die Hard. It was a busy year, as he also worked on: Welcome to the Punch on B. camera; the second units of U Want Me 2 Kill Him? and Thor: The Dark World and then A. camera on Prisoners of the Sun, which was a low budget sci-fi shot in Morocco. It was shut down for a while, due to the Producer running off with a million euros. Filming eventually re-started and one of the more memorable scenes involved a line of “ancient Egyptian” dialogue - “The Gods are with us tonight”. John told the director that it sounded like “The Goats are with us tonight”. Dozens of takes followed and he had to lock the camera off, because he was trying not to shake with laughter. He noted “It’s funny how infectious humour is on set.” John’s last job was as 2nd Unit A camera on The Aeronauts 2019. 

In his words “I always had a good time and enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of the film crew. The lower budget films were usually the best and some of the shockingly bad films I worked on were hilarious. Especially memorable was the Chris Rhea biopic La Passione so much fun but slated critically as “truly dire Rhea”. My favourite job was loading on a Steven Soderberg feature called “Kafka” shot in Prague in 1990. It was great to work in Prague just a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Not a good film but very sociable

. 

I always enjoyed working with DPs Tim Wooster and John de Boorman. I did three films with the mighty J de B around the year 2000. They were some of the happiest of my career. The most enjoyable was Saving Grace, shot in Cornwall with a wonderful crew, including the brilliant Operator Al Rae. He proved, against all odds, that despite being hung over and barely able to walk, it was still possible to perform a flawless, long and difficult steadicam shot first thing in the morning. Great mentors and friends who’s humour, calm and good sense were an inspiration. 

My best wishes to all friends and former colleagues. Thank you. It’s been a blast.”

written by Sarah Hayward, GBCT Board member

Inclusion Awareness course for HODS in High-End TV

ScreenSkills is currently offering a Inclusion Awareness course for HODS in High-End TV which is FREE, online and delivered in 3 hours via an interactive workshop session.  

There are only 10 places left on 19th January 2025 4pm-7pm. The training is fully funded by ScreenSkills High End fund, the idea is to train 100 HODS to help to start bringing change to the scripted sector. 

• Learn time saving tools to hire beyond closed networks.

• Gain knowledge on how to lead inclusive, happy and effective teams.

• Get the tools to embed EDI into your daily work.

You must have 5 credits in High-end TV and 1 credit as a HOD to apply

Book your place asap: https://www.screenskills.com/bookings/diversity-and-inclusion-training-for-hods-in-high-end-television-2025-2026/

As always, all our training is designed with inclusivity in mind. If you (or anyone applying) have any access requirements for the application process or course participation, please let us know at screenskillshod@grittytalent.tv.