Happy Birthday Brenda Loader, 29 January

Big Happy birthday to Brenda Loader, GBCT member for nearly 30 years and now retired after a long, varied and illustrious career.

Brenda started in the Drama Department of the BBC, where she was Verity Lambert’s secretary for 2 years. When Verity left to work on Budgie, starring Adam Faith, she recommended that Brenda take the BBC Production Assistants (P.A's) Training course, which she duly did.

Brenda on a Captain Birdseye shoot in the Bahamas Not quite virtual production!

At that time, P.A.s worked on projects from start to finish and were expected to act as Continuity during shooting. Brenda worked on multiple BBC projects from 1969 to 1978, including Z Cars, Hadleigh and Dickens of London. The most significant one was Dr. Who, where she met and fell in love with Stephen Hall, the Editor. They were married for 48 very happy years.

Brenda went freelance in 1978 to work on Danger UXB. Her 2^nd job and first feature was Monty Python’s Life of Brian.

Monty Python's 'Life of Brian'

It was a baptism by fire, not solely due to the searing Tunisian heat. The shoot took twelve weeks and was great fun, as well as a brilliant and terrifying experience in equal measure. She smashed it, of course, and worked steadily thereafter.

Another great experience was Give My Regards to Broad Street, written by and starring Paul McCartney.  It garnered the 1985 BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for Best Song, but was otherwise expensively unsuccessful. The shoot at Elstree Studios went on for over a year and The Lyceum Ballroom was entirely re-constructed on one of the stages. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was shooting on the adjacent stage and Harrison Ford was a regular visitor.

The Fever released in 2004 and starring Vanessa Redgrave, directed by her son Carlo was Brenda’s film swan song. In the meantime, she had also fitted in working on over 2000 commercials during the 80’s and 90’s and directed, notably, a Drink Drive campaign - “The Casualty” for the Central Office of Information.  This gained her entry in the prestigious Design and Art Direction book, as well as a British Television Advertising Award and nomination for a Golden Break Award.

Brenda’s still embracing new adventures and is currently exploring Chile and Argentina for a couple of months.

Wishing you safe travels, a great time and some very fine Malbec tasting.

Cheers to you, Brenda!

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.

Congratulations to Oliver Stapleton, newly elected President of the BSC

The British Society of Cinematographers (BSC) Board of Governors has elected Oliver Stapleton BSC as its President succeeding Christopher Ross BSC.

Oliver Stapleton becomes the 34th Cinematographer to be elected President in its 78-year history, joining previous Cinematographers who have held the role including Guy Green BSC, Freddie Young BSC and the late Sue Gibson BSC.

“I am pleased and honoured to have been elected the 34th President of the BSC. Since joining the board 8 years ago I served under Mike Eley BSC who steered us through some difficult times during Covid followed by 4-years with Chris Ross BSC.  During this time Mike and Chris inspired us all to create the BSC Education & Mentorship schemes and many other innovations that have re-vitalised the BSC.  I will strive to continue to build on the great foundations of the BSC - an organisation now in its 78th year - with the help of Vice Presidents Laurie Rose BSC, Stephen Murphy BSC ISC and our amazing board members. I am looking forward to ensuring that the society remains an inspiring place that allows Cinematographers, Associates and Patrons to meet, share ideas and celebrate our craft.”

Oliver is known for his work on over 60 films including the Oscar-winning The Cider House Rules (1999) and Restoration (1995) as well as classics such as The Grifters (1989) and My Beautiful Laundrette (1985). Oliver is the co-head of Cinematography alongside Stuart Harris BSC at the National Film and Television School. 

“In the last 4-years we have seen the launch of BSC Education, BSC Mentorship, a revitalisation of our BSC Club Screenings and the growth of not only the society but continuing events such as BSC Expo and our Awards night.  As we head towards our 80th year I am committed to upholding the high standards of Cinematography our society stands for.  Now, more than ever, it is vital that those of us with long experience engage with the next generation in “Preserving the Vision” - three words that have carried a profound depth of meaning since the foundation of the society in 1949. I look forward to working alongside the Board and our admin team lead by our new general manager Mary Egan.”

Source: News | British Society of Cinematographers